*(Please read/listen to the narrated version or do both based on whatever you prefer)!

Sam Browning, Geography & Environment, University of Liverpool (2024 cohort)

I attended the 2025 Royal Geographical Society (RGS-IBG) Annual International Conference at the University of Birmingham (UOB) between the 26^th and 29^th of August. The symposium attracted over 2000 delegates across the four days to explore the overarching theme of ‘Geographies of Creativity / Creative Geographies’, organised and introduced by Conference Chair Prof. Patricia Noxolo (UOB). Here are some of my reflections and recommendations on how to get the most out of attending a future RGS or equivalent annual international conference as a first-time delegate¹.

Creative approaches to geographical thinking were pivotal throughout, with sessions covering:

• Creative tensions (autoethnographic walking methodologies)
• Climate heritage/injustice/migration
• Decolonial epistemologies, pedagogies and storytelling
• Disability and inclusive-place-based policy practices
• Transport geographies and more

The diversity of research captured geographers’ capacities to accelerate timely discussions on strategies for developing and transforming the environment and society. 641 sessions were facilitated across four days, including lectures, pedagogy cafes and walking tours – meaning advanced planning was essential. Some sessions required pre-registration and took place across the entire UOB campus and parts of the city. Familiarising yourself with the conference venue, schedule, and local area beforehand would be one of my key takeaway recommendations. All details were made available beforehand on the RGS website.

As with all conferences, networking is crucial and a key benefit of attending an event of this scale and size, where 72 countries were represented. Some of my tips for those who may wish to attend the annual RGS or equivalent in the future, follow as:

Strategic planning: Identify sessions aligned with your research expertise or interests and note presenters (and their papers) working on similar challenges, ideas and/or solutions. Doing so will create more natural opportunities for conversation when attending such a large-scale conference (especially if it’s your first time). Also, booking a hotel (near the venue) and organising travel arrangements as soon as you purchase the tickets is worth considering.

Reading abstracts: Similar to my previous point, going through the abstracts in advance helps you identify relevant sessions to attend and prepare thoughtful questions to engage with the speakers most effectively.

Be proactive: I know it can feel daunting at first, but feel comfortable introducing yourself to the other delegates in attendance at all times. I found everyone to be friendly, welcoming, and appreciative of my curiosity about what they were researching and writing about. I found most delegates during coffee breaks and lunches to be open to discussion on a wide range of things, so in line with this year’s RGS theme, embrace creativity.

Follow-up: If you connect with a fellow delegate, follow up after the conference or while there, exchange emails or social platforms like LinkedIn to maintain the relationship. You never know in the future where networking activity may lead you or doors it will open.

Attend the social events: At a conference like the annual international RGS, social events act as a more informal setting to build a rapport and expand your academic network, so feel free to make the most of these if you are attending in person (they vary to cater for a wider range of comforts and interests). As well, make sure to take adequate rest breaks to maintain your energy, focus and positive mental wellbeing throughout the duration of a near week-long conference.

Connect with your institution’s delegates: Linking up with fellow PhDs or academics from your department or University can help ease your integration into the wider conference community, which I found helpful for meeting others and finding my way around the UOB as a first-time delegate at the annual RGS.

To conclude, the size of an annual international conference can feel overwhelming, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the RGS and found the atmosphere and culture collegial and welcoming. Engaging with fellow delegates enriched my conference experience. It opened doors to potential future collaborations – for this, on its own, is why I would be looking to go again sometime later in my PhD. I highly recommend embracing the diversity of sessions if you want to attend next year’s event, which will be held at the RGS in South Kensington (London) in early September. If you go, prepare well, stay open to new ideas and tailor your experience to your evolving academic and personal interests. Most importantly, have fun!

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¹ As well, please see reflections from Chloe Fox-Robertson (NWSSDTP, Geography and Environment) if you would like to know more about what it is like to present for the first time at the Annual RGS International Conference (London, 2024).