Professional Development Events

Poster Abstract Invitation Program

As a GSA early career member benefit, you can invite up to three attendees to visit your poster at ​the Fungal Genetics Conference, taking place March 17–22, through your author submission portal. Your invitees will get an automated email telling them the date and time of your poster presentation. The invitations are sent directly through the abstract submission site.

Instructions to invite fellow attendees:

1. Log into your author abstract portal

2. Click on “Invite attendees to my poster”

3. Browse the list of attendees

4. Click “Add” next to any attendee name that you would like to invite to visit your poster (maximum of three invites)

5. Complete your invite list by March 10

6. Emails will be sent automatically from the abstract submission site on March 12, providing them with details of the day and time of your presentation

Conference Mentor Program

First-time and solo postdoc, graduate student, and undergraduate student GSA members may sign up to be matched with a GSA faculty member, who will serve as a Conference Mentor throughout the conference to answer your questions and provide advice on how to best maximize your conference experience. Program participants will have opportunities to connect with other program mentors and mentees during mealtimes.

Conference Success Tips and Welcome from the Early Career Leadership Program
Tuesday, March 17, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. PDT

The purpose of this event is to help first-time conference attendees and early career scientists make the most of the conference and provide a chance to meet other attendees in an informal setting. Topics covered may include introductions to organizers of the meeting, advice on having meaningful interactions, and an introduction to scientific events and other conference programming.

Getting Involved in GSA’s Early Career Professional Development
Tuesday, March 17, 2:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m. PDT

GSA Early Career Leadership Program (ECLP) members will join us in sharing how to get involved in GSA’s professional development programming for early career scientists. GSA will walk through upcoming events and programs including how and when to apply to join the ECLP.

Individual Development Plan (IDP) and Career Exploration Workshop
Tuesday, March 17, 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. PDT

This workshop will walk participants through the career exploration process by combining self-assessment exercises with IDP-informed strategies to break participants out of the linear career path. Participants will leave with a better understanding of their personal goals and how to ensure that their professional goals align with their values and needs.

Netwalking
Wednesday, March 18 – Friday,  March 20, 7:30 a.m.–8:00 a.m. PDT

Connect with fellow conference attendees for a 30-minute walk to start your day with a fun conversation and explore the dunes of Asilomar! Participants will meet at the entrance to the boardwalk, near the dining hall, and walk through Asilomar’s beautiful dunes before attending breakfast in Crocker Hall.

Thursday, March 19th, Steve James will lead the walk and discuss careers with primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs). Be sure to join if you are interested in exploring a faculty position at a PUI!

Photographer Headshots
Wednesday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. PDT

Fungal 2026 early career conference attendees will have the opportunity to have professional headshots taken by Afrang Media Productions during poster and exhibit sessions. Pre-registration is required for this GSA early career scientist member benefit. Early career scientists will be contacted in late February with additional information. Those who register by December 4, 2025 will be given priority. You may visit the photographer’s booth during poster session hours to inquire if a spot is available.