Conference Reading and Writing

Since it is conference season for me, I have been thinking of all the types of reading and writing that go into professional conferences. Each type or genre has its own requirements, its own peculiarities. First, those who hope to present papers must either be invited or submit proposals. Proposals usually include a 200-300 word summary and a 50 word abstract for the program. If one’s proposal is accepted, then the paper itself needs to be written. The classic conference paper is about 20 minutes long, and is read aloud, sometimes with a few added improvisations along the way. Papers are usually accompanied by power point slides and/or handouts and/or reference/resource lists. Variations on the classic paper include the plenary or keynote speech (longer, more prominent), the colloquium/panel (comprised of several papers and often a response from a discussant), the workshop (more hands-on), the brief research report, the poster session, and the facilitated discussion group, all with their own writings and readings. Other conference related writings/readings are the various conference calls for proposals, announcements, reminders, the conference program (often a fairly thick, handsome book), and numerous flyers found around the conference site (more calls for papers for more conferences, announcements of meetings, etc.). Then there is the vast exhibit hall where publishers exhibit their books, especially new books. I have found that it takes me a couple of hours to go through the hall, and I usually buy (or when fortunate, am given) several new books. And more writing everywhere: the message board, lists of tours and local restaurants, signs on the doors of conference halls and rooms, and more. As befits an academic gathering, attendees are surrounded with language throughout the whole process. I find myself appreciating and enjoying most elements of this onslaught of words. And although I am too busy at conferences to read much else (a quick look at the daily newspaper and at my email is about all I manage), if I want my daily dose of reading in one form or another, I only have to look around me at the conference site.