How to vEGU: networking

This year vEGU21 has flexible networking tools available to conveners and attendees, allowing people to engage and socialise with, and learn from one another in almost any way they wish. Networking is facilitated by three key tools: the Networker community-building platform, the conference Handshake tool, and the Pop-Up Scheduler.

This year the Networker will help attendees find, meet, and talk with one another and forge lasting connections. Build your profile by adding in your expertise, social media, contact information and other details; you can even add stickers to quickly showcase your Division, whether you are an Early Career Scientist, and your pronouns amongst other choices! During the Assembly you can find other members with similar interests on the Networker, share your profiles with people you meet at the conference, or start group text chats with other members in your network. The Networker isn’t just for the Assembly either: after building your network at the Assembly members will be able to keep connected and meet others all year-round!

One of the quickest ways to build your network during the Assembly is by using the conference networking tool: Handshake. Handshake lets you quickly initiate contact with other attendees in your virtual conference room and share your networker profile or start a text chat.

If you want to run your own event then the Assembly’s Pop-Up Scheduler allows you to set up networking opportunities of any kind, from small events focusing on a particular scientific topic to spaces for you to build a community. Perhaps you’ve been inspired by member-led events like the Games Night or Rhyme Your Research and want to explore more ways to get involved in geoscience communication! The Pop-Up Scheduler allows you to do all this and more: simply choose a date, time, and provide a link to a platform of your choice. Once submitted it will be added to the conference programme. You can link to any platform you like: the scheduler is designed to be flexible and meet the needs of the membership, so members should feel free to organise events using platforms from Animal Crossing to Zoom! Unsure which one to choose? Check out our uploaded display materials for inspiration and suggestions.