Here is a list of tips for attending AERA that I have compiled from my own first time experience, talking with other professors, and reading the tips from the AERA Graduate Student Council newsletter.
- Look at the AERA schedule online before you go and plan out which sessions you want to attend. The list of sessions is as thick as a phone book and is very overwhelming; plan ahead so you don’t miss something.
- Check in with AERA to pick up your name badge and session book as soon as the registration desks are open to avoid the long line on Tuesday morning.
- Be aware that the sessions are spread out among three to four different hotels that may not be close to one another; you will be walking quite a bit.
- Get cell phone numbers of colleagues and professors who will be attending the conference so you can meet up with them.
- Check the weather before you go and pack appropriate warm clothes if needed; again, you will be walking outside.
- Attend the new members session, Graduate Student Council sessions, and SIG meetings that interest you, even if you don’t know anyone, just go and you may make some friends or you may discover that it is not be the right fit for you.
- Understand that you will not be able to see the whole conference your first time. There are so many wonderful sessions; it will take several conferences to get a feel for the association.
- Carry your conference hotel maps with you at all times or you will be very lost.
- The hotels keep you very hydrated and offer bottled water, tea, and coffee at most sessions.
- Take an empty bag to the exhibit hall so that you will be able to carry all your brochures, pens, and free stuff.
1 comment:
This is pretty cool! Thanks for sharing this. I just need to remember where this is next time
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