Drawing from Experience

Dear Reader,

Navigating AERA can be challenging, particularly for those of us new to the conference scene in general. The insights below emerged from the How to AERA: Philadelphia 2024 conversation between graduate student reps from Division K and B, featuring Dr. Camika Royal, Dr. Boni Fernandes Wozelek, Dr. Gerald Campano, and Dr. James Earl Davis. During this conversation, panelists shared their real experiences and practical suggestions for creating community, navigating social spaces, and finding resources, while successfully representing our work, ideas, and selves as graduate students and early career scholars. We hope that in sharing their advice–and the tips, tricks, and notes that we have gathered as a collective–will help you make your time at AERA and in Philly meaningful, worthwhile, and easier. While we’ve created this document with the aim of providing you some support, we know that it also is not complete. We will continue to add information and tips as we learn about them, and we invite you to share any other helpful perspectives you have learned or questions you would like answered by your Graduate Student Council division reps. We look forward to connecting with you in Philly!

Warmly,

Bianca Licata, Senior Graduate Student Representative, Division K

C. Simekha, Senior Graduate Student Representative, Division B

Sonnur Ozturk, Junior Graduate Student Representative, Division K

MaryJohn Cartee, Junior Graduate Student Representative, Division B

Kandyce Anderson Amie, Graduate Student Executive Board Member, Division B

Corinna Ott, Graduate Student Executive Board Member, Division K

PHILADELPHIA

Traveling to/within Philadelphia

It’s easier to take public transportation from the airport than it is to get a rideshare
Getting to the City Center from the Airport*

• Taxi or Ride-Sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available at Philadelphia International Airport. Simply follow signs to the designated taxi pickup area or use the app to request a ride. Inform the driver of your destination at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• SEPTA Regional Rail: The Airport Line operated by SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) offers direct train service from the airport to Center City. Follow signs in the airport to the SEPTA station, purchase a ticket, and board the Airport Line train heading towards Center City. Alight at Jefferson Station, which is closest to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. From there, it's a short walk to the Convention Center. The journey from the airport to Jefferson Station takes approximately 25-30 minutes.
• SEPTA Bus: SEPTA also operates several bus routes connecting the airport to Center City. Route 37 connects the airport with South Philadelphia and Center City. Look for signs or ask airport staff for directions to the bus stop. You can take the bus to a stop close to the Convention Center and then walk the remaining distance.
• Airport Shuttle Services: Some hotels near the Convention Center offer shuttle services for their guests. Check with your accommodation provider if they provide this service and how to arrange it.
• Learn more by visiting https://www.phl.org/getting-around/public-transportation and https://www.septa.org/ 

Seeing the City + Weather

Enjoy the city you’re in and take the opportunity to explore the city with friends, peers, and new people you meet.

• Things to bring: An umbrella, comfortable shoes (and sneakers for the GSC sneaker ball – see details at the bottom of this document!), business casual wear → The Philly weather is said to be an average of 64F/43C, so be prepared for a little wind and a bit of warm!
• Good eats to experience:

• Philly Cheesesteaks 

• The big tourist spots (Pat's and Geno's) are not where locals would tell you to get a cheesesteak ;) Jim's is closed as a result of a bad fire and not reopening until May. Some alternatives that Philly folks will tell you are worth it are: D'Allesandro's,  Angelo's (also pizza), Ishkabibble's (eatishkabibbles.com), and John's Roast Pork (also well-known for their Roast Pork).

