Just back from her first conference, Sara Zsadanyi shares her own experience and tips on best to prepare for this research milestone.
My first-ever conference was an incredible experience. Fresh out of the first year of my PhD, I jumped into the deep end at the biggest conference of my field, the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC), which welcomes over 7000 in-person attendees.
Alongside presenting two posters, I’m also an ISTAART Ambassador this year meaning that I worked at the conference too. The ambassadors were responsible for keeping the conference running smoothly which meant setting up the talks and sessions, helping people around the venue, and giving out information to all those who needed it. Our other main role was to promote ISTAART, a community of more than 10,000 researchers with a shared goal of advancing Alzheimer’s research and treatment who collaborate and connect. It was exhausting, but so rewarding. Like many early in their careers facing their first conference, I had no expectations for what a conference would be like, so I hope my insights will help you to feel more prepared.
Firstly, the excitement leading up to the conference may distract you from lab work. Use this constructively and take the time to check out the conference schedule. Plan all the sessions you want to attend, and make sure to check out the poster abstracts as these are where you can engage in lively discussions. You won’t be able to get to all the posters or talks, so make sure that you plan ahead so you can catch all the ones you’re most interested in. Jot down the names of researchers you'd love to meet, and don't hesitate to reach out during the event - this is the point of conferences after all!
The word ‘networking’ usually sends shivers down my spine, but the seasoned conference goers were friendly and understanding
If you're presenting a poster at the conference, prepare well in advance. Don't leave the visual presentation for the last minute like I did! Read around your own research to remind yourself of the big picture, and anticipate the kinds of questions that experts, as well as those unfamiliar with your field, will ask. Your supervisor and lab mates can be very helpful for this part. Make sure that at some point you sit down and prepare the overview of your work that you will give people when they arrive at your poster. You don’t necessarily need to memorise your pitch word for word, but having a clear idea of what you’ll say will help to keep the nerves at bay.
Contrary to the media’s portrayal of conferences, AAIC was the most welcoming academic setting I've experienced. The word ‘networking’ usually sends shivers down my spine, but the seasoned conference goers were friendly and understanding, and many shared how uncertain they felt at their first conference with me. So, a few tips for approaching other researchers: we are all there to talk about our own research, so ask lots of questions, and approach these situations with an eagerness to learn. Go in with a big smile, a handshake, your name, and a compliment on their talk or poster. If you’re feeling nervous, ask your supervisor or other lab mates to introduce you to researchers they think you should know.
You never know when a seemingly unrelated talk might change your view on your own research
There were many insightful sessions related to my own research so I made sure to focus my efforts on getting to these, but one surprising by-product of my role as an ISTAART ambassador was finding myself completely fascinated by the sessions unrelated to my topic that I was signed up to help out at. A big focus of AAIC was on patient/public engagement and dementia care which are now topics I am diving into so I can stay connected to the people behind our research. Venture out into different topics - you never know when a seemingly unrelated talk might change your view on your own research.
It's not just about the science, though. I loved the coffee breaks, lunches, immersion sessions, and evening networking events at AAIC. Don’t be shy, you might just find yourself making connections that last a lifetime!
So, first-time conference goers, get ready for an unforgettable experience. Plan ahead, embrace the atmosphere, engage with others and explore new topics. Conferences are about more than just research; they're about building connections and expanding your horizons. Dive in and make the most of this experience! Finally, I definitely recommend applying for a volunteering role, such as the ISTAART ambassadorship, because it gives even more opportunities to approach other researchers and opens doors to future collaborations and job opportunities.
This article was written by Sara Zsadanyi and edited by Ailie McWhinnie. Interested in writing for WiN UK yourself? Contact us through the blog page and the editors will be in touch!
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