October is usually an exciting month for me. I love spooky season, I get to nurture my passion for cinema (I go to the Austin Film Festival every year), and I attend the 2025 Medical Writing & Communication Conference of the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA).
This year, the AMWA conference is being held in early November, which gives me a bit more time to get ready. I’ll be teaching, presenting, and most importantly reconnecting with fellow writers and editors, old friends, and people I’ve only known online until now.
If you’re attending a conference this autumn, a little planning can make your experience smooth, meaningful, and memorable!
Update Your Materials
While business cards can be useful for exchanging contact information, don’t rely on them alone. I’ll be creating a QR code as a quick way to share information without fumbling for paper. I’ll then place the QR code on my presentation slides and handouts. I also suggest having an “elevator pitch” ready, so people can easily understand what you do. I am involved in at least three different areas and collaborations, so I had to put a little thought into mine!
Plan Your Schedule
Look at the program ahead of time. I save the sessions I don’t want to miss (phone apps make this especially easy!), but I also leave room for conversations, breaks, or an unexpected panel I wasn’t initially planning to attend. I also like to schedule at least one dinner or coffee with colleagues I haven’t seen in a while, but I also leave room for last minute plans. If I can, I’ll also take a few hours to explore the city that’s hosting the conference. This reminds me that packing comfortable shoes and dressing in layers is essential! Overall, balance is key to make the best of the event, preserve energy, and keep your mind fresh and focused.
Make Time to Network
Take the time to participate in planned networking sessions, roundtables, and mixers. Unexpected meetings during a “meet and greet” often end up being the most memorable! Even if mingling with new people might feel awkward at first, it’s still worth it. I typically like to ask “What are you working on right now?” to break the ice without pressure; this is the kind of question anyone can answer, regardless of where they are in their career journey. Always remember the importance of authentic networking to establish connections that will allow you to grow professionally and become part of a supportive community.
Be Open and Curious
Some of the best connections and friendships I’ve made happened thanks to the AMWA Southwest Chapter dinners! Smile, say hello, and be open and curious about people’s paths, what they do, and what they enjoy.
Conferences are a whirlwind, but they’re also energizing, fulfilling, and essential for upskilling.
What are some of the tips you’d share to make the best of conferences?
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