Meeting professors at conferences.

[hope4fall2012]

A couple of professors mentioned that they would be in a conference in my home country and asked whether I would be attending. Although I'm not presenting anything, I'll be attending the conference, mainly to meet professors. the conference is in 3 weeks time.

At this point of time, there have been no plans made regarding the details of meeting them. And I have no clue as to how to go about it. And what do students and professors usually talk about when they meet at conferences? What material should I take with me when I go there? I'll definitely be taking my resume and a write up of my research work, but anything else?

Also, I plan to meet with 3 professors at this conference. The conference is not a big one(like AGU). Should I worry about being seen with one of the professors by the other professors. I definitely don't want to be sneaking around, but I dont want my chances at the other universities to be destroyed. I don't know whether this is a silly question, but at this stage, with no admits as yet, I'm paranoid beyond normal.

[waddle]

At this point of time, there have been no plans made regarding the details of meeting them. And I have no clue as to how to go about it.

Shoot them an email, ask when they'd like to meet.

And what do students and professors usually talk about when they meet at conferences? What material should I take with me when I go there? I'll definitely be taking my resume and a write up of my research work, but anything else?

IMO, there's no need to give them more sheets of paper to read. Just talking with them about where they'd like to take their research projects in the near future is a good start.

Should I worry about being seen with one of the professors by the other professors. I definitely don't want to be sneaking around, but I dont want my chances at the other universities to be destroyed..

You've got your economics backward. Being seen with other professors is probably a good thing, it might make them more interested in you (since there is a perceived demand (or at least interest) in having you as a student).

[hope4fall2012]

Thank you for the reply Waddle!!

Met a 'top' professor in my field from WashU yesterday and it didn't go half as bad as I feared..

Explained my work, asked about my application, thanked him for the time and that was it..