Large AI conferences can be overwhelming: thousands of papers, parallel sessions, poster halls, workshops, company booths and evening events. Without a plan, it’s easy to spend days walking around and come home with little to show for it. Here is how to make a conference worthwhile, whether you’re a student, a researcher or a professional.

Before the conference

Set two or three goals. For example: learn the state of the art in a topic, meet potential collaborators, find a job or internship, or get feedback on your work.

Plan your schedule. Browse the program and accepted papers. Use the conference app or website to bookmark talks, posters and workshops. Prioritize workshops in your area — they’re often more interactive than main sessions.

Read ahead. Skim abstracts of papers you plan to visit. Knowing the core idea lets you ask better questions.

Reach out. Email or message people you’d like to meet — authors, researchers or recruiters — to arrange a short coffee chat.

Prepare your introduction. Have a 30-second summary of who you are and what you work on.

During the conference

Posters are the best part. Poster sessions let you talk directly with authors. Ask: “What’s the key idea?”, “What surprised you?”, “What didn’t work?”, “What’s next?” Authors are usually glad to discuss their work.

Don’t try to see everything. Recorded talks are often available afterwards. Prioritize conversations that can’t be replayed.

Attend workshops and socials. Affinity groups and community events — such as Women in Machine Learning, Black in AI, LatinX in AI and Queer in AI — are welcoming spaces to meet people.

Visit company booths strategically if you’re job hunting, and ask about specific teams and projects.

Take notes. Write down key ideas and people you met with a reminder of what you discussed.

Look after yourself. Conferences are tiring. Plan breaks, stay hydrated and leave time for unplanned conversations.

If you’re presenting

  • Posters: design for readability from a distance, with a clear title, a key figure and minimal text. Prepare a one-minute and a five-minute explanation.
  • Talks: focus on the main idea and why it matters, not every detail. Rehearse with time limits.
  • Bring something to share: a link to the paper and code via a QR code.

After the conference

  • Follow up within a week with people you met, referencing your conversation.
  • Share a summary of your learnings with your team or on social media.
  • Read the papers you bookmarked more deeply.
  • Watch recorded talks you missed.

Can’t travel?

Many conferences offer virtual attendance, recorded talks and online poster sessions. Local meetups, reading groups and smaller regional conferences are also valuable — and often easier for networking.

Funding your attendance

Students can apply for travel grants offered by conferences and affinity groups, or volunteer in exchange for free registration.

A sample day plan

  • Morning: one keynote or invited talk that interests you, then a workshop in your area.
  • Lunch: a planned coffee chat or lunch with someone you contacted beforehand.
  • Afternoon: the poster session, with a list of six to eight posters you want to visit, plus time to wander.
  • Late afternoon: a break — walk, rest, review notes.
  • Evening: one social event or affinity group dinner, rather than several.

Leaving gaps in your schedule is deliberate: many of the best conversations happen unplanned.

Making conversations count

When you meet someone interesting, note their name, what you talked about and a possible next step — sharing a paper, trying their code, or discussing collaboration. A short, specific follow-up message referencing your conversation is far more effective than a generic connection request.

What to watch next

  • Hybrid formats that improve virtual participation.
  • Regional conferences expanding access in more countries.
  • Affinity group programs and travel grants.
  • Recruitment trends at major conferences.

Key takeaways

  • Set clear goals and plan your schedule before the conference.
  • Poster sessions offer the most valuable conversations with authors.
  • Workshops and affinity group events are great for networking.
  • Prepare short explanations if presenting, and share links via QR codes.
  • Follow up within a week to turn conversations into relationships.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth going to a conference without presenting?

Yes. Conversations, workshops and networking are valuable even without a paper.

How do I approach famous researchers?

Briefly and respectfully, ideally with a specific question about their work. Poster sessions are a natural place.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

Student registration, volunteering, travel grants, virtual attendance and local meetups reduce costs.