Eight Tips to Prepare for the Conference

UB's Undergraduate Research Conference is a great opportunity to present faculty-supervised research, learn about graduate education at UB and network with peers, panelists and professionals in your field of study. Let us help you get the most out of all the conference has to offer.

Before attending a conference, it is important to read any and all emails leading up to the event. This is especially important for a virtual conference, where essential information (including conference links, usernames and passwords) will be shared via email. Additionally, if you are presenting at the conference, you will be required to submit information ahead of the conference about your presentation, and will be prompted to do so via email. Add this official conference email address to your "safe senders" list: ugconf-research@buffalo.edu

Block your calendar on the days of the conference to allow time to be fully present and engaged, with minimal distraction. Review the conference agenda to learn the timeline of events and who will be presenting. Research the keynote speakers, learn who they are and what they do, and watch videos of other presentations they have given. Learning about the speakers before the event helps you decide which keynote to attend and prepares you for the discussion portion of their presentation.

The UB Undergraduate Research Conference will be hosted virtually by Whova. Click here to access the Whova platform on the web (registered users only).

You may download the Whova app on any iOS or Android device from the appropriate app store.

For assistance with using Whova, please see the Whova App User Guide on Whova's website.

Registered attendees will receive access to pre-conference video workshops featuring faculty, student and alum to prepare them for an engaging and productive conference experience. 

• Making the Most of Your Research Conference
• Presenting Your Research in a World of Skeptics
• Your Digital Identity
• Surviving and Thriving in Graduate School—You Belong!

Learn more about the pre-conference workshops.

Whova, the conference platform, allows you to build your own profile so other conference attendees can learn more about you. Be sure to fill in the information thoroughly and accurately, as this will serve as a first impression for most conference attendees.

Now is a great time to also review your LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media accounts to be sure the content is current and professional.

There will plenty of time to network with other conference attendees. Make sure you have a good answer to "what do you do?".

Your elevator pitch should be brief, clear and descriptive. You should be able to articulate what you do (or what your research is about) succinctly, using simple terms, and explain why it is important. Be sure to use examples and create an opportunity to invite further conversation.

Connect with other attendees on social using the event hashtag #UBURC. Be sure to use the time before the conference to share your excitement and engage with other participants.

During the event you are encouraged to tweet/post about your experience, including quotes, slides, fun facts and the conference social media graphics. Always use the hashtag #UBURC. Attendees will follow the hashtag, this is a great way to be noticed.

Here are some tools to show your UB Undergraduate Research Conference spirit! Use our Zoom backgrounds during the conference and use the social media graphics for your profile pictures and posts. Don't forget to use the hashtag #UBURC when you post!

Tip: If the text in your Zoom background appears backward, check to be sure "Mirror My Video" is unchecked in your Zoom settings.