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A First-Timer’s Guide to Surviving (and Thriving At) the Internet Measurement Conference

Your first IMC can be daunting. Our survival guide delivers essential tips on Internet Measurement Conference

By Top Providers Published

You’ve submitted, you’ve been accepted, and now your calendar is marked for the Internet Measurement Conference (IMC). Your mind is racing: What do I wear? How do I talk to the authors of papers I’ve cited for years? What if my question during a session sounds naive?

Take a deep breath. IMC can be an intense, overwhelming, and uniquely rewarding experience. This guide is your survival manual—crafted from the whispered tips in conference hallways and the hard-won lessons of seasoned attendees. Your goal isn’t just to survive; it’s to leave with new collaborators, ignited ideas, and a sense of belonging in this brilliant, data-obsessed community.

Phase 1: Before You Go – Strategic Preparation

The Paper Pilgrimage

Do not show up cold. The schedule is released weeks in advance.

  • Be a Strategic Skimmer: You can’t read all 50+ papers in-depth. Identify 3-5 papers most critical to your research. Read these thoroughly, including the methodology appendix.

  • Find Your “Why”: For the rest, read the abstract and conclusion, but focus on the “Why should I care?” question. Jot down one specific question for the authors of at least 10 papers. This is your conversation starter currency.

Build Your Battle Plan

The conference program is a choose-your-own-adventure book.

  • The 3-Session Strategy: Each time slot has 3-4 parallel sessions. Pick your primary session, a backup, and a “wild card”—a topic outside your niche that just sounds fascinating. The best insights often come from cross-pollination.

  • Identify Your “Must-Meet” People: Scan the author list. Who’s work forms the foundation of your literature review? Identify 2-3 senior researchers and 5-7 peers (other PhD students or post-docs) you want to connect with. LinkedIn/Twitter is your friend. A short, pre-conference message works wonders: “Looking forward to your talk on [Topic]. I’ve built on your 2022 paper in my work on [Your Thing].”

Pack Like a Pro

  • Comfort Over Couture: The dress code is “academic casual.” Think clean, comfortable layers. Hotel conference rooms are notoriously either arctic or tropical. Pack a sweater.

  • The Power Kit:

    • A physical notebook: For sketching ideas during talks when you don’t want a screen barrier.

    • A high-capacity power bank: Outlets are the conference’s most contested resource.

    • Business cards: Yes, they still matter. Include your name, institution, GitHub, and research area.

    • Comfortable shoes: You will walk miles between sessions, posters, and coffee breaks.

Phase 2: On the Ground – Navigation & Social Alchemy

The First Morning: Conquer the Imposter Syndrome

Everyone feels it. The keynote is your equalizer. Everyone is listening together. Use this time to simply absorb the scale and energy of the community. You belong here.

Mastering the Session

  • Sit in the “Engagement Zone”: The middle of the room is for the brave. You’ll see better, hear better, and be in the sigh tline of speakers.

  • Ask That Question: The 5-minute Q&A is not just for professors. If you’ve pre-written a question, you’re already ahead. Stand, speak clearly, and start with: “Thank you for the great work. I had a question about the methodology in section 4.2…” Asking a thoughtful question is the fastest way to be remembered.

The Art of the Coffee Break (The Real Conference)

This is where careers are shaped. Abandon any shyness.

  • The 2-Minute Intro: Have your “elevator pitch” down: “Hi, I’m [Name] from [Institution]. I work on measuring [Your Topic] using [Your Method]. I really enjoyed your talk on [Their Topic].”

  • Find the Huddles: Look for small groups of 3-4 people. It’s easier to join than a pair in deep conversation. Listen for a moment, then catch someone’s eye and smile.

  • The Poster Session is Golden: This is the most underrated networking venue. The authors are standing there, eager to talk. You have their undivided attention. Dive deep. Ask for clarifications. This is how you find collaborators.

Navigate the Social Events

The welcome reception, the banquet—go to all of them. You are not there for the chicken. You are there for the conversation. If you’re alone, find another person who looks alone. “Hi, is this your first IMC?” is a universal opener.

Phase 3: Thriving – From Attendee to Participant

Contribute to the “Hallway Track”

The most valuable insights aren’t in the proceedings; they’re in the conversations between sessions. Share your own struggles: “I’ve been trying to get clean data on [X], have you ever encountered…?” You’ll be shocked how open people are with advice.

Practice Digital Etiquette

  • Live-Tweeting? Use the official hashtag (#IMC2024). Tag authors and handles. It’s public note-taking and community building.

  • Ask Before You Photograph Slides. Some presenters are sensitive about pre-publication data.

Manage Your Energy, Not Just Your Time

This is a marathon. It’s okay to skip a session block to sit in the lobby, process your notes, or just recharge. Forced networking is worse than no networking. A 20-minute power nap in your room can save your evening social energy.

The Golden Rules to Remember:

  1. Everyone is Nervous. The person you’re afraid to talk to was once a first-timer, too.

  2. Your Value is Your Curiosity. You are not expected to know everything. You are expected to be engaged.

  3. Follow Up Within 48 Hours. Met someone great? Send a brief email: “Great chatting about [Topic]. Here’s the link to my repo we discussed.” This solidifies the connection.

Your First-Timer’s Survival Kit Checklist:

  • Read 5 key papers, skimmed 20 abstracts.

  • Identified 5-10 “must-meet” people.

  • Packed business cards, power bank, notebook, and a sweater.

  • Prepared my 2-sentence research pitch.

  • Bookmarked the conference app/schedule.

  • Planned my first-day session strategy.

  • [ MOST IMPORTANT ] Committed to asking at least one question and introducing myself to three strangers.

IMC is not a passive event. It’s a workshop for the future of the internet, and you have a seat at the bench. Go beyond surviving. Dive in, be curious, be kind, and contribute. You’ll leave not just with a bag of swag, but with a new chapter in your research—and your career—already beginning.

See you in the coffee line.