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

Before you beginO Co-organisers

O A conference email address

O Helpful contacts

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!

Thanks for listening!

This presentation was brought to you by Katie Barnett and her invisible colleague Rebecca Isaacs, who organised the BAAS Postgraduate Conference in 2011, and the 49th Parallel Conference in 2012, and who have just about regained their sanity.