How to thrive at conferences

Conferences can feel like a marathon for the mind and an endurance test for your social battery. But for a PhD student, they offer opportunities to network, showcase research and absorb the latest developments in the field. With preparation, a touch of boldness and the strategies below, you will return with new ideas and a renewed sense of purpose in your work. Drawing on insights from students, postdocs and organisers, here’s how to thrive at your next conference.