Why go to conferences?

Regular conference attendance is essential for professionals to build knowledge of theory and practice in their specialist area, and to continue to promote their professional competence. It can be helpful to be able to refer to experts when developing new work, or when going back to the team at your workplace following on from a conference. Knowledge of the international dimensions of your practice can be important for others when you are describing your work.

At conference PhD researchers must engage in all-important 'networking' while also listening to the ideas of others, and discovering resonances. Networking when you are well known is relatively easy. Before the conference you can write to people to ensure there will be some catch-up time with the people you need to meet.

But when you are not well known you have to employ some different strategies. I encourage PhD researchers to make a concerted effort to meet new people rather than sticking to their friendship group. If there is anyone at the conference they have always admired they should make sure they say hello and give them a paper/abstract, or their card as a connection. Sometimes at conferences I am rushing to a meeting or to give my paper and I can find it really hard to be stopped in the corridor, or to be trying to answer a question from someone when I have only a few moments for lunch or a coffee. I always tell people not to take it personally if their dreamed for inspiring conversation doesn't occur at the first encounter but I am always happy to say hello, and a follow up email is always welcome. I also encourage you if you see someone well known 'trapped' at the coffee break with their hands free just sidle up and ask whether they want a tea or coffee and go and get it for them. They will remember you!

Jane Edwards, June 2014

Dr Andrea Intveen & Prof Dr Jane Edwards