The final keynote has concluded, and the exhibition halls have cleared, marking the end of an engaging conference. However, the journey doesn't end here. The post-conference period is critical for assimilating your experiences and taking action to ensure that the energy, knowledge, and connections from the event don't fade away. Here's how you can sustain the momentum and make the most of your post-conference energy.
Reflect on Your Experience:
While the details are fresh, revisit your notes and materials gathered during the conference. Reflect on the sessions that struck a chord and why they were impactful. Identify the key takeaways and insights that you can apply to your academic or professional life. Consider writing a reflective summary, which not only serves as a personal debrief but could also be a valuable resource for your peers and colleagues.
Follow Up:
One of the greatest benefits of conferences is the new connections made. Be proactive in following up with the individuals you met. Send personalized messages or emails within a week of the event, referencing specific conversations to reinforce the connection. For example, a person who visited your poster or talked to you after your presentation might have mentioned a paper that is relevant to your interest; make sure you have their contact to follow up on that!
Implementing Learnings:
Take actionable steps to allow you to continue processing and integrating the new knowledge and techniques into your work.
You might be at the stage where you are ready to implement what you have learned from the conference into your research or projects. Whether it’s a new research method, a technology tool, or a theoretical framework, consider creating a plan for how to test or apply these in your projects. Discuss your ideas with mentors or peers to get their perspectives and potential support.
If you do not have a specific work to implement what you have learned, note them down and look them up to learn more about them. There are many resources available online and free, such as YouTube tutorials, open-access textbooks, blog posts written by other academics. If you find it overwhelming, start with a mentor, instructor, or lecturer, to get some guidance on where to start.
Feedback for Growth:
Your feedback is invaluable to conference organizers. Provide constructive feedback about your experience, what you enjoyed, and where you see room for improvement. This input helps shape the future of the conference and can also ensure that your voice is heard in the academic community.
Extra Tips:
Social media platforms like Twitter/X, LinkedIn, or Bluesky.app, etc., can be great platforms to continue these new professional interactions. If this is something you want to explore, you can also discuss with your mentors and supervisors how to navigate those spaces to get the best out of them. There are also thoughtful discussions online on the use of social media for academics and early career researchers.
Sharing your conference experiences can position you as an active participant in your field and provide value to those who couldn't attend. Write blog posts for your university’s student newspaper, create social media content, or even present a summary at a departmental meeting, student group, or class. This not only helps solidify your own understanding but also fosters a culture of knowledge sharing within your community.
Conclusion:
By reflecting on your experiences, following up with contacts, sharing your new knowledge, applying fresh insights, and providing feedback, you ensure that the conference's benefits extend far beyond. Be an active learner. Embrace these post-conference to-dos to cultivate a lasting impact from your conference participation.
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