International Conference 2024

2024 International Conference

14-16 November 2024

Here be Dragons – I am not a Robot…

We are delighted to welcome colleagues to join us for the IPDA Conference, which takes place as a face-to-face event, at Aston University Conference Centre from 14-16 November 2024.

Please save the date for our 2024 conference with the theme ‘Here be Dragons – I am not a Robot’. With an evening online pre-conference that is open to all, followed by two days of in-person event, your full conference ticket will include an overnight stay on Friday 15th November. 

Thursday 14th November: Online Pre-conference – Early Career Researcher forum.
Friday 15th November: Conference Day 1 at Aston University.
Saturday 16th November: Conference Day 2 at Aston University.

Key dates

  • Call for abstracts: early January 2024
  • Abstract call closes:  29th March 2024
  • Abstract reviews: 1st April – 13th April
  • Abstract outcomes announced: 19th April
  • Registration opens: 1st May 2024
  • Registration closes: 30th September 2024
  • Final Confirmations: 5th October 2024

About the theme: Here be Dragons – I am not a Robot…

Conference strands

  • Challenges and opportunities for professional learning
  • Bespoke innovative approaches to professional learning
  • Inclusive practices in professional learning
  • Experiences of Early Careers professional learners
  • The complexity of professional learning

In our 2023 conference we explored the different interests and views of delegates, who also contributed to the shaping of our 2024 conference theme.

The changes in the professional learning landscape have led to many opportunities and challenges. ‘Here Be Dragons’, means dangerous and unchartered contexts, and stems from the medieval practice where illustrations of sea monsters or other mythological creatures were placed on maps to signpost unexplored territory and the areas where potential dangers might exist.

For the 2024 conference, this metaphor is used to enable the IPDA community to reflect on those unchartered waters, where dangers are, but exciting opportunities might exist. We are keen to engage with colleagues to explore what these dangers are, what they might look like, and how we can overcome these challenges, and move forward to embrace them as opportunities.

In addition, professional learning is bespoke to each individual, and with the changing landscape of professional learning and development, the bespoke nature of professional learning is often overlooked. How can we consider the importance of meeting the needs of others, opposed to it becoming a robotic technicist approach?

ONLINE PRE-Conference

Each year our online Pre-Conference Forum for Early Career Researchers aims to highlight the great work being done by postgraduate students and those new to research. 

The event provides a platform for colleagues to share a short presentation in line with the conference theme, alongside a keynote presentations and further discussions. 

Abstract submission coming soon.

THE VENUE: ASTON UNIVERSITY

Aston University has been the home of the IPDA conference on many occasions, providing excellent service and spaces for our sessions and social spaces. The conference will take place within Conference Aston, which is based on the city centre campus. All of the conference sessions, meals and guest rooms are based within the building. 

Some great features included in your stay are the fantastic restaurant, bar and leisure facilities, including Bimingham’s oldest swimming pool with sauna and steam room, great for relaxing after the conference.

Please note: The venue is within the Birmingham clean air zone. Therefore depending on your vehicle you may need to pay the fee for this.

A FLAVOUR OF THE EVENT

The IPDA conference is known as a welcoming event that brings together researchers and practitioners from varied professions. The videos below show the experiences and perspectives of both new and longstanding IPDA members.