How To Survive – handy hints for conference newbies

We’re now only a matter of days away from Liverpool, and BES 2014! As a Young Endocrinologist (YE) member, and clinician in training, BES provides a superb opportunity for learning, networking and for ‘recharging the endocrine batteries’! As with any major conference, it's key to get a balance of getting the most out of each day while not over-exhausting yourself.

Some top tips for the YE attending BES:

1. Start looking through the scientific programme now and highlight any sessions that may be of interest to you
2. Plan out each day, with a couple of key sessions you’d like to attend
3. Every day, go with an open mind, be flexible and willing to try sessions ‘ad hoc’
4. If you’re a clinician, try and attend some scientific sessions, and vice versa, to broaden your mind and outlook
5. Take time for plenty of breaks, to remain hydrated and fresh! Carry a drink to keep you going….the days can be long, so time for rest is vital
6. Don’t feel you have to attend everything! Not only is this impossible, it’s not practical, it will actually drain you out and stop you gaining maximum benefit from BES
7. Have a wander around the poster sessions with a cup of coffee – it’s a fantastic way to broaden your knowledge, whilst meeting some very interesting people from all areas of the endocrine world
8. Spend time getting to know new faces, old and young, from different disciplines and locations, during coffee breaks or over lunch. Or why not come along to our YE social event on the Monday evening?
9. Taking time to chill, - what better way to relax after the first day that joining us for our annual Young Endocrinologists Quiz Night – the perfect opportunity for fun, drinks and a curry!
10. Enjoy Liverpool! Make sure to take some time out to explore the surrounding area of the Albert Dock, shops and other historical areas of this International city

I’ll particularly be looking forward to the Clinical Management Workshops and the very valuable Meet the Expert sessions dotted throughout the week. And, of course, BES wouldn’t be complete without our Young Endocrinologists’ Symposium on the Tuesday afternoon, where we have a line-up of excellent speakers who will be sharing their expertise on ‘Establishing Successful Collaborations’.

I hope these tips may offer some help for you to get the most out of BES and reinforce the aims the Society for Endocrinology has for you – to Engage, Support and Advance.

Well, here’s to another great BES. See you there!

Andrew J Lansdown

Cardiff University School of Medicine