society for neuroscience meeting planner

Lemon

3 min read

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31-01-2025

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Attending the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) annual meeting is a pivotal event for neuroscientists worldwide. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your attendance effectively, maximizing your experience and networking opportunities. From registration and accommodation to session selection and maximizing your time, we've got you covered.

Before the Meeting: Planning Your SfN Experience

1. Registration and Housing:

• Early Bird Registration: Register early to secure the best rates and avoid potential sell-outs. The SfN website usually announces registration deadlines well in advance. Be sure to check the specific deadlines for abstract submissions if you plan on presenting.

• Accommodation: Book your hotel well in advance, especially if you're attending with colleagues. The SfN website often provides a list of partnered hotels with varying price points and amenities near the convention center. Consider factors like proximity to the venue, transportation options, and your budget.

• Travel Arrangements: Plan your travel itinerary – flights, trains, or car – considering potential delays and ensuring you arrive with ample time to check in and prepare for the meeting.

2. Session Selection & Personalization:

• Browse the Program: Familiarize yourself with the SfN meeting program well before the event. The online program allows you to search by topic, speaker, or keyword, enabling you to customize your schedule based on your research interests.

• Prioritize Sessions: Given the vast number of sessions, prioritize those most relevant to your research. Create a personal schedule noting the time and location of each session you want to attend.

• Consider Networking Events: The SfN meeting is an invaluable networking opportunity. Identify any social events, workshops, or poster sessions aligning with your interests. These often include receptions and career development sessions.

3. Prepare for Networking:

• Business Cards: Bring plenty of business cards to exchange with colleagues and potential collaborators. Consider having a digital version readily available as well.

• Elevator Pitch: Prepare a concise and engaging description of your research to use during networking conversations.

• Research Potential Contacts: Use the SfN website or other resources to identify researchers or speakers whose work interests you. Reach out beforehand to schedule a brief meeting.

During the Meeting: Optimizing Your Time

1. Mastering the Convention Center:

• Familiarize Yourself with the Layout: Use the provided maps and directory to understand the convention center's layout and efficiently navigate between sessions and events.

• Utilize Mobile Apps: The SfN often provides a mobile app with interactive maps, session details, and networking features. Download and use this tool to enhance your experience.

• Allow for Travel Time: Account for time needed to move between venues, particularly during peak hours.

2. Active Participation:

• Attend Sessions and Workshops: Engage actively in sessions, asking questions and contributing to discussions.

• Visit Poster Sessions: Explore poster sessions to engage directly with researchers and learn about the latest research findings.

• Network Strategically: Attend social events and workshops to connect with colleagues, potential collaborators, and industry leaders.

3. Note Taking and Follow Up:

• Take Detailed Notes: Keep thorough notes on key presentations, insights, and conversations to help you remember information for future reference.

• Follow Up: After the meeting, send emails to individuals you connected with, sharing your thoughts and offering continued engagement.

After the Meeting: Maintaining Momentum

• Review Notes and Materials: Review your notes and any materials gathered during the meeting to reinforce learning and identify action items.

• Follow Up on Connections: Maintain contact with the individuals you connected with, perhaps sharing relevant research or inviting collaborations.

• Reflect on the Experience: Reflect on your experience at the SfN meeting, identifying key takeaways, areas for improvement, and plans for future involvement.

By following these steps, you can significantly enhance your SfN meeting experience, maximizing your networking opportunities and extracting the most value from this premier neuroscience event. Remember to stay organized, be proactive, and engage fully with the community. Good luck!