Based on practical experiences and empirical research, Making Sense of Academic Conferences offers an introduction to the world of academic conferences. This accessible text also includes material to support researchers who are organising conferences.

Offering guidance about presenting at, participating in, and planning a conference, it uncovers the purpose of conferences; their role in supporting researcher development; steps involved in selecting and travelling to a conference; routine practices and terminology; strategies for making the most out of conferences. Suitable for doctoral students and early career researchers, this book engages with all aspects of academic conferences, recognising that attending conferences is as much about presenting papers as discos and not spilling your tea on the keynote speaker.

The book is ideally suited for graduate researchers and early career researchers, particularly those who may be going to their first conference, or travelling to their first international conference, and for more experienced academics who are working with novice conference attendees.