One thing has remained constant since the very first ECS Meeting in 1902: every meeting is someone’s first. Entering an ECS Meeting for the first time can be daunting, whether there are 52 attendees, as at that first meeting, or thousands as at recent meetings. Huge convention centers, sprawling hotel layouts, and packed schedules can make it easy to get lost or feel constantly rushed. Loud exhibit halls, bright lights, hundreds of simultaneous conversations, and non-stop crowds can drain physical and mental energy. Even approaching strangers or joining an established conversation over coffee can feel uncomfortable.
First-Time Attendee Meetup
ECS has introduced a new event designed to help first-time attendees navigate those challenges and feel at home from the start. At the 250th ECS Meeting (October 25–29, 2026 in Calgary, Canada), first-timers are invited to a 30-minute welcome event (ticket required) where they can discover can’t-miss events, learn how to get the most out of technical sessions, posters, and the Exhibit Hall, ask questions, and make new connections. The meetup offers practical advice and opportunities to meet fellow attendees—two things that can make a first meeting feel much more manageable.
Tips for first-timers
For some attendees, a first ECS Meeting is the beginning of a long relationship with the Society. The people met over coffee, the questions asked after a presentation, and the research shared in a poster or talk can become collaborations, professional connections, and reasons to return. Every ECS Meeting welcomes first-timers. And every ECS Meeting regular was one once.
Following a few simple suggestions can make all the difference!
- Don’t try to do everything. Have a few clear goals, then give yourself permission to be curious and flexible.
- Talk to people—even if it feels awkward.
- Take care of yourself. Wear comfortable shoes, keep your schedule manageable, eat and hydrate, and take breaks. You can’t get much out of a conference if you’re exhausted by day two.
Need more guidance for acing your first meeting? Learn more “tips for first-time attendees” here.
From first meeting to next meeting
Jinsuk Lee
First-time attendees often find the experience rewarding enough to return for another ECS Meeting.
PhD student Jinsuk Lee of Lemon Energy and Inha University, South Korea, describes his first ECS Meeting, the 249th ECS Meeting in Seattle, Washington: “It’s been quite an exciting opportunity. Presenting in ECS gave me additional opportunities to receive new insights and further discuss the future direction of my research and meet distinguished professors and scientists who have set examples in my research field. I look forward to building up a research network with the people I was able to connect with and expect to continue visiting ECS for further presentations in the future.” Jinsuk is presenting A01—0293, Enabling Carbon Anode Materials to Higher Capacity & Mobility In Lithium- and Sodium-Ion Energy Storage, at the 250th Meeting.
Peter Romero
Peter Romero’s first ECS Meeting was the 248th in Chicago, IL. “It’s been really a great experience,” he said. I like how (it’s) really focused on electrochemistry…under that umbrella, there’s so many different things and so many different cool talks and science happening. I’m learning a lot. I’m very happy and honored to share my research.” Catch up with the University of Colorado Boulder PhD student at the 250th Meeting where he’s presenting L03—2159, Characterizing the Conductivity–Permselectivity Tradeoff In Ion-Exchange Membranes Using a Capillary Model and Z01—2535, Ion Transport inside Charged Membranes: Linking Single-Pore and Network Models via Ball-and-Stick Algorithm.
If you’re a first-time attendee, welcome! And if you’re a return attendee, welcome back!