Science seminars and conferences have been well used to bring research findings to practitioners. In my field, science education, there are several sponsored conventions where we can present research. Teachers from secondary schools attend to get some input that may facilitate their teaching. So it does promote awareness of what researchers and educators are researching. The next important thing, that I hope for, is to promote the QUALITY OF LEARNING EXPERIENCES. (There are several related questions, like this one that Ruchi asked.)
https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_beneficial_is_it_to_participate_in_any_International_National_Conferences_or_Symposiums?_sg=nXZzfxDFEUjI_A0CVGQSa5GxmD5wSnvM2cyXbZFRqyk4GRpx2UzsQIk3OXIJj-_B.5WLGeSARmbgI293FGTx29tq8aOHDkK3vKTyCDwJaClzgRu8G17HvKJxBQauJ_lIt.12ik38ktbEodpTjT2zvG2Ft-5DuzExn6IYfaCh_vi0HbKS0RZxExwPSDotXzgCtm&_tpcectx=search
Scientific seminars and conferences are organized having almost similar purpose i.e. academic interactions, academic elevation & enrichment, and academic vis-a-vis social networking.
But it is definitely true that they helps in mass awareness of the theme and also the organizers.
Together with academic or scientific journals, conferences provide an important channel for exchange of information between researchers.
Attending a conference is a professionally rewarding experience. In addition to socializing with colleagues from other institutions and a trip to a possibly exotic locale, the two main reasons to attend a conference are to hear presentations and to converse with other researchers.
Listening to presentations will inform you of what others are doing (sometimes more clearly than the paper, and in any event with a slightly different spin and the ability to ask questions), will inspire research ideas of your own, and will expose you to different styles of presentation.
As your career advances, you'll learn that even though listening to the talks is extremely valuable, hallway conversations can be even more fruitful.
Do everything you can to cultivate such conversations: that is one of your chief jobs at the conference.
Caution:
There have been accusations for fake, scam, or fraudulent conferences -- be careful!
https://homes.cs.washington.edu/~mernst/advice/conference-attendance.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_conference
I think that seminars and conferences are very important but mostly for scientists where they can exchange their ideas.
I have observed a move in recent yours to bring it more to politicians and businessmen. At some conferences today (like IAEE or ERSA; maybe others but I do not know) we can see a mix of academicians, businessmen, representatives of international organizations and politicians.
But there is one more step between this and mass awareness, and this is usually done by journalists who make articles and video about such events.
Dear Colleagues,
Good Day,
Conferences, workshops and seminars therefore have a very important place in the workplace.
What are the benefits of attending public conferences, workshops and seminars?
- They allow organisations to get updated information on key issues that their organisations are concerned with.
- They are valuable for delegates who carry a heavy workload.
- They allow delegates to have issues addressed on a specific topic by recognised experts who are up to date with the latest developments in the field.
- They are very appropriate in an era in which people do not have time to read a number of books by experts. They can spend a reasonably short period of time and get substantial information on a topic they have an interest in. The speakers, who specialize in these fields, have already done the sifting and selection of information from a wide variety of sources. They then present the delegates with those aspects that are particularly relevant for South African institutions in the current workplace environment.
- They create learning communities that bring together delegates from like-minded companies.
- The learning environment encourages delegates to exchange experiences, ideas and practices from their own companies.
- It allows delegates to interact with other companies who may be experiencing similar issues and problems. It allows them to tackle issues together. In turn perspectives will be broadened as a result. This information exchange helps delegates benchmark their companies.
- Reputable conference organizers add a great deal of value by identifying appropriate speakers (who have the necessary subject matter expertise, practical experience in implementation, as well as the ability to engage audiences in workshops/seminars in an interesting way that stimulates thought and debate).
Please, see the following links:
https://vickyloras.wordpress.com/2010/01/15/attending-workshops-and-seminars-how-important-is-it/
http://terrywhite.com/the-importance-of-attending-workshops/
http://www.kr.co.za/Conferences/benefits-of-attending
http://www.preservearticles.com/2012011520819/what-is-the-important-of-seminars-workshops-and-symposia-for-a-teacher.html
Attendance in Scientific seminars and conferences helps researchers in
- Networking and creating connections with researchers of similar interests
- Listening to and meeting the keynote speakers.
- Enjoying the extra-curricular conference program.
- Hearing with latest development in the research field
Dear Colleagues,
Good Day,
What are the advantages and disadvantages of seminars if you choose to attend or if you're thinking of attending?
Advantages:
1. A wealth of knowledge usually, presented by many speakers at one time in one place. A lot of "learning" at one clip, with most material compressed into two or three days' worth of time.
2. A sense of camaraderie, where individuals can meet others with the same interests/problems/concerns that they may have in their chosen field.
