> Resources and Publications > PHC RIS infonet > October 2007 > Connecting people - the magic of networks

Connecting people - the magic of networks

Preliminary results

As part of a longitudinal study on conference networking, PHC RIS conducted a questionnaire prior to the 2007 General Practice and Primary Health Care (GP & PHC) Research Conference asking delegates about networking experiences at previous GP & PHC Research Conferences and expectations for the upcoming event (n = 141; response rate 44%).

Networking was further discussed in a focus group at the 2007 conference (n=10).

In a nutshell:

Networking is a major reason to register. The three most common reasons for attending were: networking (28%), getting informed on PHC research (24%) and presenting own work (24%).

“…there are some things that require face to face human interaction, or just work better in person.”

Both work-related networking and general socialising were rated highly (Mean of 4.4 and 3.4 on scale 1=not important; 5=extremely important).

Aspects important to delegates included:

• Breaking out of an isolated work environment
• Forming strategic partnerships
• Finding emotional support
• Finding mentors or professional support
• Knowledge sharing
• Meeting colleagues in a different space.

Respondents valued most conference activities as effective in supporting networking, in particular breaks between presentations (mean 3.8), informal activities (3.7) and non-organised networking (4.0), reflected also by frequent comments that enough time between formal activities is important (scale 1=not effective, 5=extremely effective).

Knowing someone is a key feature in making new acquaintances. Ninety-one percent of respondents who already knew delegates, made new acquaintances, in contrast to only 50% who made new acquaintances but did not know anyone before.

“It's often difficult when you are new to a field and everyone else knows each other or it feels that way.”

How can conference organisers help? Some delegates do plan ahead and it works. Organisers can help by providing information upfront.

“Having the presentation topics up on the web before the conference enabled me to know who I should look out for beforehand.”

Stage 2 of the project, focusing on outcomes of networking at the 2007 conference, is currently in progress. A report of both stages will be published by the end of the year.

For more information contact:
Gerd Winter, Research Associate
E: gerhard.winter@flinders.edu.au