Nov
19
2024
By admin
Over the years, our team has attended hundreds of scientific conferences worldwide. We’ve seen it all, from presenters sending us their poster just a few minutes before their talk, to synchronizing dozens of monitors in preparation for thousands of time-scheduled poster presentations over just a couple of days.
Here are a few must-bring items that we think everyone attending a scientific conference should carry:
- USB stick with your poster(s) on it
If you missed the submission deadline or made some last-minute poster changes, it’s good to have a spare copy of your poster in your email or on a USB. Whether we’re supporting your conference onsite or online, we’ll do everything we can to make sure the most up-to-date version of your poster is what gets displayed.
- Phone/laptop chargers
There’s nothing worse than being stuck without battery power when you need your devices for presenting and networking. Thankfully, most conference venues have plenty of spare outlets for use.
- Business cards
Most people attend conferences to expand their network. Handing out your card to new acquaintances is a great way to help them remember you so you can stay connected after the conference. Be tactful with this, though, handing out your card to strangers can come off as disingenuous.
- Band-aids
Papercuts and blisters are not unheard of at conferences. If we’re wearing new shoes, we always come prepared, as we’ll be standing and walking for long periods of time.
- Hand sanitizer and mask
Especially for events in the winter months, maintaining good hygiene in crowded conference spaces is the best way to avoid spreading or contracting illness.
- Water and a snack
Most venues have these available, but it’s good to carry something on you. With the packed schedule of most conferences, you may not have time to eat between presentations or sessions that you want to attend.
- A scarf or light coat
The temperatures in conference halls are not that consistent, unfortunately. In most cases, we get super cold if we only wear our shirts.
- Basic medications for pain relief
We always bring along an Advil travel pack. Even if you don’t end up needing it, someone around you might, and your preparedness will make you look brilliant!