The Ups and Downs of Presenting at Conferences That All of Us Have Experienced

The world of conferences and seminars has shaped my professional life.

It’s been thrilling, filled with memorable moments and valuable lessons.

There are days full of excitement and engagement, but there are also times when the audience is lukewarm and bland.

The Electric Atmosphere of the Stage

Imagine stepping onto a stage, the spotlight hitting you, and a sea of eager faces awaiting your words.

That’s the world I’ve lived in.

There’s something indescribably electrifying about presenting your research, a project that’s consumed years of your life.

As a regular speaker and moderator at technical conferences, including those by IEEE, I’ve experienced this rush firsthand.

Each time I present, I feel a potent mix of excitement and responsibility. It’s not just about sharing my work; it’s about contributing to a more extensive conversation in my field.

There’s a unique adrenaline in engaging with an audience, fielding questions, and sparking discussions.

The Curious Case of the Disappearing Audience

However, it’s not always a bed of roses.

I’ve observed a curious phenomenon, particularly at international conferences.

Many fellow speakers, after their sessions, seem to vanish. Drawn, perhaps, by the allure of a new city, they skip other sessions for sightseeing or shopping.

This trend hits hard when you’re scheduled to present on the last day.

You’ve poured everything into your research, only to be greeted by a half-empty room.

It’s a disheartening sight and can take the wind out of the sails of even the most passionate speakers.

The Digital Revolution in Conferencing

Then came COVID-19, a game-changer for the conference world. Suddenly, we were thrust into the era of virtual meetings.

Initially, it seemed like a blessing — no travel hassles, lower costs, and the chance to connect with a global audience from our living rooms.

But the cracks soon appeared.

Presenting to a screen full of tiny icons feels vastly different.

How do you gauge engagement or read the room when all you see are muted profiles?

The lack of immediate feedback, the absence of those non-verbal cues we rely on, leaves a void.

A significant casualty of this digital shift has been networking.

The spontaneous conversations over coffee, the exchange of ideas over lunch, and those serendipitous encounters that lead to collaborations are all lost in the transition to online formats.

Embracing the New Normal

Despite these challenges, virtual conferences have been a lifeline.

They’ve kept the spirit of knowledge exchange alive in these unprecedented times.

But as we edge out of the pandemic’s shadow, there’s a collective longing to return to in-person interactions.

The online world offers convenience and reach but can’t replicate the experience of physically sharing a space with like-minded individuals.

However, the energy and the dynamics of face-to-face interactions are irreplaceable.

Reflecting on the Journey

Reflecting on my journey through various conferences and seminars, I realize how much these experiences have enriched me.

Yes, the landscape has changed dramatically, but the essence remains the same — exchanging knowledge and creating connections.

Whether online or offline, the world of conferences continues to be a vibrant, dynamic space.

It’s where ideas are shared, relationships are forged, and innovations are sparked. As we adapt to new modes and overcome challenges, this spirit of exploration and excellence continues to drive us.

In Conclusion

We’ve seen the highs, navigated the lows, and adapted to the digital transformation.

But through it all, the core purpose remains unchanged.

It’s about sharing knowledge, connecting with others, and continuously pushing the boundaries of our fields.

With all its twists and turns, this journey continues to be an exhilarating and enriching part of my professional life.

---

You can also check out my personal Blog here or the latest eBooks I have recently published — here.