3. A sense of renewed hope and inspiration (this is especially true for Internet marketing seminars), as sometimes business concerns are lessened by sharing experiences with others. Being with others that "understand" individual's problems or concerns, is usually a great morale booster!
4. A great way for those that don't like to read, or attend classes, to improve their knowledge of a specific subject.
5. A nice vacation, in usually, a good hotel. Most seminars take place in quality hotels, as this is part of the incentive to attracting attendees.
Disadvantages:
1. Cost, of course, as all attendees must absorb their own costs. The seminars themselves sometimes also have an entry fee that can be quite high. All travel costs, food costs, hotel costs, and other miscellaneous costs must be absorbed by the attendees.
2. The chance that the speakers may be sharing incorrect knowledge, or not at all knowledgeable themselves (it pays to make your own assessments of presented topics, not just blindly "follow the pack"). Tips, tricks, and strategies need to be weighed as to "worth" and "accuracy" before using these. Careful thought rules here.
3. The time spent away from your actual business, or life, to attend. Time is always a concern when scheduling activities and some individuals simply can't spare the time away from their lives for activities such as this.
4. The chance that the topics may not actively help your business or your concerns, and that the seminar will be a waste of time, where nothing you learn is of any use to you.
5. The chance that attendees will expect too much from a seminar and thus be disappointed. Realism must rule here. These are not "instant answers" to anything.
please, see the following links:
http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/277/business_and_finance/advantages_and_disadvantages_of_a_seminar.html
http://evolllution.com/opinions/the-value-of-workshops-and-continuing-education-for-teachers/
Dear All,
Scientific seminars and conferences are not for average people thus their efficiency for mass awareness approaches nil. To increase of mass awareness, basic education and media contributions with good intention matter. Also the role of NGOs can be important using media channels.
See this quotation by the great mathematician Henry Whitehead (1904 - 1960)
The British Mathematical Colloquium consists of three days of mathematics with no dogs and no wives.
Conference barely have any influence on mass awareness.
Public awareness is mainly influenced by various kinds of media
- Print Media : Such as newspapers, magazines, wallpapers, books, posters, folders, booklets.
- Audio/Visual Media : Mainly radio and TV, , films.
- Digital Media : information technology has given birth to comparatively a new media, known as digital media. It includes Internet, CD-ROM, multimedia, simulations, social media,etc.
The mass not have awareness.
The mass thinks like television, and that's not awareness, it is alienation.
On the other hand, the scientific seminars and conferences are important to academic people, but nothing have in common with the mass.
The major problem for mass awareness about scientific issues to my mind is in the context. Today there are many web-journals that publish analytical surveys about hot policy issues. And still there are fewer readers (maybe several hundred to several thousands on average) who read that. Articles in Research Gate in principle can be downloaded by any non-scientist because registration is free. Still most of the articles are just read by 10-100 readers only. Even if advertising will be added, this number is unlikely to become thousands. And thousands is a tiny share to form public opinion. Millions are needed for that.
Millions of clicks are usually collected by some pop-stars. TV also attracts millions of spectators. Nobel prize winners are sometimes on TV, but few people watch and understand them. Also they are not talking typically about currently hot social issues because they get prizes for the research done in narrow field and long ago.
The main problem is that most of people do not understand scientific language; it sounds dull even if words are familiar. A good populariser (a person who translates complex scientific ideas into simple language) from science can potentially become a good politician. But will he remain a scientist after?
The importance of seminars and conferences consists in opening up new paths and tracks, in confirming and evaluating some state-of-the art, and in challenging oneself with the products you present there.
As said, they are not meant to help the society and the public. Certainly not in the short term.
For people like nasty DJ, seminar is getting a bag and lunch pack and other gifts. For all others it is a platform of knowledge exchange
There are plenty of different types of conferences and seminars. Carlos and Abhijit have correctly mentioned that some travel for lunch pack and bag while more serious scientists go there to present their ideas and to learn new ideas. Networking may be one more objective. Clearly, visiting new places as a tourist and having good dinner also bring benefit but there are also costs to be paid: fee, transport and hotel. Conference is not the cheapest option for sightseeing travel, and that is is why scientific value added should dominate in researcher's decision about what conferences to visit.
Papers presented and discussed in seminars and conferences may be published in proceedings and good journals.
For some poor conferences, after the conference papers are in a bundle pack and not circulated even.
Presentation of a seminar requires good skill in order to deliver advantages to most, if not all, the audience. The presenter has to be aware about the levels of those attending otherwise the seminar will be mostly puzzles.
Researchers use conferences mostly for networking and creating connections with researchers of similar interests.
The keynote presentations are worth attending. conferences provide a fun environment to enjoy the extra-curricular conference program and discuss ideas with peers in a relaxed atmosphere.
