1. The art of conference attendance: common pitfalls and how to avoid them Dr. Jo Pike – Room 319, Wilberforce Building, j.pike@hull.ac.ukj.pike@hull.ac.uk Tel: 01482 466364

2. Introduction Conference attendance as an art – not a neutral activity but should be part of an overall strategy to help you achieve your aims. – Pros and cons with attending conferences (as member of audience) – Pros and cons with presenting at conferences – A personal example of strategic conference attendance Always have a plan, and believe in it. Nothing happens by accident. - Chuck Knox, American Football Coach

3. Cinderella, you will go to the conference! Youve just got funding and youre happy But what are you hoping the outcome will be? Networking? Learning more from the field? Meeting your idols?

4. What are conferences for? Disseminate your work Listen to other peoples work Attract people to your institution Develop potential ideas for future projects – research, writing, seminars etc. Open up avenues for future employment Invites to other institutions Tips and advice for career.

5. Attending as a member of the audience Positive - – You dont have to give details of your work – You dont get nervous – You can evaluate the field Negative – You have to be proactive – People may not remember you – Can be a bit uncomfortable

6. Attending as a speaker Positives – People approach you! – People remember you (and your work) – Feedback Negatives – Nerves – Unhelpful comments – Getting your ideas out there

7. Personal Experience Recent conference in Jan resulted in – Press and academic interest in topic – Strengthened partnership between University and local provider – Interest from leaders in field – Nascent advisory board for future project related to this work – Invite to speak at conference in June

8. Tips and techniques Choose conference wisely (limited funding etc.) – Who will be there? Why do you want to network with them? Do your homework – contact ahead of conference, open dialogue, find out who is interested in what Have a back up conversation topic Be open, but keep something back (dont give away all your research) Be prepared to be underwhelmed by your idols. PhD students often far more interesting. Take handouts, business cards etc.

9. Thanks for listening! j.pike@hull.ac.uk j.pike@hull.ac.uk