Presentations Part 1: The Pregame

Plus, the Saturday Scholar and Music Highlight

Photo by Patrick Robert Doyle on Unsplash

Presenting at a conference can be an amazing experience. It is crucial to prepare thoroughly before deciding to present at a conference or meeting or anywhere you have decided to.

Having done numerous presentations, I have noticed a few things that need to be taken into consideration. The pregame as I call it, the prep period, is one of the most important. Here are some things you need to keep in mind:

Conference Deadlines

Check the instructions

Make sure the conference organizers have clearly communicated the submission deadlines for abstracts, papers, posters, and so on and ytou have read through these instructions carefully. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.

Deadlines are mostly immovable

In many fields, conference deadlines are strict and not typically extended. Submitting by the deadline is crucial, as late submissions may not be accepted. Plus, usually conferences allow for a lot of time for the potential presenters to prepare their submissions, so having helped organise quite a few conferences myself, nothing looks more unreliable than a person who submits late or asks for an extension without any valid reason.

However, some conferences do extend deadlines, especially if they do not receive enough high-quality submissions by the original deadline.

Prioritize and focus

Prioritize your conference submission among your other work commitments. It is as important as anything else you do and is also part of your PhD and future professional life.

Communicate with co-authors

If you have co-authors, keep them informed of the deadline and your progress. Ensure everyone is on the same page about the submission requirements and timeline.

Prepare for travel

Even before you start preparing your submission, make sure you have the funds and way to get to the conference. There is nothing worse than having to cancel your participation because you have realised too late that you do not have sufficient funds or have miscalculated your travel plans.

Ask your employer or university for funds and make sure you get sufficient funds, not only for your participation (academic conferences can cost a lot unfortunately), but also for travel, accommodation if possible and everyday expenses for your stay there. Make sure you have a valid passport and travel documents necessary.

Prepare for the presentation

Majke sure you know what equipment they are asking you to bring along - or if you are presenting at an online or hybrid conference, make sure you have all the equipment at home or your office, think of a quiet space where you will have zero interruptions and you are all set!

The Saturday Scholar

Today’s scholar is none other than the amazing Janet Salmons! I have followed here everywhere forever. Janet realy helps a lot of academics with her talks and materials she shares.

She is a free-range scholar and qualitative methodologist. Her eclectic, inter-disciplinary interests include methods innovation, collaboration, creativity, and ethics in a digital world. Visit www.salmons.blog for posts on research trends, writing and publishing resources and subscribe to her free monthly Substack newsletter, When the Field is Online. (Bio from LinkedIn)

The Music Highlight

Today’s track is a favourite by Bryan Ferry, the former frontman of Roxy Music who later on chose to pursue a solo career. His voice is just sensational!