For almost four years, we’ve been honoured to be included in a lot of really interesting and rewarding projects. And we’ve enjoyed every one of them. Despite being a small, grassroots, arts-based and mostly non-academic group, we’ve presented and delivered conference sessions, knowledge sharing roundtables, exhibitions, readings, musical performances, keynotes, plenaries and more with projects, organizations and institutions all over the world. But for all those academic conferences, we’ve never actually convened a conference session on our own.
When we found out we are going to be session convenors this summer, the first thing we thought was “We have no idea what a session convenor actually does!”
For some artists and cultural connectors venturing into the world of organizing activities, arts performances, and special events for conferences and knowledge-sharing forums, understanding the dynamics of session presenting and session convening can be confusing! As we start to explore this role, it’s important to recognize the distinction between being a session presenter and a session convenor.
A session presenter is like a performer, tasked with delivering their artistic or cultural contributions to the audience. On the other hand, a session convenor takes on an cultural connector-type organizer’s role, weaving together the various elements of the session to create a harmonious and engaging experience for attendees. Recognizing and embracing these roles will empower you to curate meaningful and immersive cultural experiences within the conference context.
As a session presenter: As you prepare to submit your abstract, keep in mind the guidelines provided. Craft your abstract with clarity and precision, adhering to word limits and content structure recommendations. Reach out and work closely with session convenors to understand their preferences and to ensure your artistic expression aligns with the overall conference objectives. Your creativity and cultural insights have the potential to enhance the conference experience, contributing to a vibrant exchange of ideas. Embrace the opportunity to bridge the worlds of art and knowledge-sharing, creating a dynamic space where diverse perspectives converge and inspire.
Taking place from May 29 to June 3, 2024, in Bodø, Norway, and hosted by Nordland Research Institute and Nord University, Arctic Congress 2024 will showcase the essence of Arctic collaboration, set against the backdrop of the European Capital of Culture 2024. Featuring high-level plenary sessions, parallel sessions, network activities, and a rich array of social and cultural events, the congress provides an exceptional platform for knowledge exchange and networking among researchers, policymakers, businesses, and students across the Arctic.
With assemblies by IASSA and UArctic, the event becomes a holistic meeting ground for diverse perspectives. Set against the culturally rich backdrop of Sámi land, the congress’ logo pays homage to local cultures, extending a warm invitation in Lule Sámi, Pite Sámi, Norwegian, and English. Immerse yourself in this extraordinary Arctic collaboration in Bodø.