• Vegan food at Vedge (vedgerestaurant.com)
• Chicken at Asad's – Hot Chicken (asads.co)
• Because of Philly’s large Black muslim population, there are tons of great halal places. You can some of them here: A Guide to Halal Restaurants in Philadelphia | Visit Philadelphia (visitphilly.com)
• Two Locals Brewing Company: https://www.twolocalsbrewing.com/ (Two Locals is recently opened and is the first Black-owned brewery in Philadelphia. More info here: https://philly.eater.com/2024/1/26/24051455/two-locals-philly-black-owned-brewery-university-city-pennsylvania)
• Southeast Asian Food Market in FDR park:https://www.fdrseamarket.com/ (Open air food market in South Philly on Saturdays and Sundays. It usually opens in April, but the opening is delayed. Not sure if it will be open by AERA - check the website for updates).
• Kampar Philadelphia: https://www.kamparphilly.com/ (Malaysian restaurant committed to providing a platform for underrepresented food in Philadelphia)
• South Philly Barbacoa and Casa Mexico: https://www.barbacoaphilly.com/ and https://casamexicophl.com/index.html (chef and activist Christina Martinez' restaurants)
• Vietnam Restaurant: https://www.eatatvietnam.com/restaurant/index.php. (This is on the edge of Chinatown and near the convention center/AERA hotels. They recently received a James Beard award for the region.)
• El Merkury: https://www.elmerkury.com/ (Central American street food, woman-owned - they also have a stand in Reading Terminal Market)
• Down North Pizza: https://www.downnorthpizza.com/ (North Philly pizza place committed to supporting and employing and supporting formerly incarcerated individuals)
• Reading Terminal Market (https://readingterminalmarket.org/merchant-directory/) is right by the convention center and AERA hotels and has tons of stalls and great food if you're in a hurry. Popular spots are D'Nicks for Roast Pork, Carmen's or Spataro's for Cheesesteaks, Sang Kee for Peking duck, Hershel's for deli, El Merkury for Central American street food and churros, Termini Bros for desserts, and Bielers for donuts.
• EATER Philadelphia curates good lists of restaurants etc. They have a recent general guide which breaks down food by neighborhood, but here are some specific lists folks might find helpful:

• Essential Halal Restaurants of Philly
• Essential Black owned restaurants of Philly

• Running/walking routes: If you’re interested in walking or jogging to catch a break, visit some of these sites for solid suggestions:

• Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Visit Philadelphia - Bes Running & Biking Trails

Places to Visit

• Book Stores: 

• Uncle Bobbie’s Bookstore Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books | Independent and Black-owned bookstore | 5445 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA (unclebobbies.com)
• Giovanni’s room - The oldest LGBT bookstore in operation in the United States.  345 S 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, (215) 923-2960 https://www.queerbooks.com/ 

• Visit the three major universities: University of Pennsylvania, Penn State, and Drexel University
• Murals around the city
• Museums https://www.aampmuseum.org/ 

https://www.philamuseum.org/

https://www.nps.gov/articles/independence-hall-international-symbol-of-freedom.htm https://www.nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/stories-libertybell.htm https://ansp.org/?gclid=cjwkcajwg4spbhakeiwadylwvntifchrufdntx1becklge8w9klf8ar_5nrp6mpaohddzpqghdjpvhocrtaqavd_bwe 

• Dance Spots: Bar/Dance Club: Concourse Dance Bar

Bachata/Salsa: Thursdays, Lucha Cartel

Afro-Carribean: Fridays, RESERVE LOUNGE | Re-appointed. Re-envisioned. Re-introduced. (welcometoreserve.com)

• Neighborhoods to visit: Go visit different parts of the city if you’re bogged down with the downtown space. Take friends/peers/new folks you meet on your ventures. Visit Chinatown, for example, near the convention center – billionaires want to build a stadium and displace the community there – lots of organizing and activism is happening there https://linktr.ee/showyourlovechinatown  

Philadelphia Organizations to Connect with

•  AERA Youth Teams in Education (YTER): It is a program designed to designed to engage young people in educational research and empower them to contribute meaningfully to discussions and projects within the field of education.
• CARE (Communities Advancing Research in Education) Initiative: CARE Initiative research projects focus on supporting the local community’s educational interests and needs and, in particular, investigating issues of educational access injustice that impact members.

• Check out the session to hear more about CARE on Saturday, April 13, 3:05 to 4:35pm, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Floor: Level 100, Room 109B, “Challenging Extractive Epistemologies and Fostering Participatory Justice:

• Reflecting on More Than a Decade of Community-Based Research in Philadelphia”

• Juntos: Juntos is a community-led, Latine, immigrant organization in South Philadelphia fighting for our human rights as workers, parents, youth, and immigrants.

• https://www.vamosjuntos.org  

• Penn for PILOTs: Penn for PILOTs is an advocacy effort led by Penn faculty and staff from across the university and Penn Medicine who believe the institution should make payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) to the Philadelphia public schools.

• https://www.pennforpilots.org  

AERA CONVENTION TIPS

Navigating the AERA Space

AERA is a massive event, but that means there is something for everyone.

• Wear your Badge (mostly) Everywhere: You need to pick up your badge and wear it at all times in order to get into any event or session during AERA, but you don’t need to wear it to the parties! Get it at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in the Grand Hall (entrance on Market next to the Hard Rock Cafe, then go up escalator and through gate - see pic for what entrance looks like) and don’t be afraid to ask around for help). Have your safe access ready to show!

Shout out to Gaurav H for putting this map in the WhatsApp!

