I’m always a bit wary of these sorts of “how to” lists. I suppose I really consider this more of a “how I try to” post. While there are bits of advice one can give as an academic, everyone’s got to find their own way of doing things. Advice isn’t the same for those with seen or unseen disabilities, and I’m conscious I can’t speak to that. Maybe it’s different in your discipline, too – I’m in English, so maybe check with people in your own area if you aren’t.
So, with all those caveats in place, and with conference season rapidly approaching, here are some thoughts on attending conferences and getting the most out of them.
- Enjoy talking to people and be enthusiastic about what you’re doing.
This sounds like a no brainer, but it’s worth reiterating. Mostly academics like talking to other people who are interested in the similar things. I’m a bit of a sceptic about planned networking: I have been known to opine that once you conceptualise it as networking, you’re already failing at it. That’s probably a bit over the top, but if there is anyone I’m really keen to catch, I try to let it happen organically if at all possible, and then make a more concerted effort towards the end of the event.
- Nobody is so important that you must cultivate their favour at all costs.
There are plenty of big names. Most of them are very pleasant. If they aren’t, then don’t dwell on it. There will be lots of people who are friendly and welcoming, and they are much more worth your time. There’s nobody who is so vital that you need to make an effort if they won’t make one with you.
- Be friendly to everyone.
The converse of the above, is that it’s worth talking to everyone. People from all career stages have interesting things to say, and people who are at your stage right now are the people you might well be spending the next thirty plus years working with. Seniority isn’t everything. Equally, senior colleagues, please make an effort to be inclusive and talk to PGRs and ECRs.
- Take breaks if you need to.
At long conferences it can be really difficult to keep up the energy to be “on” all the time and attend every session. Don’t worry about it! Enjoy being wherever the conference is too. Allow yourself time to recharge and give your best when you are there, rather than flogging yourself into the ground trying to do everything.
- Ask questions about the material presented.
It’s always tempting to end up making a comment, asking a “have you read this thing I’ve read” question, or crowbarring one’s own interests into the mix. Sometimes it’s appropriate, but try first of all to ask a reasonably open question, and frame it sympathetically. Book recommendations can be made over coffee, and don’t need to be done as a form of grandstanding or taking up space.
- Make critical comments discreetly.
Sometimes there will be people who’ll say things that you don’t agree with, or that are, perhaps, wrong. That doesn’t mean that the right way to address these things is to call them out in questions. Try to catch them one on one. Frame it supportively by asking if they’d considered this other point of view. Remember that we’re all still learning.
I’m sure I’ll keep thinking of more of these. Maybe I’ll come back and edit this post. I’m sure you’ve got more yourself. Basically, as with most of my advice, it really all boils down to two things: be kind to yourself, and don’t be a dick.