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The art of conference attendance: common pitfalls and how to avoid them

The art of conference attendance: common pitfalls and how to avoid them. Dr. Jo Pike – Room 319, Wilberforce Building, j.pike@hull.ac.uk Tel: 01482 466364. Introduction.

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The art of conference attendance: common pitfalls and how to avoid them

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  1. The art of conference attendance: common pitfalls and how to avoid them Dr. Jo Pike – Room 319, Wilberforce Building, j.pike@hull.ac.uk Tel: 01482 466364

  2. Introduction • Conference attendance as an art – not a neutral activity but should be part of an overall strategy to help you achieve your aims. • Pros and cons with attending conferences (as member of audience) • Pros and cons with presenting at conferences • A personal example of strategic conference attendance “Always have a plan, and believe in it. Nothing happens by accident.” - Chuck Knox, American Football Coach

  3. Cinderella, you will go to the conference! • You’ve just got funding and you’re happy • But what are you hoping the outcome will be? • Networking? Learning more from the field? Meeting your idols?

  4. What are conferences for? • Disseminate your work • Listen to other people’s work • Attract people to your institution • Develop potential ideas for future projects – research, writing, seminars etc. • Open up avenues for future employment • Invites to other institutions • Tips and advice for career.

  5. Attending as a member of the audience • Positive - • You don’t have to give details of your work • You don’t get nervous • You can evaluate the field • Negative • You have to be proactive • People may not remember you • Can be a bit uncomfortable

  6. Attending as a speaker • Positives • People approach you! • People remember you (and your work) • Feedback • Negatives • Nerves • Unhelpful comments • Getting your ideas out there

  7. Personal Experience • Recent conference in Jan resulted in • Press and academic interest in topic • Strengthened partnership between University and local provider • Interest from leaders in field • Nascent advisory board for future project related to this work • Invite to speak at conference in June

  8. Tips and techniques • Choose conference wisely (limited funding etc.) • Who will be there? Why do you want to network with them? • Do your homework – contact ahead of conference, open dialogue, find out who is interested in what • Have a back up conversation topic • Be open, but keep something back (don’t give away all your research) • Be prepared to be underwhelmed by your ‘idols’. PhD students often far more interesting. • Take handouts, business cards etc.

  9. Thanks for listening! j.pike@hull.ac.uk

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