Opportunities to network, meet new people, connect with like-minded researchers, share ideas with people working in similar areas, or simply having useful conversations is consistently ranked as being one of the ‘most valuable’ aspects of attending the Annual Conference.

With this in mind, we have ensured that your Annual Conference experience can include a range of different networking opportunities – from large, all delegate receptions, to smaller, informal socials.

WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL
Northumbria University

10.00 - Registration and Refreshments - there will be time and space for you to meet other delegates over a cup of tea or coffee during morning registration.

10.30 – 11.30 -  Networking brunch at Baltic 39 with welcome from internationally renowned art academic and Baltic Professor, Andrea Phillips.

17.30 – 20.00  - Opening Keynote & Reception – all delegates are invited to attend the opening keynote by art historian Lynda Nead. A drinks reception and exhibition viewing will take place straight after the keynote at the Laing Gallery. This is an opportunity to talk about the keynote and connect with other delegates.

Extra Networking – sometimes the session convenor will invite speakers to meet up before hand for a coffee or drink so that people can get to know each other ahead of the session. This is often useful for convenors and speakers.

THURSDAY 2 APRIL
Northumbria University

08.30 – 10.20  - Registration and Refreshments – there will be time and space for you to meet other delegates over a cup of tea or coffee during morning registration

12.15 – 14.15  - Bookfair Reception & Buffet Lunch – this year we have introduced a new lunchtime reception with complimentary lunch for delegates. This will allow delegates time to enjoy the bookfair, meet academic publishers and network with colleagues over an extended lunchtime period.

16.15 – 17.30  - Refreshments & Networking - an extended afternoon break will give delegates an opportunity for some time after the sessions and before the keynote to look at bookfair and on-site exhibitions, attend informal networking groups or visit local attractions.

17.30 – 20.30  - Keynote & Reception – all delegates are invited to attend the keynote by Courtney J Martin. A drinks reception will take place straight after the keynote in the Boiler House at Newcastle University. This is an opportunity to talk about the keynote and connect with other delegates.

19.00 - 21.00 - DECR (Doctoral and Early Career Research) Social - after the keynote members of the DECR committee will be at Nancy Bordellos bar. Come along for a drink and or social chat.

FRIDAY 3 APRIL
Newcastle University

10.30 – 11.00  - Post-Keynote Refreshments & Networking – there will be time after the morning keynote given by Geoffrey Batchen to have a coffee and chat ahead of going in to sessions.

13.15 – 15.15 – lunch time excursions or networking – delegates will have the opportunity during an extended lunchtime to sign-up for a range of tours and visits. Alternatively, you can chose to use this lunch time slot to make your own arrangements - perhaps signup to visits and tours to the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art to see the Judy Chicago exhibition, or return to the Laing Art Gallery for the exhibition tour and talk.

17.15 – 18.30 – Closing Reception - at the end of sessions, there will be an opportunity for delegates to attend a closing reception and reflect upon the event over drinks.