Let’s be honest: when you’re juggling teaching/work, research deadlines, writing, and the mental load of Research by Higher Degree (RHD) study, the idea of attending a conference social event might feel… expendable. It’s easy to convince yourself you’ll skip the welcome drinks or dinner, head back to the hotel, and catch up on work (or sleep). For someone like me who also manages chronic pain it can be even more tempting! There’s a lot of peopling at these events.
But here’s my advice: don’t.
Some of the most meaningful, memorable, and career-shaping moments happen after the formal sessions end.
On Day 1 at the National conference I am currently attending, I spent 10hrs on planes and in airports and arrived at the hotel just as the welcome reception started. Saying I was not in the mood was putting it lightly! But I went anyway and since I have no conference buddies here I wandered up to various groups to introduce myself. Lo and behold, I connected with someone who works at a uni I just applied for sessional work at! She took my card and assures me she has some casual work available next semester.
On Day 2, I found myself sitting between two lovely educators from different states while we painted at a “paint and sip” class. We weren’t dissecting theory or pedagogy or research – we were sharing stories about why we started in education, the messiness, and the many joys we see day-to-day. It was warm, real, and deeply validating.
Conference social events aren’t about networking in the cringey, corporate sense. They’re about connection. They’re where you meet the person who recommends a reading that reshapes your lit review. The person who’s trialled an idea you’ve only just begun exploring. The RHD student (or finisher!) who gets exactly what it feels like to be drowning in ethics forms, writing, editing etc.
Yes, you’ll be tired. Yes, it might feel awkward. But show up. You don’t need to stay all night. You don’t need to work the room. You just need to say hi, share a table, and let the conversation meander.
Because the magic of conferences isn’t always in the keynotes – it’s in the connections you carry home.
P.S. I’m a big advocate for business cards at these sorts of events. I know it’s considered a bit old school but something easy to carry you can hand to people is very useful. This is mine and while I do think it’s a bit cluttered, I give it out to a huge range of people so it needs to cover a bit! I made these on Vistaprint.
P.P.S I do just want to add a comment in here to conference organisers about ensuring conference social events are accessible. Lots of “conference dinners” seem to be shifting towards a cocktail style to reduce cost. I get it. But those events are not much fun for those of us using mobility aids or with invisible illnesses that make standing a challenge.
Melissa Smith 