“How do you get invited to speak everywhere?”
I was asked this curious question as I was mingling with other cytometry professionals after a seminar. The truth is, I’d never given it much thought. For me, speaking was simply part of the natural progression of my career, allowing me to stay in contact with the cytometry community. I am always looking to share information about day to day issues that occur in the lab. In general, flow cytometry professionals love to exchange new ideas, troubleshoot, and discuss how to improve protocols. I like to think of the field of flow cytometry as open to everyone. It’s a difficult field to master but it’s not an arcane art exclusive to a few elite people.
I learn something new in the lab every single day. With the explosive growth of cytometry, it seems like nearly everyone is struggling to keep up. We keep finding more and more applications for flow, using it to tease out increasingly comprehensive information. This innovation includes the rise of mass cytometry, multispectral imaging flow, FLOCK, and FLAME. Networking and sharing information through talks, seminars, and conferences creates energy and invites creative thought. As the field continues to advance, and as the lines of scientific communication continue to open, speaking and orally presenting data and information will become more and more valuable. So…how do you do it? Or, should I say, how do you get invited to do it. Here’s what I would suggest:
1. Be passionate about flow cytometry and the research that comes through your lab.
2. Get out of your box and talk to people. Trust me, your observations and discoveries in the lab are valuable. Share them.
3. Put yourself out there. Your experiences and knowledge are unique. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that everyone has had to troubleshoot the same issues that you have. There is a wide spectrum of users, at all levels, who are hungry for advice and information.
Finally, I’d like to say a word to those that think business and science to not mix. First, it’s important to consider all of the vendors who support flow cytometry by generously buying tables, sponsoring meals, and so much more for events. Vendors and scientists alike, rely on networking at conferences, seminars, and speaking engagements. All of those new features wouldn’t come about without a strong interaction between business and science.
No one can work in a vacuum or outside the sphere of activity and expect to make much progress. Altogether, be passionate and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and connect. Contribute to the circle of learning and you will get invited to speak.