Making the most of conferences

Conference experiences

• ‘Networking’

•Giving papers

•Organising your own conferences

•Anything else?

‘Networking’

•Become part of an academic community

•Learn about what academia is really like

•Possibilities for collaboration

•Career development

Do’s and ‘don’t’s•Do...

▫Ask your supervisor to introduce you to people

▫Talk to as many people as you can

▫Make use of breaks and mealtimes

▫Take time out

▫Study the delegate list

‘Do’s and ‘don’t’s•Don’t...

▫Be afraid to talk about your own interests

▫Be reluctant to ask questions

▫Be intimidated

▫Pretend to know everything

And remember: you have ideas to contribute too!

Conference experiences

• ‘Networking’

•Giving papers

•Organising your own conferences

•Anything else?

Before the paper

•Practise

•Get organised▫AV and back-up

•Know your audience

During the paper• Be clear on your point: ▫To share ideas? ▫To persuade? ▫To get feedback?

• Logical structure

• Know your material

• Keep it simple

• Voice and body language

• Be responsive

• Visual aids

• Keep to time

PowerPoint•Read your slides beforehand

• Large (18+) font, standard

•Write in point form, not complete sentences

•Dark text on light background

•Use coloured text sparingly, for emphasis.

•Do not experiment with text!

The effects of rainbows on cowsTHE effects of rainbows on cows have not beenexplored in any depth, but this is a subject which warrantsfurther investigation. The effects’, particularly of indigoe, on pigs,sheep and horses have been well-documented, but until now, nomeaningful exploration of the situation vis-à-vis cows has beenattempted. Our research aims to rectify this oversight. In termsof research methods, we will run structured and semi-structuredinterviews with both cows and calves’. Our research WILL ALSOinvolve participant observation, but we have completeda full risk analysis and an ethical review.

After the paper

•Handling questions

• Invite feedback

•Handouts

•Contact details

Conference experiences

• ‘Networking’

•Giving papers

•Organising your own conferences

•Anything else?

Organising your own conference

•CV

•Transferable skills

•Collaboration

•Contribution to academic community

Organising your own conference

•Attention to detail

•Collaborative working

• Funding

• Publicity

• The programme

•Risks and contingency plans: the ‘What ifs...?’

Conference experiences

• ‘Networking’

•Giving papers

•Organising your own conferences

•Anything else?

Summing up

•Summary - what 2 (?) key points will you aim to bear in mind when:

▫Attending a conference

▫Presenting at a conference

▫Organising a conference