Conference attire

[mudphudwannabe]

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This is a silly question, but I've never attended a major conference before and I'm going to the AACR conference next week in Anaheim, CA. Are these things usually considered "business casual"? My wardrobe is somewhat limited, especially as far as warm weather things. A lot my interview things are more wintery. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[javert]

The conferences that I've been to (Association for Research in Otolaryngology) have been very casual. Most people just wear khakis and the like, though there would be some people in suits and some in jeans. Back when it was in Daytona, people would often show up in just a shirt and swimming trunks before heading off to the beach.

Not sure if all of them are that informal, but you'd probably be safe going the khakis route.

 

[ChyLn]

Khakis and a shirt that's not a t-shirt is fine and probably the safest way to go. Suits can get uncomfortable after a whole day!

 

[dilated]

I agree with the previous posters, with the partial caveat that people are sometimes a bit dressier when presenting posters and (especially) orals. In general you'll see people in a wide range of outfits, though. Breathe easy - you're in science, dysfunctional social behavior is the norm here. Somebody will always have less of an idea what's appropriate than you.

 

[mudphudwannabe]

I agree with the previous posters, with the partial caveat that people are sometimes a bit dressier when presenting posters and (especially) orals. In general you'll see people in a wide range of outfits, though. Breathe easy - you're in science, dysfunctional social behavior is the norm here. Somebody will always have less of an idea what's appropriate than you.

Haha, you know, that's exactly what I was thinking. I mean...swim trunks? Anyway, I'm not technically presenting anything, although I am coauthor on 2 posters so I'll probably be standing by when we present those. Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Now I just have to do laundry. 🙂

 

[Treg]

Haha, you know, that's exactly what I was thinking. I mean...swim trunks? Anyway, I'm not technically presenting anything, although I am coauthor on 2 posters so I'll probably be standing by when we present those. Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Now I just have to do laundry. 🙂

Haha, good thread 👍

I am going to an international conference in Europe next month, and there are two dinner/reception events listed with dress as "dark suit or formal dress." This is easy for a guy, not so straight-forward for a girl! Especially considering that we are in science and women in this field are generally not so.....fashion conscious. I am trying to decide what to bring so that I will look good, be comfortable, not stand out too badly (hmm, no prom dress right! ), etc. Any ideas?

😀 Treg

PS I am giving an oral presentation, but I will bring my suit for that 🙂

 

[mudphudwannabe]

Haha, good thread 👍

I am going to an international conference in Europe next month, and there are two dinner/reception events listed with dress as "dark suit or formal dress." This is easy for a guy, not so straight-forward for a girl! Especially considering that we are in science and women in this field are generally not so.....fashion conscious. I am trying to decide what to bring so that I will look good, be comfortable, not stand out too badly (hmm, no prom dress right! ), etc. Any ideas?

😀 Treg

PS I am giving an oral presentation, but I will bring my suit for that 🙂

Perhaps you don't want to take advice from someone who was just asking for advice on a similar question..but.. For "Formal dress" I don't think you could go wrong with a nice black dress, probably long. Of course, it could be any color -- I'm thinking generally what you would find in the formal section of a department store that doesn't involve sequins, poofy tulle or anything too..umm...revealing. Something fairly simple and elegant. Sleeveless is probably fine -- I tend to avoid spaghetti straps due to the obvious problem if one of them breaks, but that's up to you. I've never had it happen, but I have had some come dangerously close. 🙂 Anyway, depending on the weather you'll probably want a nice wrap to go along with it. Guys have it so much easier. All they have to do is throw on a suit and they're fine. 😛 Well, anyone else have ideas? I hope this helped.