How to Get the Most Out of a Public Health Conference

As summer approaches, many of us are thinking about how we can make the most of our break from classes. Whether you are considering an internship, training workshop, or global field experience, there are so many ways that you can build your professional profile this summer. In particular, you may be thinking of attending a public health conference or poster session. Here are 7 ways that you can make the most of any conference:

1. Plan Your Schedule in Advance – Conferences can be overwhelming with multiple sessions happening at once. Before the event, review the agenda, identify key sessions, and prioritize speakers or topics that align with your research interests and career goals. If possible, download the conference app or create a personalized itinerary to stay organized.
2. Network with Purpose – Conferences are prime opportunities to connect with professionals, researchers, and potential mentors. Instead of just collecting business cards, engage in meaningful conversations by asking thoughtful questions about others’ work. Prepare a short introduction about yourself and your interests, and don’t hesitate to follow up with an email or LinkedIn request to keep the connection alive.
3. Engage in Discussions – Active participation can make a lasting impression and deepen your learning experience. Ask questions during Q&A sessions, contribute to discussions, and share insights during roundtable talks. Engaging with presenters and attendees in a thoughtful way can help you gain new perspectives and make valuable connections.
4. Visit Poster Sessions – Poster sessions are great opportunities to learn about emerging research in a more informal setting. Take the time to read abstracts in advance, identify posters relevant to your field, and engage with presenters by asking about their methodologies, findings, and potential implications for public health practice. This can also be a chance to discuss your own research interests and explore collaboration opportunities.
5. Leverage Social Media – Many conferences have official hashtags and active discussions on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn. Engaging with posts, sharing key takeaways, and connecting with other attendees online can expand your professional presence. You can also follow up with speakers or researchers by commenting on their posts or sharing their insights.
6. Take Notes and Reflect – With so much information being presented, it’s easy to forget important details. Keep a notebook or use a note-taking app to jot down key takeaways, speaker insights, and any new ideas that resonate with you. At the end of each day, reflect on what you’ve learned and consider how you can apply it to your studies or future career.
7. Follow Up and Apply What You Learn – A conference is just the beginning. After the event, reach out to new connections with a personalized message, referencing your conversation to reinforce the relationship. If a session or presentation sparked an idea, explore how you can incorporate it into your research or practice. Staying engaged beyond the conference will help maximize its long-term impact on your professional growth.