Attending a conference can be intimidating, but don’t worry – the SCO-SOC beginner’s guide to conferencing is here to help! Browse this guide for things you can do before, during, and after the conference to give you the best possible experience.
As you enjoy the conference, we encourage you to reflect that the University of Saskatchewan is located on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis.
Before the Conference
Find Financial Support
Many universities offer travel grants to help cover expenses. Reach out to inquire about any available financial support options.
Plan Accommodations Early
Booking at the last minute is costly. Book ahead of time and get discounted rates at the lodging described here. If you are traveling to the conference alone, you can also contact other attendees about sharing accommodations– plus, connecting ahead of time means there will be a friendly face waiting for you when you arrive!
Choose Your Attire
Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Conference rooms may be cold or hot, so dress in layers. If you have clothing or accessories that feature birds, that can also be a fun conversation starter! Finally, make sure your outfit includes comfy shoes and binoculars for going outside during breaks and morning bird walks.
Pro tip! Look at this photo from AOS-SCO 2023 to see what people wore!
Engage
If you’re reading this before May 13, 2025, consider being a conference volunteer! This is a fun way to meet new people and help things run smoothly.
Plan Connections
An attendees list will be circulated prior to SCO-SOC– review the list and identify anyone you’d like to connect with. Email people of interest to ask if you can meet during SCO-SOC. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get fast replies, as people may be in the field. You can also use the attendees list to keep connecting with people during the conference!
Practice Your Pitch
SCO-SOC is a place for people to learn who you are and what you do. Practice a 30-second description of yourself to use when you meet new people. It may also be useful to develop a few questions to help start a conversation when you meet someone new.
Pro tip! If you find public speaking or networking intimidating, look for a local Toastmasters club to practice your impromptu speaking.
Make Business or Index Cards
While there’s no need to be fancy, having a card can help other people remember you. Make a few index cards that list your name, contact info, and interests so that people can reach out after the conference.
Draft a Schedule that Includes Breaks
Once the conference program is circulated, create a personalized schedule that balances productivity and enjoyment. Feel free to mix sessions both related to (stay up to date) and unrelated to (learn new things) your work. Remember, you do not need to attend every talk or social event! It’s good to block off time to rest and recharge; for example, if daily practices like exercise are important for you, make time for them.
Research Saskatoon
If you want to explore Saskatoon during SCO-SOC, research how to access attractions or places you’d like to go birding (don’t forget SCO-SOC will have morning bird walks!). If you are planning to take transit, you can buy bus fares and view routes on the “Transit” app.
Review the Code of Conduct
SCO-SOC should be a respectful, safe, and fun environment. Review the conference code of conduct so that you know what is expected of attendees and what to do if someone acts inappropriately.
During the Conference
Take Notes
Bring a notebook to jot down names, publications, and findings that interest you. If you meet someone interesting, ask them for their business card or contact information so that you can connect in the future.
Monitor Notice Boards
Browse the SCO-SOC virtual job board. You can also keep an eye out for a physical notice board, where there may be flyers with job openings, graduate student opportunities, or other useful information.
Pace Yourself
While there will be a lot of fun things happening at SCO-SOC, it is important to take breaks and prioritize rest. Though some experienced conference-goers may relish every moment of a conference, others may find it draining to be constantly socializing and absorbing information. Take breaks as needed, and feel free to skip or leave early from social events to get a better night’s sleep.
Make New Connections
Don’t be afraid to approach people directly. Interactions can be both formal, like asking people questions during the poster session, and informal, such as chatting during a snack break. It’s important to remember that you likely won’t “click” with everyone to whom you talk. If someone isn’t as engaged as you had hoped, don’t take it personally and keep trying to meet new people.
After the Conference
Follow Up with Connections
After taking a few days to recharge, contact the people you met at SCO-SOC. This will help you both remember what you discussed! You might reach out with a quick email, a LinkedIn request, or whatever works for you.
Thank Your Supporters
If people helped you prepare for or gave you funds to attend SCO-SOC, send them a thank-you note to tell them about your conference experience. Not only does this show appreciation, but it also may make supporters more likely to help other students attend in the future.
Update Your Resume
Update your CV or resume to list the presentations you delivered and any awards you received at SCO-SOC. Doing this now may save you a headache next time you need to provide someone with your CV – you don’t want to forget details about what you did at SCO-SOC!