We are delighted to announce that our provisional programme is now live!
Click through to our virtual event space to explore the fantastic range of keynotes, paper sessions, panels, workshops and more that will be happening at the conference. We also encourage you to check the timing and details for your sessions.
This programme is still in draft, and there may still be some further timetable changes coming as we finalise the programme. If the timing for your session will cause you serious difficulties (for example, if we've inadvertently scheduled you for 3am your time), please let us know asap by emailing ac2021@rgs.org and we'll see what we can do.
If you have changes or updates to your title, abstract, or how your name and affiliation appear, please log in to the platform and update these by following the 'Final submissions' instructions.
Watch this space for more information coming shortly on our keynotes and other programme highlights, networking events, and much more. We'll also be adding information about how to use the virtual platform as we get nearer to the conference, including opportunities for rehearsal spaces and training sessions.
The conference will take place from Tuesday 31 August to Friday 3 September 2021. It will be chaired by Professor Uma Kothari, on the theme of Borders, borderlands and bordering.
Hear our chair of conference, Professor Uma Kothari, discuss the plans for the conference this year.
Conference format
We are planning for a largely virtual conference with an in-person core. The in-person elements will be plenary and journal sponsored lectures (which will also be streamed to the online platform), with a small number of additional workshops and sessions.
All delegates are asked to register now using our online rates. Everyone who is listed on the conference programme and who wishes to participate in the conference will need to register and pay in full by Friday 9 July. Those who have not registered by the date will be removed from the programme.
Given current uncertainty, we strongly recommend that delegates do NOT make any non-refundable bookings.
We will make a further announcement shortly as to whether we can expand capacity for in-person attendance beyond those participating directly in the in-person sessions, and how this will work. You will be asked to indicate whether you would like to be considered for in-person attendance as part of your virtual registration.
Sharing good practice
In light of the plan to take the conference online, and as part of our commitment to making the conference as inclusive and welcoming as possible, we are refreshing and updating our guidance and policies for delegates, from what makes a good session chair to what to expect at the conference and more. We are keen to gather examples of good practice from the community. Please send comments and suggestions to ac2021@rgs.org.
Code of conduct
The RGS-IBG Annual Conference is intended to be a space that allows geography, geographers and geographical careers to flourish through respectful, inclusive and equitable treatment of others sharing professional information, knowledge and ideas.
The RGS-IBG Chair of conference and organisers want to promote a positive sense of academic community by asking everyone to:
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Behave professionally
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Treat everyone equally and respectfully
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Listen to others’ views and engage constructively with them
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Set an example
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Be committed to helping each other and to be kind
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Respect the environment and the people around you
We believe that everyone (delegates and staff) has the right to be in a respectful, safe and welcoming environment at the conference.
We are dedicated to providing an inclusive conference experience for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, or language, political or other opinion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, age, religion or economic class. Discrimination, harassment, bullying and behaviours that are patronising have no place at the conference and will not be tolerated.
We ask that conference delegates practice:
Please see our full code of conduct for more information. All delegates are requested to act in accordance with the code of conduct.
Future conferences
The dates and locations for conferences in 2022 and 2023 are expected to be as follows (though are subject to change):
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Tuesday 30 August to Friday 2 September 2022, Newcastle University
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Tuesday 29 to Friday 31 August 2023, RGS-IBG, London
About the conference
The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is the learned society and professional body for geography.
Geography, by its very nature, looks outwards and acts inclusively. As an independent, self-financing learned society and professional body, so does the RGS-IBG. We are absolutely committed to the importance of international collaboration in research, scholarship, teaching and field science and the value of sharing ideas, understanding and perspectives widely.
The annual conference is international in nature and outlook. Each year we welcome hundreds of colleagues from around the world, with a third of attendees coming from outside the UK. We are committed to continuing this open and outward-facing approach, and particularly welcome contributions by international delegates to the conference programme.