For those who missed our Conference Abstract Workshop last night with @MeganJElias, we can bring you up to speed!

Why go to a conference? It's a great opportunity to find out what's going on in your field, find out about fellowships/grants, make/maintain professional relationships, and make friends!

Why present at a conference? You can get clarity on your work just through getting your materials ready, it's reaffirming to present your work to an interested audience, and the audience suggestions can enrich your work

How to choose a conference? For #foodstudies people, @ASFS_org is an excellent choice! In our interdisciplinary field, you can attend the conference of any field you feel an affinity for (sociology, geography, history, etc!)

For Boston area, @NEPCA01, @TuftsNutrition's Future of Food conference are good choices without having to travel. #Foodstudies - where are other good conferences you recommend?

How to get accepted? Propose and form a panel, or submit an individual paper or poster. Make sure your proposal mentions theme of the conference (if applicable) but don't stress *too* much about a connection. Consider inviting a senior scholar to chair your panel! Catchy title!

In forming a panel - you can invite people you know or reach out to strangers whose work you admire; post on the @ASFS_org listserv or facebook group. Collect brief abstracts from each panel participant and create an abstract (with intro statement re: conference theme).

You get accepted - now what? Do your research & get your presentation ready. Read it out loud. Share final/close to final draft with panel chair, discuss topic and questions with panel. Study the program for panels you'd like to attend. Support friends- go to their panels!

What did we miss? What advice do others have for students starting out on their academic conference careers?