• The AERA 2024 App: Download the app for AERA to build your schedule, get a QR code for your badge, find on-site services, check out an AERA map, and identify places of interest and more through the app! It’s super helpful! If you are registered for AERA, you should have received an email called “Download the 2024 AERA Annual Meeting App!”, which includes information on downloading and what the app includes.
• BREAKFAST EVERY DAY FOR FREE for grad students, Salon H in the Marriott 7-9 am
• AERA Welcoming Orientation for New Members and First-Time Attendees: THURSDAY April 11th, 7:10 am @ Pennsylvania Convention Center, Floor Level 200 Room 204ABC
• Graduate Student Welcome Orientation: THURSDAY April 11th, 9 am @ Pennsylvania Convention Center, Floor Level 400, Terrace Ballroom I
• Accessibility: There is a shuttle to and from the convention center. You can board on N 12th and east concourse street.

• Google maps satellite view will show you the street view terrain of the area around the convention center. Map out the business meetings, sessions, and even the parties to make your transitions easier.
• For Parents: Check out the accommodations early. It is not clear if there are pump rooms, but childcare is available. Registration is required in advance here: https://www.aera.net/Events-Meetings/2024-Annual-Meeting/Meeting-Services/Childcare 
• There can be a lot of walking involved

• Look at the AERA hotel map and try to time your walks
• It’s okay to wear sneakers to AERA if that’s most comfortable for you

Making the Most of AERA

Finding Food/Staying Energized

• Pack snacks/water! Days can be long, so make sure you keep your energy up.

• If you are interested in keeping snacks in your room, or are staying at an AirBnb, here are a some grocery stores in the area you might check out:

• Trader Joe’s 1324 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• DG Mini Market 119 N 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• SandD Market 1037 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• Asian Fresh Food Market 142 N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• Heng Fa Food Market 130 N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

• Do not pay for dinners on the nights that there are receptions and business meetings! 

• Map out business meetings by searching for them in AERA app, or checking the list at the bottom of this document. There is always food!
• Search for the receptions on the Program (under MyAERA online). These tend to have free food!
• Practice fugitivity: Make AERA more accessible to yourself → Use friends’ badges to get into spaces if necessary

Tips for Building your Schedule

• Personalize your experience: This is a massive event, so there is something for you!

• Consider what terms you might search for in the AERA app or online program to find events. Think about what it is that you want to see, learn about and do.
• Shop around. Not every SIG and division is for you. Be selective when choosing sessions, and identify the presenters that you want to connect with and the spaces you want be in.
• Wander. If you are new to the space, you might just go to experience the space and dip into sessions that sound interesting.
• Seize your openings: If anyone tries to keep you out of a space, say you’re a guest of the presenter or find another way in.
• Remember: Your involvement changes over the span of your career. There is no need to do everything in one conference. Less is more → Take breaks!
• Print your schedule. It can be helpful to keep a notebook with the sessions you attend/want to attend to take note of what you enjoyed and might want to follow up about.
• Take care of yourself: The schedule AERA provides can be overwhelming. Conferences can be physically and mentally demanding, so remember to prioritize self-care. Get enough rest, stay hydrated, and take breaks when needed to recharge and maintain your energy levels throughout the conference. Make time to take a break, take a nap, or just visit the city! 

• Check out the email in your inbox “#AERA24 Insider - April 10”, which includes info about some upcoming sessions that may be of interest to you

Things to Check out/try

• Check out some of the big sessions (plenaries, keynotes, etc.) and take the opportunity to hear from some of the biggest voices in the field, in person

• This also is a way to connect with people interested in the same topics you are
• Join interactive sessions if you can, like the “Wrong Rocks Workshop: Learning in Lenapehoking”, an off-site workshop exploring the unsettling curriculum of Philadelphia (Lenapehoking) with Lenape scholar, Joe Baker of the Lenape Center. 1:00-1:20 pm Pennsylvania Convention Center, Floor Level 100 Room 106B // 1:20-4:00pm Off-sight Visit: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts,Tamanend Monument, and Penn Treaty Park. More details here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGBMZnUwYM/G0WiDt57uXMrMKVV-nfeYA/view?utm_content=DAGBMZnUwYM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

• Exhibition hall: Lots of vendors and books that go down to 30%-50% off in the final days of AERA
• Journal talks are helpful! If you’re interested in a journal and want to see if it’s a fit; many editors show up and share details about publication
• Go to some of the business meetings for divisions or sigs you’re interested in getting involved

• Perks: These meetings have raffles and food, and joining sigs is a way to access travel awards and mentoring supports

