Conferences are a great way to network with professionals, learn from others and have some fun. But the first time you attend a conference can be nerve wracking, especially if you’re new to the profession. With LILAC 24 coming up very soon, we asked the New Professional Committee how they felt at their first conference and what their tips are to overcome conference anxiety.
Katie
The first conference I attended was LILAC 22 in Manchester. I normally shy away from social situations so I was really nervous because I didn’t think I would know anyone. The presentations really inspired me but I got really anxious between sessions and during the networking and social events. Taking breaks where I could go somewhere and be by myself really helped. The organisers sent a document before the conference that highlighted nearby ‘quiet spaces’ or I could just walk around the campus a bit. And, it might seem a bit silly, but I really worried about what to wear to the conference party! I wish I had taken a few options so I could ask others and then make a decision.
Wearing something I feel comfortable and confident in always helps me feel more relaxed in social situations.
Ella
I attended LILAC for one day in 2022, and the full conference for LILAC 2023 in Cambridge. As I was presenting in Cambridge, I was really nervous at the thought of speaking in front of so many people. Even though my role as a teaching librarian means I often teach large student groups, I found it uniquely anxiety-inducing to speak in front of other librarians. It was really helpful to check out the room I was presenting in ahead of time, so I could get a feel for the space I would be in and the equipment of the room. I also used my regular calming techniques for teaching, such as having a fidget toy in my hand while I spoke to help relax and allow me to speak slower. In the end, presenting was a really enjoyable experience and I found everyone I encountered at the conference to be really friendly so I had an amazing time.
Alison
My first library conference was back in 2007, when I attended the Seminar for the Acquisition of Latin American Library Materials conference as an MSIS student. I really wanted to break into Latin American Librarianship, and I wasn’t sure if this would be my only opportunity to do so, so I spent quite a bit of time with the conference programme circling the names of the people I wanted to meet. I then tried to introduce myself to at least three people on this list each day. It involved a lot of awkward squinting at name badges but generally I found that people were flattered to be tracked down and my social circle expanded very rapidly.
The main thing I was nervous about was not having anyone to eat with at mealtimes, so I tried to perfect the art of casual loitering in the conference venue lobby in the hope that I would find other socially awkward (and hungry) people. I ended up having a lot of random conversations, but it was successful as a technique- I think there are also a lot more communal/pre-established eating opportunities at LILAC, so please do just come and sit down wherever you see a spot!
If you’re attending LILAC 24 and would like some support for your first conference, drop by our ‘First Timers and New Professional Breakfast’ every morning during registration. Meet other conference goers who are new to the conference or the profession and members of the New Professional committee who will be happy to help ease your conference anxiety.
Anne-Lise
My first conference was LILAC 2016 in Dublin as a member of the ILG committee. I was very nervous to attend as I didn’t know many people and had not attended a conference before. I did not know what a parallel session was; couldn’t decide what sessions to attend… I found it helpful to make contact with people I knew ahead of time and agree on a place and time to meet. LILAC have since introduced a buddy system so if you feel nervous, I recommend joining a group.
Networking is what I usually find the most difficult; it depletes my social battery very quickly. The best way to prepare yourself is to rehearse some key points yourself so you know what to say even if you are nervous. Look up “elevator pitch” online for help. Unknown spaces can be daunting so I looked at pictures of the venue. This made me more comfortable navigating the location. Conferences usually have a well-oiled routine so you can tune to it and find comfort in the timetabling. If you don’t feel brave enough to ask a question to a presenter; they are usually more than happy for you to approach them at the end of their session or during the conference.
Final recommendation is to wear comfy shoes and clothes; you’ll thank yourself!
Ana
This LILAC Conference 2024 will be the first conference where I may know a few faces from online events, but I haven’t actually met anyone before in person. I’m sure this is now quite a common phenomenon post Teams and Zoom! I am really looking forward to the speakers and activities, but as others have mentioned, it is the gaps in between that present an unknown. I will be supporting the ‘First Timers and New Professional Breakfast’ in the mornings, seek out a few names I recognise from past online events and chat to people I sit next to in the different break-off activities. I like the advice here about approaching speakers too – everyone feels nervous sometimes.
Eva
My first information literacy conference was LILAC 2022 and I was a presenter in 2023. Like Ella, I was really anxious about presenting to a peer audience and “imposter syndrome” hit me hard, no less because I have no sense of direction and, despite having a map, I managed to get lost and was almost late for my presentation! However, the experience was wonderful and lots of people approached me after the session with questions about my research.
For me, that is one of the best tips. The presenters are not unapproachable and are usually very happy to elaborate on their session; in fact, it might be difficult to shut them up! In the current economic climate, many institutions can only afford to send one person to LILAC, and chances are that some of them don’t know anybody else. I know it is not always easy, but try to approach people who are on their own, they might also be trying to muster the courage to talk to somebody else.
If you’re attending LILAC 24 and would like some support for your first conference, drop by our ‘First Timers and New Professional Breakfast’ every morning during registration. Meet other conference goers who are new to the conference or the profession and members of the New Professional committee who will be happy to help ease your conference anxiety.