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#BAFTSS2021 has been really successful - great papers, brilliant scholars showing their adaptability. Am hearing lots of murmurings about wanting to hold on to the online conference format and am sounding a small caution against this. We need to be mindful of what we lose online:
1. Dedicated, non-domestic space for thought, discussion and the exchange of ideas. For those of us with multiple responsibilities, conferences are a valuable space away from all of that.
2. Opportunities to build connections, allegiances, mentoring opportunities, collaborations. Over the years, conferences have been a really important place for all of these things for me.
3. Chances to understand the geographically located seams/developments/turns in our disciplines.
4. Development of long lasting friendships that sustain and support us all over the years. These have been absolutely critical for my wellbeing. Building solidarities that have lasted a whole career that aren’t about producing new research but are about solidarity/love/friendship
The organisers of BAFTSS and other online conferences have been brilliant (particularly in support of ECRs) but we still need the in between bits and the time away from home
On the other hand, my slightly needy cat would like to give a big thumbs up for online conferences