• Find gatherings outside of the official AERA scheduled events (see flyers and info under “Parties and Celebrations” further down in this doc). There are plenty of informal gathering spaces. For example, every year there is The Black and Brown Party. Here is a little bit about it: "The Black and Brown Party began with Frank Tuitt (University of Denver) and Andre Perry (Brookings Institute) 10 years ago with Black and Brown Party as a social after party for Black and Latinx scholars. " (https://www.diverseeducation.com/opinion/article/15104531/we-gon-be-alright-american-education-research-solidarity-and-the-counterspace-pachanga-party)
• Workshops and Skill-Building Sessions: Look for workshops and skill-building sessions focused on research methodologies, data analysis techniques, academic writing, or other relevant topics. Participating in these sessions can enhance your research skills and professional development.
• Actions:

Here is the EdScholars4Palestine Link Tree, which includes many different resources related to the conference and beyond, including highlights of talks and events related to Palestine

Tips for Presenting

General Advice

• Tell the story of your research, tell the why

• Don’t lose track of the big picture because you’re trying to recount smaller details

• People can ask for clarity

• Presentations are an opportunity to engage in meaningful networking, answer questions about what you do, and invite in-draft engagement with your work.Take advantage of networking opportunities after your presentation to connect with attendees who expressed interest in your topic. Exchange contact information and explore potential collaborations or further discussions.
• If you have folks attending who support you, they can intercede if anyone in the audience presents an issue
• Tips for responding to unclear or off-topic questions:

• You might respond: “Is that a question?” or “Is that a comment?”
• “I’m willing to discuss that more with you after this presentation”
• “While I appreciate your question, it's important for us to stay on track with our main topic today. However, I'm available for further discussion during the break or after the presentation if you'd like to explore this topic further.”
• “Thank you for your question. While that topic is important, our presentation today is focused on [specific topic]. However, I'd be happy to discuss it further with you after the session.”

• Speak naturally, speak from where you’re coming from

• What did you do and how?
• What’s really important for you to center?
• Why should people care? What should they do with the information?
• Remember you have limited time and people can follow up with you afterwords.

• Resources from AERA. Last year, AERA sent out resources. Here is what they shared: Review these comprehensive resource materials for presenting, chairing, exhibiting, and using the virtual platform. View videos from training webinars for presenters using the AERA i-Presentation platform for paper presentations.

Discussants

• Make comments but be brief and leave room for questions
• Talk with folks and then determine whether the question is good for everyone or for later
• Keep the convo moving
• Maintain objectivity and impartiality in your feedback, avoiding personal biases or agendas
• Acknowledge and value diverse perspectives and methodologies presented in the session

Paper Roundtables

• Bring printouts, QR codes for people to access your presentation

• People may not be able to see them live

Networking and Relationship Building

There is the curriculum of AERA (presentations) and there is the hidden curriculum of AERA (Grad student firesides, hallway conversations, socials). Both are important.

General Advice

• Consider: Whose work have you been reading or drawing on? Reach out ahead of time and ask if they’re willing to meet up for coffee or a chat.
• It’s okay but not necessary to bring business cards. Someone recommended HiHello for digital business cards. Cards with QR codes are beginning to gain popularity.
• It’s okay to ask for photos.
• Do your homework! Research the groups, people, and sessions that you are interested in. This includes those you may be interested in working with. For new faculty/postdocs, a quick CV search could help you gain some insight and understanding about those who are working at the institutions you are applying to.
• Tip for introducing yourself

• Keep it brief
• It doesn’t have to be rehearsed, but be ready to share about who you are and what you bring to the space

• “Hello, how are you doing, I’m a fan of your work (if you are).”

• Be anchored in who you are: Don’t be afraid to bring up your program, interests, career experiences, and your contributions to your area of study  
• Take full advantage of our graduate student status! Introduce yourself, where you are from, what you do, and how/where your work intersects with others. When asked about your work, it is common practice to have a 2-minute elevator pitch that simply and concisely explains what you are working on, how you connect to their work (if speaking to someone you’ve read before), and what you hope to accomplish going forward. The people who are genuinely interested will respond to you with enthusiasm and curiosity. THOSE are the people to stay connected with.

• Build relationships with people who have the same interests/objectives as you

• It’s not just about connecting with presenters
• Consider: Who is going to be part of your professional and personal network so that you can bring your full self to a place that is dehumanizing?
• Foster relationships with your peers. They’re going to be with you for the long-haul.

