There can be some concerns for students attending conferences for the first time. The role of a panelist or speaker is often clearer than that of an audience member, especially if you haven’t attended one of these academic events before. Here is a guide that will help you with some easy dos and don’ts.

• Don’t only attend the bigger events/conferences. Smaller or more specific events have their distinct advantages
• Remember to register for the event you want to attend. Make a note of the date and time so you don’t forget
• On the day, carry with you water (though refreshments will likely be provided), a notepad and a pen, and business cards (if you have some).
• Be punctual and pick up any materials the conference may be providing (including your name badge and the conference pack)
• Look through the schedule and decide which papers you are interested in hearing
• Sometimes there may be multiple panels happening simultaneously. Make your choice
• Keep your phone on silent
• If you’re nervous, that’s okay. Conferences and such events reward extroversion. So, it is okay to take a break or sit in the back. But work through the nervousness. Don’t let it hold you back. Academics will always be happy to see younger scholars attending their panels
• Try and attend the full panel, even if you’re only interested in one/a few papers. If you must leave midway, sit on the sides and wait to the end of the paper
• The presentations at academic events will likely be at a faster pace than traditional university lectures. Make notes selectively. Don’t try to note down things verbatim
• Make a note of any interesting reading that you may want to pursue
• During the Q&A, ask a question if you have one. Don’t worry if you think it is a basic one. Often, presenters are happy to clarify their ideas for you. Keep your questions to-the-point and constructively worded. Remember to thank the speaker
• If you have comments or feedback, save it for the refreshment break. This can often be your excuse to approach speakers whose work you find interesting and introduce yourself and have a longer conversation
• The break/post-conference dinner can be a good networking opportunity. Introduce yourself. Have an elevator pitch (a 30 sec to 1 min intro) about your work/research interests, in case you’re asked. But remember to be curious about the people you’re talking to. Ask them about their work! You may be speaking to a future supervisor, or even a collaborator, depending on your stage of study
• You may even exchange business cards or even add each other on professional social media/exchange email ids if you don’t have business cards
• After the event, remember to follow up on the connections you have made
• Ultimately, attending academic events is a learning opportunity. Make the most of it, learn something new, and have fun. You will experience not just a faster pace of scholarship, but also an intellectual community willing to embrace young learners and scholars!