Virtual AIChE Student Conference Reflections: Insights from the 2020 Online Event
In the ever-evolving landscape of academic learning, attending conferences remains a valuable experience. This article shares insights from the author's experience at the 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Regional Conference, focusing on strategies for navigating virtual academic conferences.
To effectively engage with a virtual conference, start by creating a flexible schedule based on the event agenda. Prioritise sessions of greatest interest, including pre-recorded presentations which you can watch at your own pace, and live Q&A or discussion forums to engage actively. Use any available conference mobile apps or platforms to access the full schedule, receive real-time updates, and take notes for later review.
For pre-recorded presentations, watch them ahead of or between live sessions when convenient, and prepare questions or comments for live discussions or forums that often accompany the presentations. This allows you to absorb material thoughtfully without time pressure.
During recruitment fairs, plan in advance by researching which organisations or opportunities are participating, and reach out to recruiters beforehand when possible. Use virtual networking tools or chat features often provided by the conference platform to connect directly, and remain flexible to attend live sessions or meetings that might be scheduled dynamically.
Participate actively in discussion forums and interactive tools like live polls, Q&A, or social walls offered by the conference platform or app to engage with speakers and fellow attendees, which helps build your academic network despite the virtual setting.
To summarise, key tips include:
- Plan your schedule flexibly using the conference app or website, adding sessions to your personal calendar with reminders.
- Watch pre-recorded content on your own time to manage your energy and focus better.
- Prepare networking strategy for recruitment fairs by researching participants and initiating early contact.
- Engage in forums and live interactive features to replicate the in-person conference community and broaden connections.
- Use conference tools, like mobile apps, for navigation, session tracking, note-taking, and updates to optimise your experience.
This approach balances structured engagement and flexibility, maximising learning and networking opportunities in a virtual academic conference.
The author encourages other students to attend conferences and seminars within their department, even when busy. For those seeking financial assistance, the Undergraduate Fund for Academic Conferences (UFAC) program can help students attend conferences outside of their department.
The Chemical and Biological Engineering department sponsored the registration fees for the conference mentioned. The author connected with the Latinx community attending the conference, broadening their academic network and learning experiences.
In conclusion, virtual academic conferences, while different from in-person events, offer numerous opportunities for learning, networking, and growth. By adopting a flexible and proactive approach, students can make the most of these events and enhance their academic journey.
This article is published in "Presenting and Publishing", a section dedicated to sharing insights and experiences in academic discourse. For more on campus learning opportunities, read "Energize Your Learning: Academic Conferences on Campus". And for those seeking to broaden their horizons, check out "Looking Beyond the Orange Bubble" in a different section of the publication.
- To fully leverage the value of academic conferences, even in a virtual setting, one should create a flexible schedule that allows for engaging in pre-recorded presentations, live Q&A sessions, and discussion forums, utilizing conference mobile apps or platforms for optimization.
- When seeking opportunities through recruitment fairs at virtual academic conferences, it's essential to research participating organizations and initiate early contact with recruiters, using virtual networking tools and chat features to connect directly and remain open to live sessions or meetings scheduled dynamically.
