ASC National Conference 2012 Update

The news from the head of our conference organising committee, Rod Lamberts, is that our professional conference organiser has produced a short-list of Sydney venues. The dates for the conference are 27-29 February 2012 with a preconference event likely on the evening of Sunday 26 February. We are now in the process of deciding which venue to choose. Rod has the conference committee started on a range of tasks and program ideas and soon will issue a call for papers for the research stream of the conference.

I note that several new topics are being proposed for the conference. This reflects the growing maturity of the field of science communication and that as professionals, our work is involving a wider range of activities, technologies and responsibilities.

A popular feature of the previous conference was that many sessions had a range of speakers presenting various aspects of a central topic. This encouraged greater discussion from the floor and interaction among the speakers. The upcoming conference will also emphasise interactive discussions, opportunities to network and professional development sessions.

Details will be coming soon. In the meantime I encourage you to mark the conference dates in your diaries, include it as part of your professional training plans, and put your hands up to be a session producer when the call is issued.

Jesse Shore

National President

ASC national conference 2012 – plans are progressing

Rod Lamberts, the chair of our national conference organising committee, has been working feverishly to get the nuts and bolts in place before the fun planning begins in earnest. He has received quotes from professional conference organisers and we will make a selection soon on who we’ll appoint. Then after the PCO’s tasks are spelled out the organising committee will map out what we expect will be an exciting and innovative program.

Rod has already discussed a range of roles with the members of his committee and they seem eager to get underway. Rod and/or I will keep you informed of progress.

Jesse Shore
National President