Jane Shepley, a freelance writer and editor, gives a behind-the-scenes view on volunteering to organise STEMPRA’s Communications Training Day 2026 and how it became “networking without the ick.” See more of her work at http://www.janeshepley.com.
I’ve been a STEMPRA member for longer than I care to remember, but I’ve never really been involved behind the scenes.
In my early career I attended numerous socials and seminars. I even spoke at a Press Officer Training Day back in the noughties, when I was science communication manager at the British Heart Foundation.
But since moving out of London and into freelance life, I’ve loitered on the mailing list and that’s about it.
Then a call went out for volunteers to help organise the Communications Training Day 2026…
More than one way to network
The thought of ‘networking’ used to give me the ick. But in recent years I’ve come to realise that building my network doesn’t just have to mean conversations at events.
For instance, I have a groupchat of copywriters I met at a conference. I’ve joined a local freelance network who meet once a month, and I’m a big fan of virtual co-working with fellow freelancers.
Some of the people I’ve met this way have become valued ‘virtual colleagues’, advisors and cheerleaders.
So, when STEMPRA asked for volunteers, I figured it could be a great way to widen my network while doing something useful.
How it worked
I expected a handful of folk. But it turns out the STEMPRA membership are keen beans. The first organising committee Zoom had more than 20 little thumbnail faces.
Inês organised us brilliantly, giving us choice over how we contributed, and autonomy once roles were assigned.
I put my name down to help with the ‘careers and networking’ session and was linked up with three fellow volunteers, none of whom I’d met before.
Already my objective to make new contacts was achieved! Tick.
Together, we made a great team. We met when we needed to and collaborated effectively. I nicknamed us #TeamMingle and began to really look forward to the day itself when I could meet them in person.
I wondered if – having been out of the STEMPRA loop for so long – I would have much to offer. But I’m good at the nuts and bolts at getting things done (my nickname among friends is ‘admin’). I figured I could help in that way if nothing else.
However, as all the other members of #TeamMingle had in-house roles, I offered a unique freelance viewpoint. I’ve no doubt that some of the people attending CTD will explore freelancing in the future, so this perspective is super valuable, and I made sure we represented it among the panellists we invited to give career advice.
On the day
I rarely need to travel for my work, so getting to attend the conference in London was brilliant. Especially as STEMPRA covered expenses for the organisers, which is a huge consideration when you’re self-employed.
As delegates assembled in the Wellcome Trust foyer, I was immediately at ease because there were lots of familiar faces around me from the organising committee meetings. I felt connected somehow, and especially to my #TeamMingle colleagues.
From my perspective, the day was a huge success. Everyone knew where they had to be and when, and there was a positive buzz in the room. Real-time suggestions, questions and offers of help within the organisers’ WhatsApp group meant that we were all stepping up to fix any issues and cheer each other on.
Many of the committee ended the day in a nearby pub, where the post-conference buzz fuelled the chat. There’s really nothing like the glow you feel after an event goes without a hitch!
So, if you find it hard to meet other members at STEMPRA socials or events, I’d highly recommend volunteering on an organising committee. It’s networking without the ick.
Editor’s note: Keep an eye out for more blog posts reflecting on Communications Training Day 2026, sharing key takeaways from the sessions. If “networking without the ick” sounds appealing, we’ll be inviting volunteers later this year to join the organising committee for next year.