Getting the Most From Psychology Conferences
| Virginia Andreoli Mathie, Psi Chi Executive Director
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In the rush of fall semester final exams and preparation for the spring semester, it is difficult to think about the regional psychology meetings that take place each spring. These meetings are just around the corner, however, and if you want to get the most from your conference experience, January is a good time to start planning for them. The dates for regional conferences are reported in each issue of Eye on Psi Chi and on the Psi Chi website. Articles in Eye on Psi Chi have noted the benefits of presenting research at national and regional psychology conferences (Grover, 2006; Landrum, 2002; LaRoche, 2004; Powell, 2000), but the benefits of attending conferences extend beyond the opportunity to present research. Whether you are a seasoned attendee or a first-time attendee, whether you are presenting your research or attending to get information from others, there are many things you can do before, during, and after the conference that will maximize the benefits of this type of professional activity and make it more informative and enjoyable. Borynski (2006) provided helpful advice for students planning to attend the 2006 APS convention. I would like to build on her list and offer suggestions to help you maximize your experience at the spring regional meetings. Before the Meetings
- Check registration procedures for the conference. If possible preregister for the conference—preregistration typically shortens the time you need to spend at the conference registration desk.
- Check the conference location and hotel. Make hotel reservations early so you get your choice of hotels. It is easier to get to sessions if you stay in the conference hotel or in one close by.
- Plan your travel early so there won't be any problems getting to the conference city on time. If your group plans to use a van from your school, reserve the van as far in advance as possible. The less stress involved in getting to the conference, the more pleasant your conference experience will be.
- Review the program early. Some conferences send a hard copy of the program to preregistered participants; most conferences put the program online. The Psi Chi programs are posted on the Psi Chi website. Plan your day so that you know which sessions you want to attend and where they are located. Many sessions are scheduled at the same time so be prepared to select from many excellent presentations.
- If you are giving a paper or poster, check the schedule and material you received carefully so you know where and when to show up for your presentation. Plan to be at your session about 15 minutes before it starts.
At the Meetings
- Be prepared to take notes at the sessions so you can record information, references, questions, or ideas for future research. As Borynski suggested, keep the notes brief.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions at the sessions. Presenters value your interest in their presentations.
- Network with students and psychologists. If you find a presentation or poster especially intriguing, introduce yourself to the presenter, explain your interest in the topic, and ask follow-up questions or share your ideas with the presenter. If the presenter is from a graduate school you hope to attend, introduce yourself to the presenter, share your interest in the presenter's research, and let the person know you are interested in attending the graduate program at his or her school. As Borynksi suggested for APS meetings, check the program for student-oriented social events. If Psi Chi (or some other group) hosts a hospitality suite at the conference, take time to visit the suite and talk with the Psi Chi staff member, regional vice-president, other Psi Chi leaders and members, and other conference participants.
- Regional conferences are professional meetings and to make a professional impression, dress appropriately. Business or business casual would be most appropriate.
- Observe appropriate meeting etiquette. If you are a presenter, you should stay for the entire session. If you have friends in the audience, encourage them to stay for all the presentations--everyone enjoys presenting to a full room. If you enter a session late, enter quietly and stay at the back of the room. Avoid leaving a session in the middle of a presentation. If you must leave, leave quietly in between presentations.
After the Meetings
- Review your session notes and file them by topic. You might want to refer to them for future research or a class paper.
- If you would like more information about a particular presentation, write the presenter and ask for a copy of the presentation. Most presenters are willing to send copies of their notes or multimedia presentations.
- Tell other Psi Chi members about your conference experience and encourage them to attend next year.
I hope these suggestions are helpful. I look forward to seeing you at the Psi Chi programs at the 2007 regional conferences. References
Borynski, M. L. (2006). Seven habits of highly effective convention attendees. Observer, 19(5), 41. Retrieved October 20, 2006, from http://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/getArticle.cfm?id=1991 Grover, S. F. (2006, Fall). Undergraduate research: Getting involved and getting into graduate school (A student's perspective). Eye on Psi Chi, 11(1), 18-20. Landrum, R. E. (2002, Winter). Maximizing undergraduate opportunities: The value of research and other experiences. Eye on Psi Chi, 6(2), 15-18. LaRoche, K. (2004, Winter). Advantages of undergraduate research: A student's perspective. Eye on Psi Chi, 8(2), 20-21, 69. Powell, J. L. (2000, Winter). Creative outlets for student research or what do I do now that my student is completed? Eye on Psi Chi, 4(2), 28-29.
