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In the last year, I've presented research at a number of local and international conferences, from the American Association of Geographers to the Prairie Political Science Association to the Canada-Cuba Studies Conference. It’s been an amazing experience!

I’m excited to share my step-by-step guide to everything you need to know about attending and presenting at academic conferences.

Why do it? 

If you’ve never presented at an academic conference, you may wonder: what’s the point? 

Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, there are many benefits — regardless of your career aspirations. 

First, most conferences have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to workshops and presentations, so it’s your chance to get inspired and learn about the work people are doing in your field and beyond. 

Second, it’s an amazing addition to your CV — having presentation experience will make you stand out and give you a competitive edge. 

Third, you get to meet new people and network with different communities — you may meet your future boss or a new best friend! 

I acknowledge that a lot of people are nervous about presenting and that’s super normal — but it can be really rewarding to do something out of your comfort zone.

Step 1: Select a conference and submit an abstract. 

You’ll need to find an academic conference that fits your interests and research focus. Calls for abstracts are posted on social media and distributed in newsletters. You can also do your own research or ask your professors if they know of upcoming opportunities. 

Once you select a conference, carefully review the guidelines for submission (pay attention to word limits) and draft an abstract. Your abstract could be based on a research paper you’ve completed or your ongoing research. Before submitting, ask a friend or professor to take a look at your work, or visit the Academic Success Centre or the .

This process can be intimidating, so I think that trying out a more student-centred conference (such as FURCA) is a great way to get started before heading to larger conferences. 

Step 2: Figure out logistics and funding. 

Even though it can take time to hear back, it’s a good idea to start thinking about logistics and potential funding avenues. 

If the conference is local, this is less of a concern, but if you’re planning to travel, it’s important to get a head start. Many conferences have early bird rates for registration fees and discounted options for accommodations, so pay attention to key dates. Book everything in advance to avoid disappointment or higher rates. 

You'll also want to look into funding opportunities, as paying out of pocket can be difficult. The and have grant options, and there are awards such as the Green and Gold Grant. 

Alternatively, if you’ve been working closely with a particular professor, you could discuss funding options with them, or with your employer (some employers will be keen to have you represent them at conferences — you just need to ask). 

For graduate students, asking your department is another option.

Step 3: Prepare your presentation.

Now that you’ve been selected to present, planned the logistics and received some funding (go you!), it’s time to prepare your presentation. 

Make sure you know the format and time limits for your presentation. Is it a panel? A roundtable? Individual presentations with Q&A? These details should be shared with you by the conference organizers, but feel free to reach out to them if you need more details. 

Create an outline and speaking notes, and if necessary, a short slideshow with visuals (not too wordy). Focus on highlighting the key insights of your work, and tailor it to the conference audience.

Practice your presentation at least one time out loud and in front of a friend if possible — it helps reduce your nerves and make sure you’re conference-ready! 

Step 4: Enjoy the conference!

Don’t panic! Enjoy the conference in the lead up to your presentation — network and take advantage of the panels and workshops. Wear clothing that makes you feel confident (you don’t need a suit) and make sure you get a good sleep the night before. 

I usually feel pretty nervous before presenting, so I take a short walk and listen to some music before heading to the room. Remember, it’s okay to refer to your notes if you need to; no one will judge you. 

One of the biggest things I’ve learned about presenting is that not all feedback or questions you receive from attendees are worth holding onto. I’ve been asked really random questions that have been unrelated or out of the scope of my research. It’s okay to be honest and say you don’t have the answer — don’t take this as a reflection of you or as a negative. 

Step 5: Celebrate your success! 

You did it! After conferences, I try to reflect on the things that went well and on potential areas for improvement. I thank those who helped fund the experience and follow up with new connections. 

Step 6: Repeat. 

The more experience you have, the easier it will become — so have fun!