Junior academic having a lonely conference!

[packedup]

Just that really. Any other academics feel/felt the same when attending conferences? I have a couple of acquaintances at this conference, but very very tenuous. Essentially, I do the academic sessions and bin all the social stuff because I just CAN'T go to a social event on my own, where everyone else seems to know at least somebody. Is this common to junior academics, or am I just a complete no-mates?

Oh totally normal. I'm was not an academic but went to many conferences in my field (government) and 'twas ever thus. Give the social side a whirl, but don't read too much into it. Enjoy the free cocktail sausages!

Thanks you'refired, that's comforting! Secretly quite enjoy the time to spend reading my book alone (no kids/dH to deal with)! But do feel slightly that I should be less of an introvert.

You won't get to know anyone if you don't speak to anyone though.

I am not good at such events for the reasons you mention, but I do make myself talk to people before going and hiding in my room. ( not an academic but in parallel situations).
The weather is an old favourite, quality of food, what the last speaker said, where people are from... Barging a group whoknow each other is scary but try to spot the others who don't know anyone, or build on your acquaintances.

Than go and hide in your room and wibble!

You're missing nothing at the socials if they are anything like mine! Try to introduce yourself though. I've built up some good friends and we help each other out when we can, read each others articles, that kind of thing. Just push through the embarrassment.

Yes! Very common! It is great for catching up on reading as you said OP. Am lucky though as I work in quite a small field so it is fairly easy to get to know people. I sometimes find it worse when I know a few people vaguely too: if no-one knows me at all I can usually muster the courage to start random conversations, but not if anyone at all has ever met me before.

Problem has recently been solved as DP works in the same field and knows just about everyone apparently. Not a recommended solution: I was just starting to be, "oh you're Goldrill, I read that stuff you did", and now it's "oh you're MrsGoldrill'sDP - how is he and how is his project coming along". Gaah.

Perfectly common! But most people know that its all about networking, so do the social bit too. Go to other panels, sit, ask questions, people love to talk about their work...ask questions. Talk to publishers, speak to similar silent souls. And enjoy time to yourself.

It Gets better the min you come out of your shell and say hi and tell people who you are. Most academics who attend 2-3 day things are chatty and relaxed and would love to know you and your work - so go ahead and chat! A conference is all about taking notes, making contacts, telling people about yourself and knowing things you did not know before...enjoy them!

Oh no Goldrill, that must be very annoying. I know exactly what you mean by knowing somebody vaguely being worse, makes you even more self-conscious! This is a bit of looking-over-shoulder conference, where when you are talking to somebody they often seem to be checking whether there's someone more important they should be networking with over your shoulder. Anyway, probably I'm paranoid and this all goes back to horrible school situations from long ago. I need therapy! Failing which, I may have a glass of wine and go back to my book. (I did have lunch with somebody today so at least I've done some networking).

I also feel this and in my case when there are 7,000 of us in 15 lecture theatres at the ICC and NIA what is the chance of bumping into the few people you know. As in my case it is a four night deal I have made a couple of friendships with reps whom I spend big wonga with which ensures I get one dinner invitation. The other three nights I read my book, watch crap TV, go to bed early and enjoy not being woken at stupid o'clock by an eight year old.

It's awful isn't it! Sympathies. Do try to chat to a few people though - just to get your face known (you never know who will be reviewing your next paper!) A good bet is to catch someone after their presentation, compliment them on their talk and ask them a question during the break. Force yourself to do this a few times, and you will find that people start to come and talk to you during social events. So tempting to go back to the hotel room and watch west wing (or similar!) on your laptop though...