Lately, I’ve caught up with my conference friends.
Last night, I had a long dinner with a German colleague. Last week, I broke bread with a Danish colleague. Next week, I sup with Americans.
Whether the meals are in my country or further afield, much gets done over these meals.
The updates on how #students are doing, new ideas on research, funding opportunities, & more help me think about the next couple of years. More than that, the updates on family, life, and navigating academic life have helped me over the years.
While I had ‘zoom’ meetings with these colleagues, the lack of face-to-face contact had started to suffocate friendships & made conference based-relationships a bit more brittle.
#Zoom does not substitute for meeting over a meal.
So I am looking forward to getting back to in-person conferences.
For many #PhDstudents, this Fall will be their first face-to-face meetings. You are going to find that academic conferences differ from industry.
So suggestions for navigating conferences and building academic relationships.
First, relax. If you pressure yourself too hard, you will find it difficult to network, listen, or have real conversations.
If you are a bit #sociallyawkward, don’t worry about it. Most academics are. You will be among friends.
Second, attend all #socialevents, #coffeebreaks, etc. You are there to meet people.
If you go ‘tourist’ and skip too many sessions, you will miss making new friends. If you must, make a new friend on day one and get to know them while seeing the zoo.
Third, look for a niche. Most conferences have events that transform large events into small communities.
Scan the program, find a workshop, & attend. Go to #networkingevents. Find tracks where your ideas fit.
If you like the niche you find, then go next year.
Fourth, prepare. Your #presentation will leave a mark. If you don’t do well, the community is forgiving, as long as you take criticism with some stoicism.
Fifth, have a sound bite. Prepare to answer: what do you study? And how is so & so?
If you aren’t sure yet, you can say I’m interested in this topic & solicit an opinion from your questioner. If you are, two animated minutes of joy should emerge from your mouth.
People will ask about your #faculty. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say much. Word gets aground.
Sixth, moderate your tone. Academic communities are small. So be measured in your comments or research or people or politics. Don’t make odd comments that turn people away—First & second impressions matter.
Finally, respect boundaries. The return from covid will be hard for everyone. Be attentive to cues that someone is uncomfortable in an FTF context. Courtesy matters.
Have fun! I’ve made some of my best friends at #conferences. I hope you will too!
PS. The #women’s networks are often the most inclusive. They are a great place to start if you are new to conferences!
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