Networking

Engage and grow your network at the MatchPoints 2022 conference

Networking, conversation and conneting are essential parts of an academic conference.
In addition to the academic programme, networking and talking to fellow participants can be another source of knowledge that can have considerable value, if you are open and willing to engage. Below, you can read about a few of the networking and conversation initiatives that will be available during MatchPoints 2022. We set the framework, but making an effort is up to you. Why not give it a go at the MatchPoints 2022 conference?

A few reminders and tips to connect:

Did you know that…

networking can create academic and personal development and lead to inspiration, information and influence
reciprocity is essential for a good networking relationship – networking is about both giving and taking. It’s a good idea to start by giving
networking requires that you know what you can offer others
networking takes time, so be persistent and engaging – the time is often well spent
some people find networking to be just as important as professional competences

Go ahead and connect - by asking good questions, by being an attentive listener, by asking someone their opinion - and by approaching new people with curiosity and not an agenda.

Join in on our Meet the Professor-lunches (for PhD students and Postdocs only):

At MatchPoints 2022, PhD students and Postdocs will have the opportunity to attend an informal lunch with one of the keynotes at the conference. Please select this option, when you register for the conference. Seats will be distributed at a first come, first served basis. Read about our keynotes (https://matchpoints.au.dk/conferenceprogramme/keynote-speakers/ )

Actively engage at the two inspiring evening events

We set the framework – try table numbering, conversation cards and enjoy having space and time for dialogue. Participate in our evening events and be inspired by someone that you have never met before.

Engage with patient organisations and research groups

SIND - Landsforeningen for psykisk sundhed is among the patient organisations that you will be able to meet and talk to during the conference. Futhermore you can meet and talk to the Danish research support center DANEMO and the NeuroCampus Aarhus research network, which bridges basic and clinical neuroscience at Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital. Visit the stands and learn more about their work and experience. You can also hear more and see the model of the new iconic building designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, which in a few years will be home of the Danish Neuroscience Centre (DNC).
All stands are placed in the foyer area and can be visited during the coffee breaks both Thursday and Friday afternoon.

Eat lunch with a stranger

Did you talk to anyone new today? Try it – and learn something new. Our lunches have free seating and therefore plenty of opportunity to talk to someone new. Remember: A stranger is a great professional contact you haven't met yet.

Visit the networking zone

Want to talk to someone else over a cup of coffee? It’s easy: Follow the stickers on the floor to our designated networking zone and engage someone in conversation.

Arrange a chat with an acquaintance before coming

Haven’t talked for a long time – or haven’t really “really” talked at all or ever? Why not set up a coffee chat during MatchPoints 2022 with this person? Use e-mail or LinkedIn. Approximately 7-10 days prior to the conference, we will send you the full list of participants.

Don't forget to prepare yourself:

If you want to get as much as possible out of networking, it is a good idea to do a little preparation for that part of the conference before you arrive.

Before:

Consider what you would like to get out of networking during MatchPoints 2022
What new knowledge do you want to explore, and which experts would you like to meet? Why?
Connect! Before the conference, it can be a good idea to contact a select number of participants by mail or through LinkedIn and agree on meeting during the conference. We will send you the full list of participants 7-10 days before the conference.

During:

It helps to be proactive and interested
Have you made contact to the people you wanted to meet?
How can you benefit from these new contacts and the new knowledge you gain? Will it be necessary to make new/more agreements and meetings while you are attending MatchPoints 2022?

After:

Follow up on agreements and contacts
Make yourself available
Evaluate your own efforts in relation to your goals and wishes before the conference. Did you accomplish what you set out to do? Would it be a good idea to do something differently next time?
Make a plan for the future.

Revised 18.08.2022

Lone Jørgensen