Conferences: Why to Attend and How to Benefit
Despite the potential benefits of a conference, a few attendees will feel that the conference was a wasteful or painful experience. As Altschuler (1999) confesses, “That everyone seemed to squint at my nametag and ostentatiously move on was bad enough; worse was the knowledge that, except for a meal at a wonderful restaurant and an hour perusing the products of university presses, I was lonely and bored, unable to sit through even one panel.” Because the INPR/ISSPR conferences are smaller and more informal, students are less likely to feel alienated or bored than they might at larger conferences, such as the one Altschuler describes.
In fact, most of the respondents to Caroline’s survey explicitly noted that the INPR/ISSPR conferences are “conducive to networking,” “student-friendly,” have a “personal and unique feel,” and encourage a “closeness of relationships among members.” Still, first-time conference attendees may feel intimidated by the prospect of networking and meeting others.
See link!
http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/1470315/18715672/1339527342470/conferences.pdf?token=ivcfxnvitsFWtlU3%2BhTJ7uMrz%2Bk%3D
My experience regarding the benefits of the conferences I attended was positive in most of the cases. I indeed enjoyed many presentations, some not on my topic, but tried to expand my knowledge in other fields. Very often there were too many parallel sessions (this typically happens in European conferences on some subject with 500 to 1000 participants) and the problem was to select one when interesting topics for me were at more than one. Smaller conferences (with about 100 participants) can be even better for networking, because there is time to talk with about 10 people whose presentations you may find interesting. Common dinners where you may sit randomly also provided a possibility of networking in unexpected areas.
One should not be too shy, and some PhD students for whom it is one of the first conferences are often shy. Then it may seem dull. Indeed, there might be just 1-2 presentations on one's narrow topic but if one has broader interests conferences are usually very beneficial.
As for plenary sessions it depends. At some conferences I was enjoying all plenary talks, while at some others presentations during parallel sessions were of higher interest for me.
Dear All,
As of today, most except few, the seminars/conferences have come up with business intention. They became expensive and luxury, just for entertainment and roaming around the corners. One feels lonely and bored, if desires to attend sparsely-held sessions.
Participating in international conferences increases the confidence level of researchers. After getting approved the research in international conferences, the researchers may cross fingers with standard international journals.
Dear Colleagues,
Good Day,
"If you haven't taken a writing class, take a writing class. I took every class that was available in my area. I went to conferences inside and outside my area to network with people. That's how I got my agent. I found my agent through another agent who was at a conference".
----- Kimberly Willis Holt
Why participate in International Conferences?
More and more national policies are coordinated at the international level. This is particularly necessary when the problems require a global response: climatic changes, the banning of antipersonnel landmines, health, campaigns against desertification, prevention of conflicts, human rights, campaigns against poverty, etc. These policies are generally elaborated within the framework of international conferences.
Why participate in international conferences:
1. Act globally:
Many local problems require a global response. You can contribute to the elaboration of these policies, knowing that even small progresses can have a world-wide impact.
2. International recognition:
Giving international visibility to local problems allows more resources to be mobilized to resolve them, and to have them taken into account within international policies.
3. Access to the knowledge and expertise of others:
Gain access to the information, knowledge, experience and expertise of other organizations.
4. Share your information and expertise:
Share your own expertise and your information with other organizations.
5. Network & contacts:
Conferences provide an excellent opportunity to develop contacts and to network with international organizations and NGOs working in your domain of activity.
http://www.mandint.org/en/why-participate
Importance of seminar ...
“One of my seminars is “Leadership in the 20th century: How being a century behind still puts you ahead of all your competition still living in the 19th century.”
― Jarod Kintz
"People should leave your talks feeling happier and wiser than when they came in. So often it's the opposite. Be an exception. Your talks should be clear, concise, fun, exciting, and never ever run over time. For each extra minute your talk runs over, 10% more of the audience will decide you are a jerk and start fantasizing about you falling down a trap door."
--- John Baez
No grand idea was ever born in a conference, but a lot of foolish ideas have died there.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
if the goal is public awareness, we should use other venues and not rely on scientific seminars and or conferences.
The mass media are the most effective means of disseminating scientific information to the public. Such initiatives as open days, science festivals and science weeks.
I agree with Behrouz. The effects of conf/seminars are confined to some particular scientific category. Public awareness, as of today, depends on public media and tools, such as TV, mobile set etc.
Yes, conferences and seminars are meant for selected gathering. These will not help in mass awareness without conscious efforts by media -- both print and electronic.
The benefits of scientific conference is:
1- Meeting of scientists of a certain research field.
2- Learning about recent developments.
3- Presenting new data to other researcher in your field.
4- To know new colleagues in the same research area.
5- An important advantage is the feedback and critical evaluation can be given immediately.
Thank you
Dear Dr. Sufia Zaman , it is an interesting issue followed with RG members warm discussions.
