The MeCCSA Postgraduate Network is calling for hosts for its 2021 Annual Conference.
The aim of the Postgraduate Network (MeCCSA PGN) is to bring together postgraduate students in media, communication and cultural studies from different intellectual traditions and cultural backgrounds in order to form networks for research, teaching and learning, as well as ensure peer support.
Conference bids should be sent to the Chair of the PGN, Emma Kaylee Graves (e.graves206@canterbury.ac.uk), by Friday 28th February 2020. If you are interested in submitting a bid, please get in touch and we will happily share with you a previously successful bid.
The conference bid should be structured like a research report (2,000 – 5,000 words). It may include photos and other graphic material and should be submitted as a PDF. The following details outline what should be included in the bid:
1. University Information:
Information on your city, university, faculty, graduate school and other relevant bodies may be included in the report. Each report should aim to convince the reviewers about why a university is particularly suited to host the 2021 MeCCSA PGN Annual Conference.
2. Organising Committee:
State the members of the Organising Committee (which may be subject to change) in the report and describe support from faculty and/or other relevant bodies (a further letter of support from your department is required to be enclosed to the bid).
3. Conference Outline:
The bid should provide a draft outline of the conference, including a proposed theme which should be sufficiently broad so as to encourage any media, communication or cultural studies postgraduates to submit proposals. The outline should also include specific information on opening and closing addresses, guest speakers (i.e. keynote address, plenary debates etc.), workshops (i.e. PG training events) and the major conference structure (i.e. panels or other appropriate opportunities to present research) as well as a preliminary timetable. Additionally, the conference should provide space for MeCCSA PGN’s Annual General Meeting and for networking events (i.e. coffee breaks, conference dinner, entertainment etc.). At this stage, it is sufficient to refer to a range of academics who you may wish to approach.
4. Communication:
The bid should also detail how the conference committee is going to communicate with the delegates. This could include information on a conference package and programme as well as a specific online presence. Further points to reflect upon may include a description of conference venues, accommodation and catering.
5. Funding:
Finally, the report must include a preliminary evaluation of the conference budget. The chosen candidate will be encouraged to apply for additional funds and seek support from their Department or University in the form of reduced or waived room fees and other such accommodations.
The MeCCSA PGN Executive Committee will review each bid. After a bid has been accepted, the MeCCSA PGN Executive Committee expects the Conference Committee and organisers to confer with the representatives of the MeCCSA PGN on issues such as plenary speakers, workshops and conference outline. Generally, the conference is expected to be held over two days in early July, though other dates could be considered with sufficient justification presented in the bid.
If you have any queries or would like to see an example of a previously successful bid, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the details above.