Frequently asked questions
Submissions for the conference programme are now open! See our call for sessions, papers and posters. For more information please see the conference timeline.
Please see below for some of our frequently asked questions about submissions for the conference programme. We will add additional information here in due course about registering for the conference, the conference programme, and planning your attendance at the conference (in-person or virtual).
If you don't see the answer you need - please email us at ac2024@rgs.org.
Please also see:
- Guidance for individual presenters
- Guidance for session organisers
- Session formats and types
- Conference timeline and key dates
- Chair's theme
What is the deadline for proposing a session, paper or poster for the conference programme?
The final deadline for all submissions is Friday 1 March 2024. Please see our guidance for session organisers and for individual presenters.
What is the chair's theme for this year's conference?
The chair’s theme will explore mapping in all its forms, in a world that is saturated with maps, from historical cartography to the newest technologies and practices of map-making.
Maps trace invasions, financial crises, pandemics and environmental disasters, and our responses to them. They plot and coordinate surveillance, and counter-plot evasion and resistance. They chart jet streams, oceanic oscillations and ozone holes, heatwaves, droughts, and drizzles. Maps map territory and sovereignty, but also evidence indigenous land claims and historical landscapes of meaning.
Find out more about the chair's theme
What formats are supported at the conference?
We are finalising the available formats, and will confirm when the call for sessions, papers and posters goes live in mid-November 2023.
We currently expect that sessions will be in-person, online, or propose a hybrid approach. We expect to have limited capacity for live hybrid sessions at this year's event, and to be allocating these on an open, competitive basis, with priority for innovative sessions that make the most of hybrid opportunities and functionality.
If you are submitting an individual paper to the open call for papers you will be asked to indicate whether you would prefer to present in an online OR in-person session.
More information about conference session formats
How many papers can I present at the conference?
Delegates will be limited to ONE paper presentation and ONE panel/workshop contribution, OR, TWO panel/workshop contributions. The role of discussant is included as a panel/workshop contribution.
A single paper may only be presented once at the conference. Please see our guidance for presenters.
How can I apply for Research Group sponsorship for my session?
Several of the Research Groups will circulate calls for proposals for session sponsorship. A list of these, with deadlines, will be published from mid-November 2023.
Do I need to register for the conference before submitting an abstract?
No, you do not need to register for the conference before you can submit a proposal for the programme. However, if your contribution is accepted, you will then be expected to register and pay the appropriate fee to attend. Both virtual-only and in-person rates are available. In-person registration also includes access to all virtual elements.
How do I find out about sessions being planned for the conference?
You can view a list of sessions being proposed for the conference by logging into Ex Ordo, and clicking 'Submit to an Existing Panel'. This will take you to the Public Panels List - all sessions being proposed.
Not all sessions will be inviting contributions. Those that are, will have details of how to submit your abstract in the session abstract.
Please note that each call for contributions has its own deadline (generally much earlier than the main deadline of Friday 1 March 2024), and own process for submitting a paper proposal. Please read the call carefully and direct any questions to the session organisers.
When will you announce the dates and times for sessions?
We expect to publish a provisional programme for the conference in mid-late May 2024. Please see our programme page for more details on planned session timings.
How do I register for the conference?
Registration for the conference will open in spring 2024. You can find out more about registration, including fee categories, and prices, on our registration page.
By registering for the conference, you agree to abide by the conference's code of conduct.
What rates are available for registration? Can I attend just the virtual sessions?
The conference will take place in-person in London and online. To reflect this, there are two sets of registration fees:
- In-person, which include access to all in-person sessions for the day(s) you select, and to all virtual content.
- Virtual only, which allow access to all online and some hybrid sessions, asynchronous content and session recordings
Please see our registration page for more details.
Where can I find out more about accommodation and travel to the conference?
Please see our guide to planning your attendance at the in-person conference, as part of our wider guide on planning your attendance.
Can I request a letter of invitation to support my visa application?
Yes. All conference delegates who need a visa to enter the United Kingdom are advised to arrange this as early as possible.
Visa support letters may only be requested from the Society once a delegate has had a submission accepted for the conference programme, paid the in-person registration fee in full, and provided full contact details from a recognised institution. There is more information in our guide on planning your attendance at the in-person conference.
Will a creche be offered at the conference this year?
The conference organisers are pleased to offer registered conference delegates a crèche service for children of all ages. The crèche is provided by Little Hens Childcare, an Ofsted-registered provider, whose staff are all first aid-trained, reference-checked, and CRB-checked. There is more information in our guide on planning your attendance at the in-person conference. Places are limited so please enquire as early as possible if you would like to book a place for your child.
Where can I find out more about accessibility at the conference?
We are committed to making the conference as accessible as we can to all delegates, in person and online. Please see our guide on accessibility at the conference. If you have questions or specific requests please do contact us.