How to Get the Most out of an Academic Conference

Co-authored by Zara Qadir, Mira Mookerjee, Nancy Owusuaa and Bethlehem Attfield

Attending academic conferences for the first time can be an exciting and rewarding experience –  whether you’re presenting your research or simply looking to connect with others in your field, they can be packed with opportunities to grow, learn, and network (and often fueled by a steady stream of coffee). However, with the crowds, busy timetables, constant conversations, they can often be overwhelming.

Inspired by a lunchtime “Taking Part in Academic Conferences” event hosted by the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) in January 2025, and drawing on conferences the Hub has attended over the past year, we’ve gathered practical advice to help make you get the most from your conference experience.

1. Know what you want to get out of the conference

This may sound obvious, but depending on where you are on your academic journey, there might be different reasons for attending. 

Conferences allow you to hear the latest research in your field, share your own ideas, gain feedback to improve your work and meet with scholars who are not immediate circle.

Professor Patricia Noxolo, Chair of this year’s RGS Conference, highlighted that conferences offer an important opportunity to see yourself as part of a wider academic community. She stressed the value of attending in person, saying:

“You have to connect with fellow academics and be seen as part of that community — and to do this, you usually have to be there in person.”

Patricia Noxolo

2. Choose conferences strategically

It is important to choose a conference that aligns closely with your research interests, budget and career goals. 

Take a look at the topics covered, the scholars attending, and whether there are opportunities for feedback and networking. Smaller, niche conferences can sometimes be more impactful than larger, general ones – especially if you are starting out. If you can’t attend a conference in person, there are often online options as hybrid conferences continue to be popular. 

“I’ve leaned into virtual or hybrid conferences to stay engaged with my academic community. These platforms are a gift for young parents and everyone with a caring role, allowing us to attend sessions, present our work, and build networks without stepping away from everyday responsibilities entirely.”

Nancy Owusuaa

3. Be selective, plan and prioritise what matters most

Before attending, review the schedule and identify sessions that interest you both academically and personally –  not every session has to directly relate to your research. Attending presentations outside your field can offer perspective, as well as teaching you about presentation styles and question handling.

A tip from one of the organisers: “Look up the speakers’ profiles ahead of time—not just to understand their work, but to recognise them if you spot them during a break. It makes starting a conversation much easier.”

A tip from Nancy: “Academic conferences can be packed with back-to-back sessions, workshops, and social events, so take time before the conference to review the agenda and choose sessions that align closely with your current research, career goals, or personal interests. By focusing on quality over quantity,you can  gain meaningful information without exhausting yourself.”

3. Remember to pace yourself

Conferences can be exhausting and intense, especially for neurodivergent attendees or first-timers. It’s always important to decompress and create space for yourself. You can do this by prioritising and attending fewer sessions or scheduling downtime during or after the event. Make sure you spend time in quiet areas or try to go for a walk every day and get some fresh air. 

Patricia had some advice for how to approach networking at conferences: “A lot depends on how I feel. Sometimes I’m switched on, sometimes not. Take it slow and quiet. You need to find a pace that works for you.”

4.  Try experimenting with presenting your ideas

You don’t need to have a final, polished paper to take part. There are plenty of ways to get involved before the stage of giving a formal presentation.Volunteering as a committee member or session organiser can also broaden your network or help build leadership skills.

The event organisers shared some helpful tips to make the most of the opportunity, including:

• Test out early ideas in informal workshops 
• Present sections of your thesis, like your literature review or preliminary results.
• Crowdsource feedback to solve any research or methodological challenges
• Explore different formats, such as poster presentations and lightning talks
• Organise or moderate a workshop or other interactive sessions

You can also offer to write a summary of your session for the organisers. For inspiration, see examples on the Global Souths Hub, including Nancy’s reflection on presenting her research on Akan Adinkra Symbols in the digital age at her first international conference—the African Studies Association UK Conference in 2024. 

A tip from Bethlehem: “One alternative to handling presentation nerves, the hassle of delivering in person, or, as in my case, dealing with technical problems like unstable Wi-Fi during online presentations, is to pre-record your presentation and send it ahead of time. You can then be available for online Q&A sessions.”

5. Embrace networking opportunities

Conferences are a great opportunity to connect with scholars beyond your usual network. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to speakers after their presentations—especially if you have a relevant question. After presenting, many speakers expect feedback.

Some conferences even assign a “buddy” to help you navigate the event and meet new people. Take advantage of smaller, informal settings—such as film screenings, socials, or field trips.

A tip from Nancy: “Networking can feel intimidating. I’ve found that the most valuable connections often come from casual, authentic conversations, whether during coffee breaks, poster sessions, or smaller group meetups. And I always make it a point to follow up; sometimes, a simple LinkedIn message or email can keep the door open for future collaboration.”

7. Recognise the value of small wins

The organisers of the event stressed that  conferences are often made up of small, cumulative benefits that add up over time. These might come from informal hallway conversations, a brief but insightful comment during a Q&A session, or simply observing how others present their work, respond to feedback, or frame their research questions. 

Even if you don’t walk away with a new collaboration or publication idea, these small moments can quietly shape your thinking, build your confidence, and help you find your place in the academic community – and you might attend your next conference recognising some familiar faces.

A top tip from Bethlehem: Another major benefit of attending some conferences is the opportunity to have your presentation published in an anthology or proceedings alongside renowned professors in the field.

Final thoughts…

Conferences are not just spaces for traditional academic discussions—they can also be sites of creativity and experimentation. This year, the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) is exploring this through the theme Geographies of Creativity/Creative Geographies. 

As Professor Patricia Noxolo explained during the session, the theme is broad and invites us to consider how creative practices—like art, literature, drawing, or even dance—can shape how we do research and engage with space (see Patricia’s recent article discussing the theme, Geographies of creativity/creative geographies). This also includes creative activism and reimagining economic practices in innovative ways. The academy itself can be seen as a creative space, offering new methods to present, discuss, and reflect on ideas.

Academic conferences are a unique space for learning, connecting, and experimenting. By preparing thoughtfully and pacing yourself, you can make the most of these opportunities, whether you’re attending in person, online, or in a hybrid format.

For more information about upcoming conferences, including the RGS-IBG Annual International Conference 2025 (26-29 August 2025), visit the Royal Geographical Society’s website.

The  “Taking Part in Academic Conferences” event was organised by Luke Green, Research Manager at the RGS, Adam Packer, a cultural digital geographer, and Professor Patricia Noxolo who is an award-winning researcher from the University of Birmingham and Chair of this year’s RGS Conference. The RGS has also posted their top ten tops for postgraduates attending conferences. This guide is co-authored with the help of two early career researchers, Nancy Owusuaa and our Community Engagement Coordinator, Bethlehem Attfield.