Attending your first forensic educational conference is like trying to drink water out of a fire hose! A week filled with unlimited learning opportunities, networking, events, exploring a new city…the whole experience is overwhelming but in the BEST way possible!
In 2021, I was lucky enough to attend the 105th International Association for Identification Forensic Educational Conference in Nashville, TN. When I say I lived my best life…I mean it! My inner nerd was absorbing all kinds of new information, I caught up with old colleagues and met new people, danced a few nights away in Midtown and Downtown Broadway, and soaked in that southern hospitality that I have been missing since leaving Texas. Since then, I’ve attended both conferences in Omaha and National Harbor.
With a few conferences under my belt, I wanted to share a few insightful tips on how you can get the most out of your next forensic educational conference. Whether you are a conference rookie or veteran, consider these tips to ensure your next conference experience will be a beneficial one.
“Attending your first forensic educational conference is like trying to drink water out of a fire hose.”
Tim Fayle
Tips for your next Forensic Educational Conference:
Take advantage of Workshops and Lectures
Experts in the field come from near and far to prepare discussions and workshops on a wide variety of forensic topics to help YOU! The field of forensic science is progressive which means you should be too! Fill your weekly schedule with lectures associated with your field of expertise and some that aren’t…it can’t hurt to find out what’s going on in forensic disciplines other than your own.
For the students out there, there is an entire day dedicated just to YOU and preparing for your future! Experts in the field prepare 45-minute lectures and panel discussions on a wide variety of topics like what hiring agencies look for in new hires, helpful interview tips, how to create a CV that will get you noticed, etc. These mini-series are jam-packed with a wealth of information from the best of the best in this field…TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT!
Network
Looking for a new job…network! Hoping to connect with others in your field…network! Interested in obtaining some new equipment for your lab…network!
Networking is probably one of my favorite things about attending a conference. I can talk shop all day long! Engaging with other experts in the field is a great way to find out how other labs conduct business, what SOP’s they follow, and discover new ways of getting the job done.
Live outside of your comfort zone
Attending an educational conference provides you with unlimited possibilities! Make sure to jump in with both feet and live outside your comfort zone for a few days!
Take the opportunity to chat with people outside of your normal agency crew. I get it, chillen with your work peeps is your safe space, but guess what…You see them every day back at work so make new friends!
Try signing up for classes that you wouldn’t normally be interested in. Never in a million years did I ever think I would end up loving fingerprints as much as I do…I have conference workshops to thank for that! You are lucky enough to be attending this conference so bring back some new information to teach the rest of your unit!
Ask questions, get involved, and participate in vendor nights. This is also the secret to getting invited to all the fun, private after-parties!
I know it’s scary to be in an environment that is outside your comfort zone but I promise you, the more involved you are, the more growth you will experience both personally and professionally!
Enjoy the conference location
You may not hear this piece of advice from the majority of conference attendees, but take the time to enjoy the educational conference location! Whether this means taking the afternoon or evening to explore or playing hooky from the conference for a day and going sightseeing.
Conference committees purposely plan educational conferences in some of the coolest cities. Typically, they are full of history, tourist attractions, and the best food! Get out there, meet the locals, and have some fun! Attending educational conferences is all about balance! Mix a little work with a little play!
Be appreciative that you are attending an educational conference
Yepp, I said it! Be appreciative that your agency is sending you to better your skills. It’s no secret that most forensic agencies lack adequate training budgets so be grateful that you have the opportunity that you do. These conferences are a special experience, so don’t take them for granted.
Looking for your next Forensic Educational Conference?!?
Looking to attend a forensic educational conference?!?…check out some of these helpful links to keep yourself in the know!
The International Association for Identification
The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners
American Academy of Forensic Science – Forensic Links
I hope the next time you have the opportunity to attend a conference, you refer back to these basic tips! There is nothing worse than attending an event like that and feeling like you got nothing out of it. With that in mind, you need to put in some of the work to make sure you are benefiting from all the conference has to offer you.
Although I’m sad to be missing Reno this year, I’m really looking forward to my next conference scheduled for Orlando! Maybe I’ll see you there!
If you are looking for all things forensic science-related, check out my career page for up-to-date tidbits that will provide you with some career growth!
Hmm it appears like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any points for novice blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I still feel very new to the blogging world myself! I think the most important piece of advice for you is to stay consistent. Whether that is showing up on social media somehow or publishing a new blog post once or twice a week…consistency is key! Having a well-known blog is not something that happens overnight…takes a lot of time so do not feel discouraged! Be real with your expectations and what you can honestly accomplish each week. I work a full-time job so this is just something I do for fun when I have the time. Have fun with your blog, enjoy the learning process, continue to challenge yourself! Good luck!
Hey people!!!!!
Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!