AC2024 explores mapping in all its forms

After more than 300 sessions across over 30 venues, our Annual International Conference 2024 has concluded. The conference theme this year was Mapping. From historical cartography and counter-cartographies to the newest technologies and practices of map-making, 2,200 in-person and online delegates enjoyed a full schedule of lectures, panel discussions, plenary conversations, as well as this year’s map room conversations series. 

The plenary conversations, convened by Chair of Conference Professor Stephen Legg and taking place in the Ondaatje Theatre, included talks on Mapping geography, Mapping counter-cartographies, Mapping abolition, Mapping COVID-19 as well as a joint RGS-IGU plenary conversation exploring Digital twins and the future of mapping. To gain a deeper understanding of the critical issues discussed during these plenaries, you can read a collection of short papers on mapping, which have been published free-to-read in Transactions.

The Chair’s map room conversations were a unique initiative at this year’s conference and took place in the Foyle Reading Room, home to the Society’s cartographic holdings. In each of the seven sessions, two experts were brought together around a common theme. Highlights include Mapping art, led by artists Hormazd Narielwalla and Lorraine Rutt, who discussed their recent works on display at the Society, and Mapping race and internationalism, a poignant discussion on the League of Nations and its mandate of Palestine, led by Dr Jake Hodder and Zena Agha.

Elsewhere at the conference, journal-sponsored lectures, panels and book launches took place. This included the first annual lecture for the Geographical Association’s Geography journal, delivered by Professor Alastair Bonnett.

Attendees made use of the Terrace during lunchtime and at the closing reception on Friday evening, which provided a well-deserved opportunity to wind down, enjoy the sunny weather, and socialise following a busy three days. 

Chair of Conference, Professor Stephen Legg, commented: "The 2024 conference has exceeded all expectations (not just the weather...). We have been delighted to see the concept of mapping taken up, reworked, and sometimes dismissed, in our plenary conversations and in regular panels. The map room conversations proved especially rich, bringing the RGS-IBG materials to life through contextualisation, discussion, and debate. Thank you to all attendees for showing us how geography conferences can bring about understanding, provocation, and reconciliation."

The 2025 Annual International Conference will take place at the University of Birmingham and will be chaired by Professor Patricia Noxolo. See you there!