Whether you are thinking about applying to a conference, getting ready to present at one, or have just returned, we have you covered! Read below to learn about how to prepare for each stage of presenting at a conference. The information is extensive. Some information may not apply to you (e.g. if you are not traveling for a conference, the travel information is not applicable). Use the information applicable to your situation to help you have the best and more successful conference experience!
The costs of conferences can vary greatly. Here is a extensive, but not exhaustive, list of costs to consider. Some of these may not apply to you and you may have additional costs not on this list.
Conference registration fee
Note: Sometimes it can be cheaper to pay for both a membership + membership conference registration fee rather than paying for a non-membership conference registration fee.
Ask them if there is any proprietary information in your research that you should not include in your abstract.
*If your research includes proprietary information, you may be able to include it in the abstract but can request that it is not published in the conference program.
Review the abstract guidelines carefully. While abstracts generally follow the same formula, each conference can have specific requirements with regards to word count, citations, etc.
Abstracts generally follow a similar formula. Below is a 30 min presentation we made about writing an abstract for a conference presentation. In this video we break down some common requirements and analyze a few examples. Some fields and conferences have particular requirements or practices, so remember to review the guidelines set by the conference you are applying to.
If you are in an URH Program, then it may be possible to print your poster in our offices. Please contact at ugresearch@ucsd.edu for more information.
If you are not in a URH Program or wish to print your poster on your own, you can pay to print your poster at printing stores such Triton Print and Digital Media on campus and FedEx Office and Print Centers
Storing your poster
To protect your poster, store it is a "poster tube". You can find poster tubes at many mail stores, office supply stores, and Amazon. Be sure to get one that fits the longest dimension of your poster.
If you participated in an URH program, we have poster tubes you can check out for your conference.
Register for conference - You may have registered when you submitted your abstract; however, you may need to register and pay after your abstract is officially accepted. Don't forget to register!
Apply for conference travel funding - If you are traveling for your conference, seek out travel funding opportunities to help you support your conference participation. Please visit our Conference Travel Funding page for information about conference funding resources.
Make necessary travel plans
Transportation
Hotel
Parking
Pack
We suggest packing and dressing in business casual attire. Try to avoid overly casual items like sweatshirts, hoodies, and tank tops, and try try to avoid items with overly bold prints, graphics, or logos that might be visually distracting. Be sure you are wearing wearing clothes and shoes that are comfortable. You want to look professional but don't want to be adjusting your clothes during your presentation.
Practice, practice, practice! Practice out loud and in front of people!
Prepare your elevator pitch so you are ready to discuss your research with everyone!
An elevator pitch is a brief (the time it takes to ride the elevator) explanation of your research. Focus on the key details and what will grab your listeners' attention.
Anticipate possible presentation questions: prepare list and answers for questions you may expect to receive after your presentation.
Remember that you don't have to know how to answer every question. It is ok to say "I don't know, but that is a great thing to consider for future steps in this research" or "That is a great question, but the current results are unable to answer it at this time."
Networking list: Consider who you want to meet (professors, graduate schools, recruiters, etc.)
If you have time/ability, find the place you'll be presenting ahead of time to familiarize yourself with the space
Practice your presentation
Dress business casual. Try to avoid overly casual items like sweatshirts, hoodies, and tank tops, and try try to avoid items with overly bold prints, graphics, or logos that might be visually distracting. Be sure you are wearing wearing clothes and shoes that are comfortable. You want to look professional but don't want to be adjusting your clothes during your presentation.
Consider using social media to promote your presentation