How can you make the most of computer science conferences?

When selecting the right computer science conference, it pays to dig deeper than surface cost and locale details. Specifically, research the event's impact factor in your field - high-impact conferences feature cutting-edge content and leaders for enriched learning. Also evaluate networking potentials through interactive sessions, workshops, and gatherings allowing substantive engagement. Consider publication opportunities in esteemed journals or databases for elevating academic profiles. Ensure it focuses on rapidly advancing technologies like AI and blockchain to stay updated. This judicious investigation process enables choosing conferences matching immediate goals and long-term career growth.

Go for the experience, but stay for the community. The synergy that is harnessed at large technology events is undeniable. 1) Share those moments on social media, 2) Tag the event hosts (not just the company, but the people and connections you made as well). Ultimately, you are sure to make a lasting impression. At conferences and events, people remember faces, and interactions; not names.

If you’re traveling alone to an event, don’t fret—a selfie tripod is your friend. Don’t be embarrassed to set this up to capture photographs and moments in time that you’ll never get back. You can later use these pictures as leverage on social media to tell others about your amazing in-person conference experience. It not only gets you exposure and noticed by others in your field, but you get to tout about your expertise, and look good doing it. In the digital age, being creative with how you “follow-up” is key.

If you're a student at an educational institution, your school probably has a program that will reimburse you for travel and registration fees for conferences. While less common, the same is true for employees of businesses in the tech industry. Contact your employer or school to see if such a program exists, and you can offset the cost of a conference you may not have been able to afford to go to!

Never underestimate the power of waiting until the deadline cut-off to register for a mid-size tech event. While early bird rates are good, last-minute offers could be better. If expected quotas are not met toward the registration deadline, discounts may be offered to increase visibility and numbers. The discounts are often incentive enough to not only get conference participants, but to get you a rate that you are more comfortable with.