Conference 101 With Pittcon: How To Get The Most Out Of A Science Conference

Conferences represent an important component of the scientific and wider academic landscape. They’re a great opportunity to showcase work, rub shoulders with individuals from all career levels, and engage in the latest debates and discussions. These events have historically been marquee showplaces for academia and industry, but they are increasingly important for young and early-career scientists as part of their career progression. However, as significant and essential as scientific conferences are, it can be daunting to get the most out of your conference experience. 

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Thankfully, Pittcon leverages decades of experience hosting the largest annual global conference and exposition on laboratory science to refine and revolutionize the modern scientific trade show. Pittcon has transformed the conference experience into an easily navigable journey filled with networking opportunities, resource showcases, and expert knowledge.

Pittcon is a catalyst for the exchange of information and a space for international connections, and has been since its inception in the 1950s. Pittcon promises to be a life-long learning partner for all attendees and support the next generation of scientists as they progress through their careers. 

No matter your experience, no matter your background, Pittcon welcomes you like everyone else. So, what do you need to know to make the most out of your experience?

The importance of conferences for students 

Conferences are professional events where industry professionals, researchers, and academics share their work, discuss findings or ideas, and expand their network of peers in specific fields. Depending on the conference, whether it is topic-specific or comprehensive, participants can dig deeper into specific fields with more involved technical discussions and interact with people facing similar problems, or they can explore broader ideas in more interdisciplinary settings with diverse perspectives from industry experts, students, and educators. 

In most cases, research is communicated in a variety of ways, such as oral presentations or in poster sessions. All approaches are valuable, and an attendee can customize their experience to fulfill their needs. 

Conferences also help young scientists solidify their scientific path. Early-career scientists learn what the current prospects and trends in industry are and they can meet inspirational scientific leaders who can encourage individuals toward new areas of opportunity. 

The connections made at conferences afford attendees the chance to build community with like-minded individuals seeking common goals. With the job market as it is, having community allows attendees to share experiences and work with each other toward mutually beneficial goals. 

What to do before a conference 

It may be tempting to just turn up to an event, hoping to find yourself in the right place at the right time to hear inspiring speakers or meet new people, but when you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail. It is vital to fully research a conference and exposition to ensure it fulfills your needs. Does the event cover topics relevant to your work or goals? Is there a particular speaker you want to see or a specific session you’d like to be part of? What time are they scheduled for? Do they overlap or are they taking place at different times? Having a plan, even a flexible one, can make the whole event feel a lot more manageable. 

Conferences can often be in distant locations, so it can be worth seeing whether there’s any funding available to support your travel or accommodation. Different institutions may have some limited funds to aid conference attendance, while some societies will support researchers and scholars from certain backgrounds or working in specific fields. 

What to do during a conference

You’ve arrived at the conference, and it’s already looking like a busy and exciting space. What do you do to get started? Review any and all resources provided by the conference organizing company to help build your custom conference experience. These can come in the form of show apps, orientation seminars, and web resources among many others. 

Conferences can be pretty demanding experiences; it’s therefore important to also consider your own comfort. While it is important to wear appropriate professional clothes, make sure they’re comfortable. It’s also a good idea to bring contact information with you, as well as a notepad and pen (you never know when you’ll want to scribble down someone’s email address).  

When it is time to network, remember that most people are there for the same reason, so you’re not alone. Attend social events, don’t be shy about introducing yourself – even a simple “what did you think of that talk?” can be enough to get the ball rolling. It is also better to focus on quality rather than quantity – there is more benefit in making a handful of meaningful connections than burning yourself out trying to meet everyone and attend everything. 

And above all else, look after yourself. Conferences are a marathon, not a sprint, so take breaks, eat well, stay hydrated, and don’t feel bad about skipping a session if you need to recharge. 

What to do after a conference

So, the conference is over and now you have a load of contact details written in notepads or added to your phone. What do you do now? The first thing to do is follow up with your new connections – send short emails or find them on LinkedIn. Even a simple “it was great to meet you” message can be enough to solidify the connection. 

You may also want to consider writing up your experience, perhaps just in your notebook or as a blog post or social media thread. This can help you consolidate your thoughts while also showing others that you’re engaging with the field and the relevant content. It can also be a chance to reflect on your experience: What went well? What would you do differently next time (perhaps attend fewer sessions, prepare alternative questions, or network more/less)? That way, you’re making the most of each conference and building up your expertise ready for the next one. 

Pittcon will be held in San Antonio, Texas, March 7-11, 2026 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Registration is now open . Pittcon is a great chance for participants to take part in a friendly, diverse, and dynamic global conference and exposition for all things laboratory science. Register today and put some of these skills into practice. 

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