Dos and Don'ts for Your First time at AOM

Attending the Academy of Management (AOM) conference for the first time is both exhilarating and overwhelming. With its expansive schedule, endless networking opportunities, and the chance to present your work to peers, AOM has a lot to offer. But for first-time attendees, especially students, it can feel like stepping into a new world. Having recently attended AOM 2024 in Chicago, here are some key dos and don’ts I learned along the way. Hopefully, these tips will help you navigate your first conference with a bit more ease and confidence.

Do: Push Through Networking Nerves

One of the most nerve-wracking aspects of attending AOM was walking into sessions without knowing anyone. Although I’m naturally sociable, in this academic setting, networking felt forced at first. The idea of mingling with strangers, many of whom were seasoned researchers, was daunting. However, I quickly found that the only way to get past this discomfort was to dive in and start conversations. Surprisingly, many others were just as eager to connect, and before long, I was chatting with people who shared similar research interests.

Advice: Just put yourself out there, even if it feels awkward initially. I found that once I started talking to people, it became much easier to make meaningful connections. You might meet future collaborators or just gain insights into your research field from a fresh perspective. Everyone’s at AOM to learn and connect, so you’re in good company!

Don’t: Try to Attend Every Session

With AOM’s extensive lineup of presentations, it’s tempting to try to be everywhere at once. The conference is massive and runs over several days, so there’s a bit of pressure to attend as many sessions as possible. Initially, I felt this urgency too, worried that I’d miss out on important insights if I didn’t make it to every talk on my list.

Advice: Instead of spreading yourself too thin, prioritize the sessions that are most relevant to your research. This approach made my time at AOM much more manageable and enjoyable. When you focus on what truly aligns with your research needs, you’ll gain more meaningful takeaways. Plus, giving yourself downtime in between sessions helps prevent burnout and keeps your energy up for the events that matter most.

Do: Prepare Your Elevator Pitch

One of the most common questions you’ll get asked at AOM is, “What’s your research about?” Having a quick, clear answer to this can make you feel more confident when introducing yourself. I practiced my “elevator pitch” beforehand—a few sentences that sum up my research identity—and it helped me feel much more prepared and at ease in conversations.

Advice: Spend some time crafting and practicing a brief overview of your research. Aim for a couple of lines that capture the essence of your work in a way that’s both accessible and engaging. Not only will this help in networking situations, but it’s also a great way to articulate your research focus and goals more clearly to yourself.

Don’t: Overlook the Value of Preparation

Preparation is key for making the most of AOM. I found it helpful to research the authors and presenters in my must-attend sessions, which gave me a better grasp of what to expect and sparked ideas for questions or discussion points. Additionally, understanding the different AOM divisions helped me choose sessions that aligned best with my field, which made navigating the conference smoother.

Advice: Look up presenters and read abstracts of sessions that interest you. Familiarizing yourself with the research landscape will make the conference feel less overwhelming and help you engage more deeply with the material. Also, if you’re presenting, practice with peers who aren’t familiar with your topic. Their feedback is invaluable for refining your delivery and ensuring your message is clear to a general audience.

Do: Connect with Others from Your University

One of the most valuable aspects of attending AOM was having a support system made up of peers from my university. Before the conference, I made a point to connect with others from my school who would also be attending. Not only did this provide a comforting social foundation during such a massive event, but it also allowed me to deepen my relationships with colleagues I didn’t know as well. Having familiar faces around made the experience less intimidating and helped me feel more connected throughout the conference.

Advice: If others from your university are attending, take the time to get to know them before or early on at the conference. A support network can make all the difference, both in terms of moral support and in creating lasting, professional connections. Building camaraderie with peers enriches the AOM experience and makes it feel more personal and rewarding.

Do: Take Advantage of Social and Cultural Experiences

Conferences aren’t all work and no play! I’d never been to Chicago before, so I made time to explore the city’s famous sights like Millennium Park’s “Bean” and took a river cruise to enjoy the incredible architecture. Chicago’s food scene was a pleasant surprise too—I recommend trying the city’s iconic deep-dish pizza. AOM also hosts plenty of social events, from evening gatherings to informal meet-ups, which I initially didn’t expect. These relaxed settings allowed me to connect with people in a more casual environment.

Advice: Don’t skip out on the fun side of the conference experience! Attending social events and taking some time to enjoy the local culture made my AOM experience more memorable and well-rounded. Conferences are a great opportunity not only to build your academic network but also to enrich your travel experience.

Don’t: Overload Your Schedule—Give Yourself Downtime

One pitfall that I knew to avoid was trying to cram every hour with sessions and activities. Especially with jet lag in the mix, it’s essential to pace yourself. A packed schedule can be overwhelming, and skipping out on a bit of downtime can easily lead to burnout before the conference is even over.

Advice: Schedule breaks in between sessions, especially if your day starts early. A bit of relaxation or even just a quiet moment to process new ideas can be incredibly valuable. Taking care of yourself allows you to stay engaged and get the most out of the sessions you attend.

Attending your first AOM conference is an invaluable experience, one that brings a mix of excitement, nerves, and unforgettable memories. By pushing through networking nerves, prioritizing sessions, and building connections with your peers, you’ll make the most of your time at AOM. Remember to prepare thoughtfully, pace yourself, and—most importantly—enjoy the journey. Conferences like AOM are a unique chance to grow both academically and personally, and they’re filled with opportunities you won’t want to miss.

Written by Tanya Alaaldin, PhD Student at the London School of Economics and Political Science