By: Britney Roach, M.A., Ph.D Student in the School of Public Administration, Florida Atlantic University
When thinking about networking at academic conferences, images of introductions, panel discussions, receptions, and brief conversations between sessions are often imagined. In reality, the most meaningful value of networking often will and does not happen in the conference space solely.
Importantly, what is of value continues after the conference ends.
Once the presentation panels are over and everyone returns to their institutions, the conference tone will shift from a moment in time towards something more beneficial: a starting point. This will be where networking either fades away or will become something that meaningfully shapes one’s own academic growth. The first step is to follow-up with all individuals you engaged with at the conference. A short conversation after a panel or a brief exchange during a session can feel small in the moment, however, the impact depends entirely on what is to follow. Sending a follow-up email, sharing a research-paper, email, and or continuing a discussion is often what transforms a passing interaction into a real and formalized academic relationship. Without this continuation I feel one is limiting the full potential of the conference experience. With connection and experience, one in academia will begin to grow.
What follows after an academic conference therefore is something subtle but powerful: continuity.
Conversations that began in person will extend into messages, shared readings, and ongoing intellectual exchanges. A particular question asked during a panel can turn into deeper discussion about methodologies and a comment about a paper can lead to feedback that is beneficial for publishing. Over time, what once felt like a minimal encounter can become part of an ongoing academic dialogue that is beneficial for growth. This is where networking also becomes meaningful and of substance. It is not in the moment of meeting, but in the specific decision to continue the conversation afterwards. The post-conference period is unique because this is where mentorship will begin to take shape. From there, small exchanges can gradually develop into sustained guidance that will influence research direction, writing, and professional developments. In this sense, the conference space should not only be perceived as an endpoint. Instead, continuation through the doors the conference space opens is of benefit for one’s scholarly growth and personal confidence.
There is also a deeper intellectual value that will only become clearer after leaving the conference space. Shared interests evolve into ongoing discussions, which can turn into feedback exchanges, co-development of ideas, and sometimes even joint research opportunities. That is why it should be one’s goal to attend as many academic conferences as possible to see different areas as this can also aid confidence in research as a scholar. By doing so, you will become such a worldly individual and that is why I am very grateful for the resources that MPSA conference particularly affords students and participants with.
What I have learned:
- To stay engaged after a conference event, one must treat networking as an ongoing process rather than as a one-time event.
- One of the most effective first steps is subscribing to conference and association email lists, such as MPSA or related disciplinary sections, to remain informed about upcoming panels, calls for papers, and professional development opportunities.
- Following up within one to two weeks of the conference is essential, whether through a brief email referencing a specific conversation or by sharing a paper or resource that can connect back to the discussion.
- Always try to maintain collaboration or contact with those on your panel.
- Maintaining connections on professional platforms like LinkedIn can further support continuity, especially when paired with a short, personalized message rather than a simple request.
- It will become helpful to organize contacts and notes soon after the conference while interactions are still becoming fresh, and this can allow for more of an intentional follow-up later.
Beyond individual outreach initiatives, it is strongly encouraged to continue looking for opportunities to attend webinars, virtual panels, and any association events that will help sustain visibility within the same academic community. You will want to also be subscribed to conference updates and emails. I think it is significant to reiterate the importance of focusing on a few meaningful relationships and aim to develop them over time as this will become beneficial in the long run. I strongly suggest all practitioners, researchers, educators, and students to take the leap of faith in communicating beyond conference opportunities with one another.
To reinforce what I have learned over time with my experiences in academia, like in business and with personal networking, research is less about collecting contacts and it is more significant to not let the good contacts go by and turn into ghosts…take the risk!
About the Author
Ms. Britney Roach M.A., Ph. D Student in the School of Public Administration, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, 33433.
Ms. Britney Roach is affiliated with the Florida Atlantic University as an alumna and current doctoral student in the School of Public Administration in Boca Raton, Florida. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Political Science, providing a strong foundation in political institutions, public policy, governance, and research methodology. Building on this academic background, her doctoral research focuses on public procurement, e-procurement systems, fiscal management, and technology adoption in government. Her work examines how digital procurement platforms shape transparency, efficiency, vendor inclusion, and decision-making within state and local governments. Ms. Roach’s broader research interests include public management, budgeting and fiscal administration, organizational theory, and digital governance, with a focus on the intersection of technology and public-sector decision-making.
As a former instructor of American Government, Ms. Roach has taught modules on U.S. political institutions, public policy, and has focused on civic engagement. She is focused on creating transparent and engaging classroom materials, and pedagogy is a central priority in her teaching practice. Ms. Roach’s teaching approach emphasizes clarity, accessibility, and active learning, with the goal of helping students connect political theory to real-world governance.
She has also participated in two annual meetings of the Midwest Political Science Association, where Ms. Roach presented her research and has engaged with scholars in both the fields of political science and public administration. Notably, the Midwest Political Science Association’s 2024 Conference served as her first academic conference experience. This event played an imperative role in her professional development and growth as a scholar.
As a writer of the following blogs, it is Britney’s hope that others will find guidance and support in navigating their own academic paths.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the MPSA (Midwest Political Science Association). Any content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as official statements or endorsements by MPSA.