Ever since her childhood in Toronto, Canada, Virginia
(Ginny) Andreoli Mathie, PhD wanted to be a teacher. As the eldest of
five daughters born to Thomas and Julia Andreoli, Ginny spent many summer days
playing "teacher" in a make-believe classroom, with her sisters
Dolores, Frances, Marion, and Donna playing the role of students. During high
school Ginny wanted to be a mathematics teacher so in 1967 she entered the
mathematics and computer science program at the University of Waterloo in
Ontario. She soon became hooked on psychology as well and after completing her
BMath and BA in Psychology degrees, she entered the social psychology program
at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she completed her MA
and PhD degrees under the mentorship of John Thibaut.
In 1975, Ginny joined the psychology faculty at what
is now James Madison University (JMU) in Virginia. During her 29 years at JMU
she taught a variety of courses including introductory psychology, social
psychology, research methods, and statistics. Given her love of teaching, she
was honored to receive the 1981 JMU Distinguished Teacher Award and to be named
the 2000 American Psychological Association (APA) Harry Kirke Wolfe Lecturer.
Ginny's research with students and colleagues investigated topics such as
factors related to family violence, differences between acknowledged and
unacknowledged rape victims, and the effectiveness of instructional technology.
Her publications and presentations address these topics as well as issues
related to teaching and professional service. Ginny served eight years as
coordinator of the JMU undergraduate program and the general psychology
master's program and four years as department head. A very special highlight of
her JMU career was her recent induction into the JMU Psi Chi chapter!
Among the many leadership positions she has held in
professional organizations, Ginny served as a member of the Virginia
Psychological Association (VPA) Board of Directors, as the VPA Secretary, and
as founding president of the VPA's Virginia Academy of Academic Psychologists.
She served on the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP; APA Division 2)
Executive Committee for several years, was the 1995-1996 STP President, and
currently represents STP on the APA Council of Represent-atives. Ginny was
awarded APA Fellow status in STP in 1996. She also served on the APA Board of
Educational Affairs (BEA) from 1997 through 2000 and chaired the BEA Technology
Working Group, the 1999 and 2000 BEA convention programs on technology and
education, and the APA Education Leadership Conference Technology Group. She
was a member of the BEA Executive Committee, the BEA Education and Training
Awards Committee, the APA Board of Directors Technology Applications Advisory
Group, and the APA Com-mittee for Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools
(TOPSS). One of the highlights of her career was chairing the Psychology
Partnerships Project: Academic Partnerships to Meet the Teaching and Learning
Needs of the 21st Century (P3), a five-year BEA project conceived by Ginny,
Randy Ernst, a former chair of TOPSS, and Jill Reich, the former Executive
Director of the APA Education Directorate. P3 produced many new partnerships
between psychology teachers in high schools, community colleges, four-year
colleges and universities, and research universities as well as a variety of
new resources to enhance psychology education. In recognition of her work on
P3, Ginny received the APA 2002 Distinguished Contributions to Applications of
Psychology to Education and Training Award.
In addition to her professional life, Ginny enjoys the
special times she spends with her husband Jim, daughters Jennifer, Shannon, and
Allison, son-in-law Ingmar, and grandchildren Mi Mi, Marieke, and Kees.
| Copyright 2007 (Volume 11, Issue 2) by Psi Chi, the
International Honor Society in Psychology
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 Eye on Psi Chi is a magazine designed to keep members
and alumni up-to-date with all the latest information about Psi Chi’s programs,
awards, and chapter activities. It features informative articles about careers,
graduate school admission, chapter ideas, personal development, the various
fields of psychology, and important issues related to our discipline.
Eye on Psi Chi is published quarterly:
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