The ACSM Annual Meeting provides students with opportunities to connect with sports medicine professionals, grow their skills and build lasting relationships with peers and mentors. To help you make the most of your time at the conference, the ACSM Student Affairs Committee has compiled a list of networking tips tailored specifically for students.
Networking Tips
Take advance of the opportunity to network with professionals, researchers, and peers. Here are some tips to help:
1. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch
Before attending, craft a brief, clear, and engaging elevator pitch that highlights who you are, what you’re studying, your interests, and what you hope to gain from the meeting. Keep it concise (about 30–60 seconds).
2. Be Proactive in Starting Conversations
Don’t wait for others to approach you. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to fellow attendees, speakers, or exhibitors. As a student, you may feel intimidated, but professionals are generally very open to chatting with students and sharing advice. You won’t know unless you start the conversation.
Tips for Breaking the Ice:
- Compliment the speaker or presentation: “I really enjoyed your talk on [topic]. I’d love to hear more about your research in [specific area].”
- Ask questions: “What do you think are the most important skills for someone starting out in [area of interest]?” or “How did you get started in sports medicine/research?”
3. Attend Networking Events and Social
Take full advantage of any student-focused networking events or socials during the conference: attend a Special Interest Group meeting, visit the Student Lounge, or ask poster presenters about their work. A full list of opportunities is in the meeting app.
4. Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram to connect with others at the conference and build your online network. Use #ACSM25 to share updates or see what other attendees have to say.
5. Be a Student Volunteer
Volunteer for roles such as session assistant or helping with registration. Volunteering can give you the chance to meet other volunteers, professionals, and speakers in a more casual setting. Plus, earn 50% off your registration fee. Learn more and sign up here.
6. Follow Up After the Event
After meeting someone, don’t hesitate to follow up via email or LinkedIn. Reference something specific from your conversation to remind them of who you are. Following up helps reinforce the connection you made and could potentially lead to mentorship, job opportunities, or future collaborations.
7. Be Genuine and Approachable
Approach conversations with curiosity and interest, rather than just looking for opportunities. Ask questions, share your experiences, and express genuine enthusiasm for the field.
8. Be Prepared to Discuss Your Research or Interest
If you’ve done research or have specific interests within sports medicine, be ready to talk about them! Sharing your work can spark interesting conversations.
You can find more student resources on the Annual Meeting students page.
