Clearly much has changed in the world since we sent out the call for papers last year, imagining a great meeting in Brighton in March. We are looking ahead now, unsure of what the world will look like in April 2021, but we are determined to bring you our Annual Conference, in whatever format it will take!

The conference attracts delegates from across the global knowledge community, including librarians, publishers and intermediaries. It provides a much-respected forum for discussing trends, showcasing initiatives, finding out about current practice across sectors, and connecting with other professionals.

Suggestions are invited for topics for plenary sessions, breakout sessions and lightning talks. In all cases, we welcome suggestions of speakers alongside topic ideas. You can see some of this year’s presentations online at: https://bit.ly/3bhthid or see the whole programme here to get an idea of topics/level etc.

Please submit your suggestions via the UKSG website: https://bit.ly/30o9UBT

To have a truly engaging conference, UKSG believes we need to hear from people with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds - and we particularly want to encourage and include those from under-represented communities to speak and take part. As well as supporting all plenary speakers and lead breakout speakers with a free place and expenses (if the conference goes ahead as an in-person event), we are looking at expanding our list of sponsored places to support early career and target those from under-represented communities to attend. If you have something interesting to say but do not feel you are ready to present a plenary or break-out session we can provide mentors to help you prepare, or please consider presenting a shorter lightning talk.

The deadline for suggestions is Friday 18^th September. We will aim to contact you by the end of September to let you know if your idea has been taken up. If you need any assistance with any aspect of your submission, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I would be grateful if you would share this email far and wide to your own networks – many thanks in advance!

Bev Acreman

Executive Director

UKSG

bev@uksg.org