• Utilize social media groups: Follow AERA’s and divisions’ social media channels and join relevant discussion groups or forums related to educational research. Use platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn to engage with other conference attendees, share insights from sessions, and connect with researchers beyond the conference venue.

Tips to Understand the “Culture” of AERA

• Re: Networking for the Job. AERA during the day is academic. If you are on the job market and interested in networking employment opportunities, keep in mind that AERA seems big, but the community is small. Be mindful that you are making connections and people are getting to know you as a professional.

• Pause and control your “fan” moment. While you may be excited to meet those who you admire, remember they are people too and while they appreciate you noticing their work, they do not need you gushing over them or speaking at them in rapid fire ways. It's always good practice to listen more than you speak, so take your time. And see if this is a conversation that can develop further.
• People may be moving quickly. While hallway convos are great, keep in mind that folx may be running from place to place.

• If they’re moving, you may have to walk with them to chat
• If you’re waiting for a while and there’s no opening to talk, pick another time
• If they have to run, don’t take it personally!

• Wait your turn. People tend to stop and talk during sessions, and you should too! Outside of session conversations can be rich places to form connections. BUT, if you see someone you want to chat with, and they have many people around them, make eye contact and wait your turn. Be generous with the space, and remember we are all part of a community – no need to cut someone off mid-convo. The person you are waiting to speak with will remember your respect.
• Remember that we all have intersectional identities in this space. Treat all people with care and respect, and never assume you know all there is to know about an individual until you’ve talked with them. Also, be cognizant that power differentials are inevitably present. Engage in ways that are clear and affirm boundaries that honor yourself and others.
• AERA at night is a social atmosphere and is therefore different altogether. While daytime is a great time to talk about your work or an article, at night, at a reception or a party, is not the time. Night time socials are times to connect in more human ways. When it's time to dance, dance! You have permission to be human, even among those you hold in high regard.

Overcoming Challenges in Networking and Relationship Building

Remember that you belong here.

• Try to make AERA smaller for you to get more intellectual, collaborative, and community-building experience.

• Look for kindred intellectual spirits and seek out peer mentors. Try to find your people in divisions, SIGs, or friends and colleagues to have an intentional approach to the conference and make it smaller.
• Faculty mentors who are willing to connect with others are also a gift. Vet potential mentors. Some people in the academy are introverted, so check in with them to be sure they are willing to walk you around a bit.

• No one knows more about your research than you. Own the space! Imposter syndrome is not an individual syndrome, it is an imposter phenomenon → The walls/erections of different structures to keep those at the margins in the margins. Don’t internalize it, tear through those barriers.
• Don’t get caught up in prestige checks → YOU BELONG HERE
• KIM theory: Keep it moving. You do not need to engage in conversations that aren’t going anywhere → Introduce yourself, see what happens, and trust your gut. If your interaction with someone doesn’t feel right, it’s not right.
• What do you do when you connect with someone and then it fizzles out after AERA? Unfortunately, this happens. Be sincere, and engage in good faith, but when people no longer connect with you, stay grounded with the folks you are connected to.

Parties and celebrations!

Here are the parties we know about – we will continue to update as we learn about more and are able! Email us or let us know in the WhatsApp chat about more celebrations if you’re moved to. See Flyers below the list of dates/times for more info:

THURSDAY 4/11: Desi Dinner, 7 pm, Thanal Indian Tavern

FRIDAY 4/12: Critical Race Studies Social, 5-7 pm, Strangelove’s Bar

SATURDAY 4/13:

-Stress, Coping & Resilience SIG Social 6:30-9pm Sonesta Rittenhouse Sq.

-La Pachanga, 8-11pm Ego Hall

-Black & Brown Party, 9:30pm-2am, Noto Nightclub

Connect with us!

• WhatsApp: Folks who attended the How to AERA session in 2023-2024 (shout out to Tara Kirton!) created ways for us to stay connected through WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ii2pHmsNrhOKgccx8stNbf
• Become a member: Stay informed of Division programming by becoming a member:  https://www.aera.net/Membership
• See pictures and important division related information on Division B’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aeradivbgrads?igsh=MmRnbTJkbzVqOXk0

Graduate Student Council and Division A-L Events

Graduate Student Council Events

• State of Graduate Students Within AERA: Sat, April 13, 11:25 am  to 12:55 pm EDT, Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Floor: Level 5, Salon H
• Graduate Student Council Social (Student Celebration Gala/Sneaker Ball): Sat, April 13, 8:00 pm  to 10:30 pm EDT, Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Floor: Level 5, Salon H

Division Business Meetings & Receptions, and Graduate Student Rep Hosted Fireside Chats