As an Association leader, I learned that no matter what happened, where it was held, or what was presented, I would receive negative comments on our academic conferences.
A few frequently recurring complains (with tough-in-cheek comments).
* the quality of the reviews was not good enough (rarely suggested by someone whose papers were accepted).
* the timing didn't fit their holiday schedule (never mind that for an international organization, it is always someone's holiday).
* the location was inconvenient (usually by someone from within an hour or two flight).
* not enough free drinks (rarely by a sober person).
A few of the more substantive comments too (with no tongue-in-cheek comments).
* the composition of the conference committee did not represent the field
* the cost of the conference was out of reach of the full community.
* the conference program was not perfect (e.g., overlaps).
While many of the complaints, even the ones I poke at, are legitimate, it is important to remember that most academic conferences are organized and managed by volunteers with limited staff support.
Some volunteers (conference chairs) take years to plan the logistics, other volunteers (program chairs) take hundreds of hours to coordinate review processes, and other volunteers (sponsorship chairs) send dozens of emails soliciting support (that often go unanswered).
What is notable, is that often, conference chairs and their teams receive as many complaints as they receive thank you's from participants.
I do not think participants are ungrateful, I simply do not think they are aware of the many hours that volunteers invest in putting together the event.
So what to remember? If you attend a conference?
First, these are volunteer-run events. There will be glitches.
Absent a major glitch, stifle your urge to complain.
Second, before you fuss about the food, the AV or the location of events, recall that you don't know the cost structure.
Catering & AV at conferences are very very expensive. I recall one conference where a gallon of coffee was 30 bucks.
Because most organizers are cognizant of cost, they satisfice on the extras so more people can attend.
Third, if you have a complaint about the committee or organization, consider volunteering.
If you spot a problem, it's often because the organizers lack the bandwidth to address it.
Organizers appreciate people who present solutions.
Finally, don't forget to thank the organizers.
By the time you attend, members of the conference committee will have invested hundreds of hours in the event.
Even when a conference is not perfect, I appreciate the effort taken to plan, host, and fund the event.
Academic conferences survive because of volunteers - take some time to thank one.
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