Are you new to the HERDSA conference, and feeling unsure about how to navigate your way around all the sessions, events, workshops and more? Would a guiding hand in all this to make it a little less overwhelming?

Or have you been here before? Do you know which sessions are “not to be missed”, how to navigate the program, rooms and extra events? And would you be like to share this knowledge and experience? 

Then the HERDSA Professional Buddy Program is here for you! 

The role of a Professional Buddy is not to hold new comers hands and no, you don’t have to “hang out together all week”.  Rather the idea is that Buddies will assist New Delegates to connect with others and do their best to respond to questions regarding any aspects of the conference or opportunities offered by HERDSA beyond the conference such as Fellowships, Special Interest Groups and State Networks.

Essentially, the HERDSA Professional Buddy Program is designed to make new comers feel welcome and included in all HERDSA Conference activities. We have learnt from previous year’s evaluations of the Program that buddies benefit most when theyconnect prior to the conference (via email or phone) and meet early in the conference schedule. There is a range of potential meeting times including during coffee breaks, receptions, dinners, or expeditions. Many buddies attended each other’s presentations. How often you connect is a decision for you both to make.

So…

Would you like a HERDSA Professional Buddy with whom to connect at the conference in Adelaide?

OR

Would you like to be a HERDSA Professional Buddy who connects with and welcomes those new to HERDSA at the conference in Adelaide?

We hope to accommodate all those new to HERDSA but participation is dependent on how many professional buddies (experienced conference delegates) are available. Those new to HERDSA will be matched on a first-in first-matched basis.

If you wish to be allocated a HERDSA Professional Buddy or wish to be a HERDSA Professional Buddy for the 2018 Adelaide Conference complete this sign up form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TKJNXHL

Deadline Wednesday 13th June 2018. You will receive an email on Wednesday 20th June 2018 to inform you of your Buddy’s details!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Ms Amanda Richardson & Dr Ben McCann
HERDSA SA Branch executive, New Member liaisons

Dr Deb Clarke
HERDSA Project Officer, HERDSA Executive