This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Toronto chapter.
Edited by Sophia Savva
Haven’t been to a conference or symposium before and don’t know where to start? Or maybe you have been, but wouldn’t mind the extra advice.
This isn’t bragging. This isn’t a Weird Flex But Okay. I like conferences and symposia. I’ve been going to them since grade 10, and I’ve helped coordinate and execute a few, too. I’m certainly not a master of execution yet, but I have a better idea now of what it takes to host one and attend one.
However, I know I have friends who have never been before. It’s never too late, but I want to share some advice on what to expect and what I try to remember.
How to Prep
- Read the bios! Know who’s presenting, and what their role is. The better you know who they are, the more their talk will make sense.
- Trust that you can learn from whoever is speaking, but that you’ll learn better if you know what they’re suited to speak on.
- Figure out which ones will be your favorite! Remember, you don’t have to stay the whole time, so it’s okay to prioritize.
- Keep an open mind! You can learn from everyone.
What to Wear
- The people executing the event will be business casual. Up to you how dressy you get! For example, I’ve been going with a black turtleneck, skinny jeans, and Blundstone boots, but if I am executing the event, I like using blazers to add a little extra formality.
- Put your hair up if you think you’ll fidget.
- Makeup should, like in most cases, be based on comfort level.
- Wear a watch so you’re not taking your phone out to check the time.
- Look, they’ll take you seriously if you show up meaning business. This held true even when I was in grade 10. Who is they, I do not know.
How to Take Notes
Do
- During the presentations, write down who said what.
- Write down any questions you have. I’m of the opinion that a good question is one that is not easily found online, because the expert in the field is already in front of you.
- Note what you want to follow up on. Then follow up on it!
- Bring water with you.
Don’t
- Try and note down everything. You can probably find a lot of it in a textbook or online, so note instead what you want to follow up on. You’re not getting tested on this!
- Use your laptop to look at things that aren’t notes or otherwise related to the speaker. You will be judged as rude. This really is distracting to the rest of the audience and it absolutely is rude to everyone involved
- The only truly bad questions are the flexing ones, like, “have you heard of…” they’re the expert. This is a callout.