Frequently asked questions
Submissions for the conference programme are now closed. For more information, please see the conference timeline.
Please see below for some of our frequently asked questions about submissions for the conference programme.
If you don't see the answer you need - please email us at ac2024@rgs.org.
What is the deadline for proposing a session, paper or poster for the conference programme?
The final deadline for all submissions was Friday 1 March 2024. Submissions are now closed.
What is the chair's theme for this year's conference?
The chair’s theme will explore mapping in all its forms, in a world that is saturated with maps, from historical cartography to the newest technologies and practices of map-making.
Maps trace invasions, financial crises, pandemics and environmental disasters, and our responses to them. They plot and coordinate surveillance, and counter-plot evasion and resistance. They chart jet streams, oceanic oscillations and ozone holes, heatwaves, droughts, and drizzles. Maps map territory and sovereignty, but also evidence indigenous land claims and historical landscapes of meaning.
Find out more about the chair's theme
How many papers can I present at the conference?
Delegates will be limited to ONE paper presentation and ONE panel/workshop contribution, OR, TWO panel/workshop contributions. The role of discussant is included as a panel/workshop contribution.
A single paper may only be presented once at the conference. Please see our guidance for presenters.
Do I need to register for the conference before submitting an abstract?
No, you do not need to register for the conference before you can submit a proposal for the programme. However, if your contribution is accepted, you will then be expected to register and pay the appropriate fee to attend. Both virtual-only and in-person rates are available. In-person registration also includes access to all virtual elements.
When will you announce the dates and times for sessions?
We expect to publish a provisional programme for the conference in mid-late May 2024. Please see our programme page for more details on planned session timings.
How do I register for the conference?
Registration for the conference is now open. You can find out more about registration, including fee categories, and prices, on our registration page.
By registering for the conference, you agree to abide by the conference's code of conduct.
What rates are available for registration? Can I attend just the virtual sessions?
The conference will take place in-person in London and online. To reflect this, there are two sets of registration fees:
- In-person, which include access to all in-person sessions for the day(s) you select, and to all virtual content.
- Virtual only, which allow access to all online and some hybrid sessions, asynchronous content and session recordings
Please see our registration page for more details.
Where can I find out more about accommodation and travel to the conference?
Please see our guide to planning your attendance at the in-person conference, as part of our wider guide on planning your attendance.
Can I request a letter of invitation to support my visa application?
Yes. All conference delegates who need a visa to enter the United Kingdom are advised to arrange this as early as possible.
Visa support letters may only be requested from the Society once a delegate has had a submission accepted for the conference programme, paid the in-person registration fee in full, and provided full contact details from a recognised institution. There is more information in our guide on planning your attendance at the in-person conference.
Will a creche be offered at the conference this year?
The conference organisers are pleased to offer registered conference delegates a crèche service for children of all ages. The crèche is provided by Little Hens Childcare, an Ofsted-registered provider, whose staff are all first aid-trained, reference-checked, and CRB-checked. There is more information in our guide on planning your attendance at the in-person conference. Places are limited so please enquire as early as possible if you would like to book a place for your child.
Where can I find out more about accessibility at the conference?
We are committed to making the conference as accessible as we can to all delegates, in person and online. Please see our guide on accessibility at the conference. If you have questions or specific requests please do contact us.