attending_conferences.Rmd

---
output:
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css: css/ITN_style.css
---

```{r, echo=FALSE, results='asis'}
ottrpal::borrow_chapter(
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    ))
```


<hr>


# Don't worry!

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<center><img src="css/images/unhappy.png" width = 60% > </center>
<br>
Conferences can feel intimidating, especially your first few.
<br>
<br>
[Imposter syndrome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impostor_syndrome) can make it hard for anyone.
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<center><img src="css/images/happy.png" width = 60%> </center>
<br>
But don't worry, this is a common feeling.
Everyone is on an even playing field to ask questions, attend sessions, and network.
You deserve to attend and no one completely understands every talk.
<br>
<br>
Conferences are for branching out and learning new things!

</div>
</div>
<hr>

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# What to expect:

- Conferences cover a ton of information!<br> 
  (It may feel overwhelming)
- Talks conclude with time for questions
- Plenary talks are large talks typically for the full conference with experienced speakers
- People will attend talks and some will take notes
- People will come and go
- People will generally ask constructive questions

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<center>
::: Note

# Possible Goals:

<input type="checkbox"> Meet new people <br>

   -  Can be planned ahead or spontaneous

<input type="checkbox"> Share your research and get feedback

<input type="checkbox"> Look for a job

<input type="checkbox"> Get ideas for new projects

<input type="checkbox"> Find collaborators
:::
</center>
</div>
</div>

<hr>

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# Best Practices:

<input type="checkbox">  Don't try to absorb everything! <img src="css/images/face_explode.png" width = 8%>

- Focus on your interests, but also check out new topics.

<input type="checkbox">  Take notes <img src="https://www.iconpacks.net/icons/free-icons-6/free-icon-notes-and-pencil-22337.png" width = 6%>

- It can be difficult to retain what you learn, so take notes. Include information about the researchers and relevant papers, so you can reach out or learn more.

<input type="checkbox">  Get ideas <img src="https://www.iconpacks.net/icons/4/free-icon-light-bulb-13629.png" width = 8%>

- Conferences are a great places to make new connections.
</div>

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<br>
<br>
<br>
<input type="checkbox">  Talk to people <img src="https://www.iconpacks.net/icons/4/free-icon-conversation-11886.png" width = 8%>

- You never know who you might be sitting next to! <br>
Find new collaborators and learn about new methods, opportunities, jobs, etc.
- People in your network can help introduce you to others
- Start with small talk, talk about a presentation, or talk about your work
- Transition times and during breaks are good opportunities to meet people
- Talk to speakers, ask questions (this can be after a talk or during the talk)
- Email people or connect on LinkedIn

</div>
</div>

<hr>




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# Possible Questions to Ask:

- What are your next steps/future directions?
- What was a challenge in your methods?
- Why did you pick specific [*tissue/approach/question*]?
- Can we revisit [*graph/finding/table*]?
- What are the implications/impact of your findings? <br>
How could this be applied?
- Have you thought about how [*other specific finding*] may influence your research findings?
- I didn't catch this detail, can you say it again?
</div>
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<br>
<br>
<center>
<img src="css/images/question.png" width = 40%>
<br>
<br>
Say your name and institution before you ask a question.
</center>
</div>
</div>
<hr>

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# Virtual Etiquette:

<input type="checkbox"> Keep muted

<input type="checkbox"> If presenting, put your computer in do not disturb

<input type="checkbox"> Consider showing your video (it's nice for speakers)

<input type="checkbox"> Reach out on LinkedIn or the chat to "talk" to people

<input type="checkbox"> Try to focus, but if needed you can leave and come back

</div>

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# In-Person Etiquette:

<input type="checkbox"> Silence your cell phones and computers

<input type="checkbox"> Sit towards the back or outside if you must leave early

<input type="checkbox"> Give yourself extra time to walk from one room to another. <br>

- Some conferences are very large!

<input type="checkbox"> Plan which talks to go to, but be open to adjust

<input type="checkbox"> Networking can be just as helpful as going to talks

</div>
</div>

<hr>

# After the Conference:

<input type="checkbox"> Reach out to new contacts

<input type="checkbox"> Whether formal (to present to your lab) or informal, consider the following questions:

  - Why did I go to this conference?
  - What did I do at the conference?
  - What could I do differently?
  - What did I learn/takeaways?

<input type="checkbox"> Revisit your goals here, how did you do?


<hr>

<center>
<a href="https://www.itcrtraining.org/">
  <img src="css/images/ITN_logo.png" width = 30%>
</a>
</center>

<div class = "authors"> **Authors**: This content of this cheatsheet was created by Lauren Chan, Kate Isaac, Candace Savonen, and Carrie Wright. It was summarized and formatted by Carrie Wright. Icons from <a href="https://iconscout.com/icons/face-explode" class="text-underline font-size-sm" target="_blank">Face Explode</a> by <a href="https://iconscout.com/contributors/bharat-icons" class="text-underline font-size-sm">Bharat Design</a> on <a href="https://iconscout.com" class="text-underline font-size-sm">IconScout</a> and https://www.iconpacks.net/. Cartoons from https://getavataaars.com/.
</div>