2023 - November and December - page 11
Image details
| Issue number | 395 |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 2632-7171 |
| Publication date | 1st November 2023 |
| Transcription |
ARA News Delegates at the Belfast 2023 conference © Lost Lens Caps Photography overall received) indicating that 2/3 of those answering the conference survey overall had not attended in recent years. We also asked what could be done to make the conference as open, equitable and welcoming as possible. Some of these (provision of quiet spaces, support for first-time or lone attendees) were addressed at the conference in Belfast, but we know from feedback that we still have improvements to make in this area and welcome further detailed feedback from delegates if they wish to share in confidence their personal experience or reflections. Other suggestions will be given consideration for the 2024 conference: • • • • • • encouraging / empowering those who needed to take a break during the conference itself greater diversity on the conference committee with representatives specifically tasked with addressing equity and inclusion name badge pronouns ensuring mixed / representative panels of speakers more bursary support to become available sign language interpretation being made available as standard (this and other required adjustments are available to all delegates by request). We also asked how we could make the conference as accessible as possible. Some of the answers to this question repeated points around online or hybrid access. Other comments included: • • • that the programme should be in print and digital format that an option to spread payments via direct debit should be made available to help people with paying the cost ensuring that everyone who delivers or chairs a session at the conference uses the access tools magazine Belfast 2023 conference key note © Lost Lens Caps Photography available (e.g. making sure the microphone is always used for Q&A). In summary: 2024 conference in Birmingham • Same format as currently but with additional online content • Implementation of additional equity, diversity and accessibility suggestions • Mixed content model – call for papers plus curated content • Consider bursaries/financial support for speakers as well as delegates • Duration and timing remain the same as now • Social events remain the same as now. 2025 conference • Exploration of financial viability of hybrid options • Review of inclusive accommodation at conference venue v book your own accommodation • Mixed content model – call for papers plus curated content • Consider bursaries/financial support for speakers as well as delegates • Continue to improve, equity, diversity and accessibility • Duration and timing remain the same as now • Social events remain the same as now. We always elicit feedback from delegates to the conference and will continue to use this feedback to make the ARA Conference as useful and enjoyable as it can possibly be for our members and other delegates. If you would like to share feedback please email Deborah at deborah.mason@archives.org.uk 11 |