Conference essentials: Poster, pitching and networking
Conference essentials: Poster, pitching and networking
9 November 2026, 9h00 - 17h
General context
Clear communication is essential to make your research stand out. A well-designed poster, a strong pitch and confident networking can help you engage both scientific and non-specialist audiences at conferences and other events.
This practical workshop teaches you how to design visually appealing posters, deliver impactful pitches and actively use both as tools to start meaningful conversations. You will learn design principles, develop a clear narrative, practice effective delivery, and learn how to approach others so you and your research leave lasting impressions.
After this training, you will be able to:
- Create a clear and visually appealing research poster using best design practices.
- Apply layout, color, and typography principles for maximum impact.
- Distill your research into a concise, engaging pitch tailored to your audience.
- Deliver your pitch confidently using strong verbal and non-verbal techniques.
- Approach and engage others at conferences with clarity and confidence.
This one-day workshop is highly interactive, combining brief theory sessions with hands-on practice. You will:
- Learn design principles and apply them by creating your own research poster.
- Prepare and deliver a short pitch, followed by constructive feedback from peers and the trainer.
- Practice initiating, navigating, and closing conversations during simulated networking exercises.
Basic understanding of your own research project.
Required materials:
- If available, bring your current research poster or draft (original or printed).
- Laptop.
PowerPoint
Other tools are available and participants are encouraged to use what they are comfortable with (i.e. Canva, GIMP, Inkscape, Google slides, etc)
This course was particularly useful given my career stage as a last-year PhD student. I will go to an important
conference in May and I wanted to up my poster game and pitching skills.
Luis Fernando Duran Armenta
I enjoyed the training and I learned from it. It was mostly coming out of your comfort zone (which is scary) but the trainer as well as the participants created a safe space to learn, make mistakes, try again, etc.
Sarah Vanvolsem
Trainers
Matheus Lourenço
Matheus Lourenço is a science communication expert and trainer at VIB. A behaviour change specialist and Marie-Curie fellow with a joint PhD in Psychology from KU Leuven and Maastricht University, he pioneered innovative methodologies in tinnitus treatment and gathered accolades for his ability to make complex scientific approaches accessible to diverse audiences.
After completing his PhD, Matheus worked as a consultant to leading pharmaceutical companies, delivering strategic workshops worldwide. Now back in academia, he is committed to empowering researchers to communicate their work with clarity and impact, thereby strengthening the connection between science and society.
Program
Morning - Poster Design
Welcome and introduction
Principles of effective poster design
Break
Hands-on poster design exercise
Lunch
Afternoon - Pitching
Why pitching matters
Crafting your research pitch
Break
Pitch practice and feedback
Practical info
09 November 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
09 November 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
09 November 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
09 November 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.