1. Getting the Most Out of A Professional Meeting Gail P. Taylor University of Texas at San Antonio Aug 2006 02/25/2009

2. Acknowledgements Survival Skills and Ethics Program, University of Pittsburgh Beth A. Fischer & Michael J. Zigmond http://www.survival.pitt.edu/library/documents.asp

3. What is a Professional Meeting? Scientific Conference –Scientists gather –Share information Formally and informally Sponsored by a Scientific Organization/Entity –Society for Neuroscience –SACNAS –ABRCMS Vary in size –Institutional to International Can be overwhelming

4. Why go? Recent developments in field Broaden knowledge Obtain experience –Presentations –Posters FeedbackNetwork Learn about funding/program officers Employment opportunities/interviews/workshops Newest equipment/tools

5. 1. What happens there? Found in program –Lectures (renown speaker) –Symposia (same topic, leading investigators) –“Voluntary” presentations TalkPoster –Roundtables (discussion) –Socials events/Dinners (networking!)

6. 2. What happens there? –Exhibits Funding agencies Equipment manufacturers Publishers Placement services Bulletin boards Graduate schools (ABRCMS; SACNAS) Societies –Workshops –Satellite meetings – focused sub-conference

7. Before You Attend Prepare!Pre-register Make travel arrangements early –Safety, networking, convenience Review program/abstracts (can do as group) Plan sane but full schedule –Plan in rest/exercise –5-10 posters per session –Attend lectures of interest Assemble conference binder Prepare to network (75% jobs thru network) Make and practice poster or presentation

8. Dress Comfortable Shoes! Presentations – Suit Otherwise, academic “uniform”

9. Preparing for Personal Questions Develop and practice –10 second, 1 min, 2 min description of research Be prepared to answer: –What do you do? –What’s your research project? –How did you get interested in ________? –Why did you choose that (topic, technique,program, etc) –What do you plan to do after degree (short and long)

10. Once You’re There… Have small briefcase or tote bag Carry binder, small spiral, and program Have friend/mentor (support; introductions) Dress professionally…with comfortable shoes Carry on luggage if possible Breaks and meals- meeting is focus. A few outings okay, but focus on conference activities

11. Getting/Keeping in Contact Keep in contact with your family Set up appointments beforehand Use message center to contact people May have email kiosks Approach people at posters Seek out hospitality rooms

12. Notes and Questions Taking notes –Focus –Record questions –Record potential contacts Asking Questions –Go for it –Write them down –Try to come up with three –Don’t interrupt speaker –Be brief and to the point –If you think that you will, sit near microphone

13. Posters Can ask questions. Can request “walk through” Can ask about programs/postdocs

14. Women and Minorities Take yourself seriously; be assertive Don’t expect/let your mentor take over

15. Caveats… Minimize possibilities for undesired “encounters” –Stay in public –Bring a friend to meetings –Pay your own way –Make your own arrangements for local travel –Meet for coffee, lunch, breakfast Shorter; predefined ending

16. Overall… Go there to explore your future and expand your network!