Let me share you an important information obtained from (https://www.uaces.org/resources/the-great-benefits-of-attending-academic-conferences)
At an early stage every one of us will ask ourselves the question:
- shall I attend an academic conference?
- Immediately other questions come to mind. Do I have anything worthy to be presented?
- Can I just present my literature review or theoretical framework, or should I wait until I have my first results from my case studies?
- Perhaps it is better to go first to several workshops and graduate students conferences, get experience in presenting in front of my peers, and then make the jump to a senior academic conference?
These doubts are absolutely normal, and we all went through those, but in my experience the earlier one goes to senior academic conferences, the better. You learn and gain so much in these events that you should not postpone it to the later stages . Of course, it is important to have something presentable. Do not go if you are not clear in your mind. But if you only have a literature review, a theoretical framework and some hypotheses, that’s fine. Write an abstract and try your chances. Writing abstracts that catch the eye of the conference selection team is a skill. Start training as soon as possible.
Another skill that is important to have and that helps you to get to know other scholars and to be known in academic circles is to convene prearranged panels for the big academic conferences. Do not hesitate to write to the big names in your field proposing a panel. You will find that most of them will answer (which is already a win because they will get to know your name), and some of them might even say ‘yes’ to your invitation. If you get your panel or abstract accepted, prepare your presentation well in advance so that you can use the time at the conference to go to other panels and network. This is very important. Do not waste your time in your room.
By attending other presentations, you will learn from others and improve your own skills and knowledge about your field. It is also important to engage with their work, ask questions and perhaps go and see them after the panel. Like in any other profession, networking is very important in our field. This is the way to be invited to join collective research projects such as edited books, special issues in peer-reviewed journals or funding applications.
Networking is also fundamental to getting a job in academia. In most countries, the job selection process is transparent and meritocratic, but remember that ultimately, with a similar CV, selection committee members will most likely hire someone they know and that they get along with. Although, academic work is mostly individual, there is a social side to it.
For all these reasons, overcome your fears and doubts and dare to attend academic conferences at an early stage of your PhD and continue to do so at least once a year. The benefits are definitely bigger than the costs if you know how to get the most out of every conference.
https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-benefits-in-attending-a-conference?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=google_rich_qa&utm_campaign=google_rich_qa
Conferences facilitate interactions that are nearly impossible to encounter elsewhere. They oftentimes place industry experts, professionals, investors, sponsors, and media all in the same place, providing an invaluable opportunity for face-to-face conversations both in a structured environment (like speaker sessions) as well as in casual settings (like lunch or cocktail hour). The ROI on these events can only be proven for those who take advantage of the conference’s opportunities. That means, most importantly, arriving prepared to make new connections and foster potential partnerships, as well as attend the most professionally advantageous workshops, sessions and networking events.
Attendee-to-Attendee As Stephanie wrote, these informal conversations happen during the networking breaks and are conducted in the two-way fashion. People freely exchange ideas, network, share observation and knowledge. Many delegates find the networking part more valuable than presentations.
There are many ways how event organisers can enhance networking and help delegates get more out of the conference. I don't want to get into it in this post. I described a few ways here -> 7 Tips for Creating Networking Opportunities at Your Event.
Attendee-to-Speaker While networking is pretty much organic and very interactive, the presentations that most of conference agendas are composed of, are very passive and conducted in one-way fashion.
Despite the fact that they happen among people gathered in one room, there is a very little contribution expected from the audience.
They invariably follow the age-old mantra "I speak, you listen."
If you think about it for a second, presentations might be the last Mohican that hasn’t undergone any radical change in interaction yet.
I believe that presentations and conferences along with them need to undergo their own revolution in order to adapt to global changes and offer greater value to the delegates.
Value that resides in the interaction between speakers and delegates.
To achieve that, presentations need to be less like broadcasts and more like conversations.
Many of the leading conferences such as The Next Billion, The Pioneers Festival or The SaaStr Annual Conference just to name a few, are adapting to this shift and radically cutting down the presentation time to dedicate more space to the Q&A.
To wrap up, I believe that benefits of attending conferences (now and in the future) will be tied with the the opportunity to maximize our interactions. With speakers as well as with one another.
Participation in the conference should result from learning new ideas, solutions and problems. Above all, the willingness to participate. Often, however, it is quite different.
Reading top notch scientific/medical journals
should be the mainstain source for readers of the profession. Conference presentation of early ideas that very well may not pan out in the short- or medium-terms may be intriguing as ideas, but have not as yet undergone in-depth peer review and will not until the scientific paper is fully written up for submission to that top-notch journal and is selected by the edit for consideration of sending the paper out for peer review to see what hopefully are top-notch peer review for comments and review.
They are useful in sharing updated information, and to know where we are standing, as well it gives the students to improve presentation skills, and enjoy discussions.
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