Conferences
Learning Objectives
At the end of this module, you will be able to
- describe the benefits of attending a conference
- choose an appropriate conference to atttend
- describe the process of submitting a conference paper.
Why attend conferences?
Attending workshops and conferences at other institutions is a critical part of networking. Although presenting a paper is ideal, you will benefit just from the opportunity to meet other researchers in your field and to hear the results of the latest research.
 | Finding the right conference This can be done in a number of ways. There are a number of online databases which provide information on future conferences. These include: Browse through these sites. Can you find a conference in Australia or overseas which is relevant to your research? If so, consider the potential benefits of attending. Many academic and professional journals also include details of forthcoming conferences relating to particular disciplines. Supervisors and other academic staff in your School are an additional resource. |
Which conference?
Not all conferences are worth attending. Some of the factors you need to consider include:
- the conference sponsors
- status of papers
- location
- conference size
- conference theme
- programme.
Sponsors
The identity of the sponsors is often an indicator of the quality of the event. Some allegedly academic conferences are organised by commercial companies for the sole purpose of making a profit. The papers presented at such conferences are generally of lower quality, although the conferences themselves often provide opportunities for networking.
In most cases, conferences sponsored by professional societies, universities or groups of academics represent better value.
Status of papers
The best conferences are those which impose the highest standards on presenters. If your main interest is in cutting-edge research, you should probably only attend conferences at which all papers are subject to independent, peer-review.
Location
Location is another important consideration. Major conferences held in capital cities are often easier to attend in terms of transport and the range of available accommodation. Unfortunately, the costs of attendance can be greater.
Size
Conference size itself is a significant factor. The larger the audience, the easier it is for your paper to achieve maximum exposure. On the other hand, if the conference is too large, you might find it hard to make an impact. You will be competing for an audience with other papers presented simultaneously. You will need to strike a balance.
Small conferences sometimes attract a more select audience and provide a venue for serious discussion.
Programme
The programme is equally important. If the conference covers a broad area, it is likely that the audience will be bigger, with added benefits in terms of exposure and networking.
If the conference focus is narrower, it is possible that you will find yourself in closer contact with the specialists in your exact field.
| Getting the best from a conference Michael Ernst, Attending an academic conference, MIT, July 2004. The author of this page has some good advice on attending an academic conference. If you plan to go to a conference in the near future, take a few moments to read his advice. |
Presenting conference papers
Conference papers are a means by which you can attract the attention of potential employers and influence academic debate in your field. Some benefits of presenting a conference paper include:
- a higher personal profile
- early dissemination of the results of your research
- opportunities to receive useful criticism
- experience in the process of peer-review.
Presenting a refeered paper
If you have never presented a conference paper before, you might like to present first at a non-referred conference. However, you will benefit more from presenting a refereed paper, both in terms of experience and in terms of your academic reputation.
In the case of a refereed paper, you will be asked to submit a short abstract of your paper. This abstract will be subject to an initial review. If the conference organisers feel that your proposed paper will be of interest to conference attendees, they will ask you to submit the full paper. This paper will be peer-reviewed by referees selected by the conference organisers. The referees will accept your paper unchanged, ask for improvements or reject it entirely.
Some conferences have a theme. If the theme is relatively broad, it may not be hard to fit your proposed paper to it. Otherwise, don't try to shoehorn your research into the conference theme. This is usually a waste of time. Look for another conference or change your topic.
Outright rejection or negative comments by referees should not be taken personally. Potential presenters often exceeds the number of papers that can be given. Treat any adverse comments as an opportunity to improve your paper.
 | Further reading Gordon Rugg and Marian Petre (2004) The Unwritten Rules of PhD Research, Open University Press, Maidenhead, Berks. Call no 378.24/R29u If you are new to conferences, read the chapter on academic conferences in this book. |
Summary
This module examined the following:
- the benefits of attending conferences
- how to choose an appropriate conference
- the process of submitting a conference paper.
 | Self-test Try these quick self-test questions to assess what you have learnt from this module. |