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Predatory Conferences

Is There Such a Thing as a Predatory Conference?

In our webinar a couple of weeks ago on "Getting the Most from Your First Conference", we were asked a really valuable question (thanks January and Darlina) - "we all hear about 'Predatory Journals' - is there such a thing as a 'PREDATORY CONFERENCE'?

In short, YES there are.

A predatory conference is much the same in terms of its red flags. I've edited the Q&A session from the webinar to share my thoughts, and also put a link to a Wiki post below addressing the same general question.

Whilst they exist, we have to remember a couple of points: (1) They are not illegal (they are just not all that focused, or ethical), and (2) The research presented through the conference isn't necessarily of poor quality - only the channels of access is deemed to be.

As a research student, a predatory conference may still be your first step into the world, and the opportunities for feedback, experience at public speaking, etc may still be incredibly valuable for you.

Key outtake: choose wisely! 


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