FIRST TIME

Any tips you normally give to first-time goers?

Review the program ahead of time and focus on things that you’re passionate about. Attend sessions beyond your own. Ask questions. Get out of your comfort zone and try to experience something new. It can be really rewarding! (Dr. Janine Morris, Writing)

Go in with open mind and embrace this opportunity to immerse yourself in a scholarly community.  A good conference experience is one where you walk away inspired by the research of others and reinforced and energized to continue your own work. (Dr. David Kilroy, History)

Be your authentic self.  Do not affect a persona. (Dr. Ben Mulvey, Philosophy)

Pause for a breath (or a drink). Trust me, what feel like an eternity of awkward silence is just a second or two. Finally, don’t take yourself too seriously. If it’s not going to be good, make it memorable. (Dr. Ransford Edwards, Political Science)

Have fun. First time - don't present, just go to see and experience. (Prof. Kandy Lopez, Art + Design)

Relax. Be yourself. Be comfortable in your own skin - everyone else is nervous as well – and everyone is always nervous about presenting your ideas. You are going to do great! (Dr. G. Nelson Bass III, Political Science)

Try not to be nervous. The first few times are nerve-wracking, but you learn to be more at ease the more you present. Always be sure to practice your presentation beforehand since this will help you gain confidence before the actual event. And finally, enjoy the experience! Be sure to reach out to others at the conference, try to attend as many panels as you can, listening carefully to the presenters, and being supportive to them by asking relevant, insightful questions. Remember that conferences are opportunities to both share your passion and learn from those in your field. (Dr. Yvette Fuentes, Modern Languages)

Aside from the above, watch and listen.  Each conference has its own “culture,” even within the same field, and it’s good to get a sense of that culture to help you productively engage. (Dr. Marlisa Santos, Literature & Film)

Don't be shy about talking to people. That is the reason they came to the conference. Make the best of the opportunity. (Dr. J. Matt Hoch, Life Sciences)

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Aside from staying relaxed during your presentation, I would encourage first-time conference goers to attend any other panels of interest, and also to take advantage of special events, workshops, and planned social gatherings that are typically part of an academic conference. And if you are presenting for the first time, congratulations on getting accepted to a conference and taking a step outside your comfort zone to share work that is meaningful to you. (Dr. Yair Solan, Literature & Film)

Don't worry. Everyone is nervous about their presentation. Underneath the veneer of confidence, most people have some anxiety. So, there's no need to feel rattled by any anxiety you might experience. Conferences are often great opportunities to share your ideas and can be very rewarding. And if it goes poorly? You're not graded, and you likely will not see most these people again or very often, so don't sweat it. Plus, personally, though rarely, I have made some truly important connections for my career at conferences. But these never arrived through deliberate effort other than simply putting myself out there and being myself. No need to "try" and make things happen in terms of meeting people. Just let things happen as they are. (Dr. Jeremy Weissman, Philosophy)

For first-time goers, I suggest you review the schedule before you go but be prepared to be somewhat flexible. The first professional conference I went to, I wanted to attend every session but after several hours of talks I felt myself totally unfocused. Being strategic and going to a few panels while giving myself time to relax, go for a walk, or get a snack helps me get the most out of the sessions I attend. If you are a first time presenter, don’t be too ambitious with the day you present. I’m usually so tired after I present (all that anxiety finally gone!) that I take at least an hour or two break after my presentation. Conferences are great places for learning and professional connections, but they should also be times to find yourself recharged and excited about your work, so give yourself the time and breaks you need to not just attend a conference but enjoy it. (Dr. Katy Doll, History)

Always leave enough time for yourself so plan on being at the conference early, if you are there really early you can help set up and make new friends. (Dr. Amanda Furiasse, Religious Studies)

Make it not about “you” but about other presenters. And, remember, a conference is full of nerds and people who are nervous about socializing – you would not be the most nervous person. (Dr. Teng Li, History & Legal Studies)