Advice for First-Time Conference Attendees: Preparing Your Paper and Making the Most of the Experience

Attending your first academic conference can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially for students. I still remember my first one—I was equal parts thrilled to share my work and worried I’d stumble through my presentation. But looking back, it was a great chance to share your work, learn from others, and connect with people in your field. If you’re gearing up for your first conference, here are some takeaways based on my own experience that might help you prepare.

1. Prepare, But Don’t Overthink It:

Your paper is the foundation of your presentation, so take the time to refine it. But here’s the thing—most presentations have tight time limits, so resist the urge to cram every single detail into your talk. Focus on one or two key arguments or findings that best represent your research. Less is more.

Practice is your best friend. Read your paper aloud and time yourself. (Trust me, what feels like five minutes in your head can easily stretch into ten when you’re presenting.) If you’re using slides, keep them clean and simple—one main idea per slide, no text overload. A great way to prepare is to share your talk with a mentor or a peer before the conference. They might spot areas where you can clarify your points or tighten up your argument.

2. Presenting: Own Your Moment:

On the day of your presentation, I usually get to the room early to check out the setup. That way, you’re not scrambling with tech issues five minutes before you go on.

When you’re presenting, speak clearly and slowly—even if you’re nervous, try to pace yourself so the audience has time to process your ideas. And when it comes to Q&A, remember: questions from the audience mean they’re engaged. If you don’t know the answer, that’s okay! No one expects you to have all the answers on the spot. But most importantly, enjoy the moment—you’re presenting at an academic conference! As a student, that’s an accomplishment worth celebrating.

3. Don’t be Shy and Embracing the Experience:

I won’t lie—networking at conferences can feel intimidating, especially when you’re surrounded by scholars whose work you’ve cited a dozen times. But here’s what I’ve learned: most people are genuinely open and happy to chat. If you genuinely admire someone’s work, don’t hesitate to tell them—a sincere compliment can be a great conversation starter. If small talk isn’t your thing, asking thoughtful questions about someone’s research is another way to connect. And don’t just stick to formal networking sessions! Some of the best conversations happen in hallways, at coffee breaks, or even over lunch.

After the conference, follow up. A short email or a message on LinkedIn thanking someone for their time or continuing a conversation can help turn those brief interactions into long-term connections.

4. Soak It All In

Beyond your own presentation, make time to attend other sessions that interest you. Take notes on new ideas, books to check out, and people to follow up with. Some of the best insights for my research have come from talks I didn’t even plan to attend.

So go for it—present your work, meet new people, and enjoy the experience.