Ok I'm a grown women so this sounds really sad but I am off to Edinburgh at the weekend for my first conference. Its nothing scary really organised by ESRC and is designed to help us survive and thrive as well as a networking opportunity but I am so out of my depth. I have nothing to wear and its the first time I have left my twins for so long. I'm so used to being a mum or a dreggy student I'm not sure how to act!
Any tips on appearing as if I know what I am doing?

dont panic!! i usually dress smart casual .. think people in suits look a bit formal and scary. as long as you know your subject area it should be fine although ive never had many in depth conversations about my work so much so i felt out of my depth. i always feel an idiot talking to professors etc so try stay calm!

I am off to my first conference next week aswell.. Looking forward to it.. I was wondering what I should wear too.. Any excuse to buy new clothes hehe.

Mmm so is smart casual jeans and a shirt? I don't think jeans and a t-shirt is acceptable ...or can I get away with it?
My clothes are limited so think I may hit meadowhell at the weekend for some stuff.
And shoes...can I wear trainers? I don't posess a pair of shoes and would be loath to buy any as they would never get worn.
Any chance we can get clothes on expenses...I mean its kinda legit isnt it???
Also a lie in...I havnt had a lie in for 19 months!!! Sheer bliss!!!

Tricky...whats yours on??
I particularly like the bit in mine about managing your supervisors!!!

i tend to go for black trousers and jumper/shirt type things with like flat shoes.. so not all dressed up in heels and suit. i wouldnt recommend jeans just in case you need to netowkr with top profs etc.

i usually look like a walking advert for Oasis as they do such nice smartish clothes!

dazednconfused, I remember my first conference 3 years ago (not presented, just participated). But it was over 4 days, where we stayed together in the same place with other participants and presenters, we ate together, we went out together, it was really nice. But before I went, my friend bought me a lovely white cardigan, thinking it would keep me warm in the conference room. I'm glad she did, because it was freezing in there. But by the end of the 4th day, you could easily spot the chairs I sat on at different sessions. They were covered with white wool and fur

Mine is on poultry science. I would imagine there will be people from my industrial partner there so i'll have to be on my best behaviour!

Thats another thing...behaviour!! There is a meal in the evening and I like a glass of wine but don't want to let myself down by eating with wrong impliment/drinking too much etc etc!!!

Mmmm methinks I will stay away from white cardis...but seems its up north something warm is order of the day.
I'm sure there is a witty remark on white fluff and poultry but my brain is too frazzled to make the connection.....your is def. more 'grown-up' than mine!!!

Have fun Tricky and Dazed, you will have a great time. I would opt for the smart / casual thing too. I would not wear jeans personally but my conferences are usually attended by medics and other health professionals so possibly quite different.