Lived Experience Included
Some ideas on how to support your partners during conference season.
By Rae Martens
In the above photo, I asked ChatGPT to create an image that reflects my first experience navigating a health research conference. It’s big, full or people, overwhelming and at times confusing.
How can we break down the ways to support partners as you attend conferences together? They tend to align with three different themes…
Conferences are more than just an opportunity for networking and knowledge exchange. They are spaces where communities are build and new partnerships are found.
First step is getting there…
Conference Logistics: Where possible eliminate barriers to travel and registration. Have transparent discussions about the process of registering, costs, etc. and reimbursement processes (if not covered upfront by research team - sometimes reimbursements can take a long time)
Advocate with organizers if something was sorely lacking in your partners experience like inaccessibility.
Flexible/alternative ways to engage and participate - Sometimes partners aren't always available or comfortable going in person so sometimes joined virtually or instead pre-recorded videos to include in the talk if that was more comfortable for them – there are many ways to present at conferences
Review the program together and identify sessions of interest and things to attend together! Be a jargon translator where needed.
Clear and Compassionate Communication: Stay in conversation through the conference. You don’t have to be together all the time, but be sure to check in and ensure their experience is a positive one. Leave open space for feedback.
Help build their confidence in how they navigate the space and in their communication skills for presentations.
Support and congratulate their efforts. Be their biggest fan.
Have a trauma informed mindset for potential triggers.
Co-design your poster or talk.
Community Building: Help them communicate with confidence what small talk can look like as a community partner. They don’t have to share their healthcare experiences. They can share what their study is about.
Business cards: share how they can use them to stay in touch with people they meet. if not in the budget, carry a notepad and pen.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. What are some ways that helped you feel comfortable at conferences? Let us know and tag us on social media platforms at FERProgram
This post is based off a recent talk given by Rae Martens, Vanessa Tomas Donna Thomson and Sam Micsinszki
You can watch it here: