First-Time Attendee

Navigating the American Astronomical Society’s meeting can be a daunting experience for first-time attendees. However, with the right planning, you are sure to have an inspiring and engaging experience.

Take the time to look at the meeting program beforehand (or even on the plane) to get a glimpse at sessions or events you may want to attend. Once they become available, use the interactive program online, and download the annual meeting app. It might take a while to navigate around the hotel or convention center, so factor that into your planning.

Here are some further tips to ensure that you get the most out of your first AAS meeting.

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Attend all the invited and prize talks, even if you are not familiar with the topic. The speakers usually provide overviews of their fields/subfields and plan on speaking to a general audience.

Attend oral and special sessions that pique your interest.

Attend sessions outside your area of interest/specialty.

Use the mobile app. It is full of information!

Attend a press conference.

Talk to your fellow members of all ages and ask questions. Astronomers are friendly and generally talkative.

Practice an “elevator speech” of your research interests (among your friends is fine!) — whether that's a synopsis of your dissertation if you’re close to graduating, or an overview of the questions and sources that interest you if you’re not. This should ideally be thirty seconds or shorter.

Meet one prize winner.

Attend the evening poster session.

If you are an undergraduate student, be sure to attend the Grad School & REU Fair. 

Introduce yourself to the AAS staff; they are very helpful.

Meet at least one AAS Trustee. They represent your interests. YOUR career starts with YOU taking action.

Attend the Town Hall meetings; you will be surprised at what you might learn about our field.

Consider volunteering for a future meeting.

Visit the Exhibit Hall and talk to our exhibitors.

Network. Network. Network.

Make new friends. Have fun.

Follow us on Twitter (@AAS_Office) and tweet about your experience using hashtag #AAS242.

Follow us on Instagram (@aas_office) and tag us in your IG Stories and photos! #AAS242.

Like us on Facebook (American Astronomical Society).