Organising an Academic Conference (or Conferencing 101: How to Organise an Academic Conference Without Losing Your Mind) Katie Barnett College of Arts and Law (and my invisible colleague, Rebecca Isaacs)
Dec 17, 2015
Organising an Academic Conference
(or Conferencing 101: How to Organise an Academic Conference Without Losing Your
Mind)
Katie BarnettCollege of Arts and Law
(and my invisible colleague, Rebecca Isaacs)
Why organise a conference?
O Establish yourself in your academic field
O Great for your academic CV
O Invaluable networking opportunities
O Choose your own adventure
The basics
OPick a date
Pro tip: This can always be extended.
Pro tip: Pick a term-time date.
Pro tip: Weekends are convenient, but may require you to pay for security.
The basics
OChoose a themePro tip: Broad themes work well.
OKeynote speakersPro tip: Speakers from your own institution cost less!
OCall for papersPro tip: Fake deadlines are your friend.
The basics
OAdvertisingWebsite49th P: http://49thparallelconference.wordpress.comBAAS: http://www.americanfrontiers.co.uk Mailing listsSocial mediaUniversity newslettersDepartmental emails
The details
ORoom hireWhere / when do you want to hold the event?How many people do you need to accommodate?Do you need media facilities? (You do.)
OSecurity
The detailsO CateringPro tip: Bring your own tea and coffee.Pro tip: Too much is better than too little.Pro tip: Don’t forget the vegetarians!
O FinancesPro tip: Publishers are a good source of income.Pro tip: Don’t forget the freebies!
The final countdown
OPicking the papersPro tip: Don’t do this outside on a windy day.
OAcceptances and rejectionsPro tip: Confirm your acceptances before you send out rejections.
OOrganising the scheduleORegistrationOConference packs
Miscellany
OArrive early (no, earlier than that)
OAlphabetical name badgesOKeep a record of paymentsORefreshments first!OKnow your buildingOMake sure you’ve got enough
chairs
Miscellany
OSoftware compatibilityODon’t forget the milk.ODon’t forget the sugar.ODON’T FORGET THE
CORKSCREW.OEnjoy yourselves!