<p>I’m going to be attending a research conference where participants present their research.
There will be many gettogether events like awards dinner and beach bbq.
I’m worried about not being able to connect and network with colleagues and profs, especially due to language barrier and shy personality.
Any tips would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Tip #1: Go to the various gettogethers with absolutely no expectations whatsoever – just as if you’re standing in a long line for Orchestra tickets. Smile some, talk some, listen some.
Tip #2: And when you get back home, sign up for a public speaking course. It will help you immensely in your career.</p>
<p>JMHO.</p>
<p>There are some basic things that you can say to others when you go to conferences.</p>
<p>“Where are you from? I’m from xxxxx”</p>
<p>“This is my first time at this conference (OK to say at any conference if that’s true, too). Have you been to this one before? (If they say yes ask if they have suggestions for how you can get the most out of it. If they say no, ask how they decided to come, and also tell them how you decided to come.”</p>
<p>Did you present at this conference? If they say, “yes,” ask them about their research, and if you presented, say a little about yours. If they say, “no,” ask them what kind of research they’re doing or are interested in doing, and share your own interests.</p>
<p>Other things to start conversations and to keep conversations going are"</p>
<p>“I went to a session on XXX and really enjoyed it because of XXXX. What sessions have you gone to?”</p>
<p>"Have you been to this city before? " If, yes, find out their suggestions for things that you might be able to see in your free time or find out what they liked about it or weren’t that fond of.</p>
<p>It’s always good to ask people about their research interests and to share info about yours.</p>
<p>Even though most people in the U.S. seem very outgoing, almost half of the people in this country describe themselves as shy. Most people have some difficulty feeling comfortable at events like conferences when they aren’t surrounded by lots of people they know, so if you’re friendly and even clumsily try to start conversations, most people will be grateful, and will talk.</p>
<p>In addition to the good advice you’ve already received…</p>
<p>If there is someone you already know who is also attending the conference, you could ask them to introduce you to others that they know.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the advice. I really appreciate it.</p>
<p>If you see someone standing alone, chances are they may be thinking, “I’m shy and I don’t know what to say”. They will appreciate you walking up to them and talking to them. Once you start thinking about how someone else might be feeling, you will quit worrying as much about yourself. </p>
<p>But also be prepared to make eye contact, shake hands, make a few pleasantries and move on. Not everyone wants to be drawn into a long conversation. Don’t take it as a rejection or assume you’ve done anything wrong if they don’t fall into easy conversation. Smile and move on to the next person.</p>
<p>I just got back from the same sort of place you are going to. Academic conferences can be difficult.</p>
<p>I really like Northstarmom’s ideas. Think of questions in advance and ask them. You can never go wrong asking questions of others.</p>
<p>You might also try connecting with someone in advance at this conference, someone who might introduce you. As an organizer of such a conference (of 10,000) I actually had strangers new to our conference contact me to ask if I could help them. I told them where they could meet me and I introduced them. Most experienced conference attendees will be happy to help you that way. (you might also see if they offer any services for new members such as yourself).</p>
<p>It might help to remember that if you find yourself standing alone for some moments, not sure where to go, wishing to perhaps disappear into the floor because you feel out of place, just remember no one is noticing you (I mean that in a good way; that is, you needn’t feel like others see you standing there because they are wrapped up in their own conversations). </p>
<p>It might also help to know you are NOT alone! Even socially gregarious people I know have usually found being new to this scene to be very socially awkward until they met some new folks and their relationships grew from there. </p>
<p>Good luck to you!!</p>
<p>I always like having business cards. As an undergrad at a professional conference, our department required that we take business cards with. (They didn’t provide them, but they recommended that we go ahead and print up our own from some templates that you can buy at any office supply store. They’re quite easy to make yourself with your name and basic contact information, if your employer or department hasn’t provided you with any.) After establishing the habit, I’ve grown accustomed to taking them with me all through grad school and now into the first bits of my professional career. </p>
<p>Whenever I talk with someone, when I wrap up the conversation, I say, “Let me give you my business card, I’d like to follow up on the research you’re working on.” Typically, in return, they’ll offer their contact info or they’ll have business cards of their own.</p>
<p>It also helps me feel a little more legitimate. I can walk up to someone and feel like I’m supposed to be there because hey! I have business cards as tenuous evidence that I’m really in that field of study!</p>
<p>But yeah, it’s still a little nerve-wracking. Now I have colleagues and former classmates from all over that I see and catch up with at each conference I go to, so it’s not quite so lonely as it used to be. Good luck!</p>