Let's Talk Fandom and Fan studies!
The University of Waterloo’s Games Institute as well as the IMMERSe Research Network is proud to host a MetaFandom Unconference on Thursday, September 18th and Friday the 19th. Unconferences are gatherings of interested scholars and experts, where they have informed conversations on a particular topic fandom and fan studies, in this case!
Attendees shouldn’t prepare papers or presentations; rather, they should come to the unconference prepared to speak briefly about a specific topic as a panelist, ask informed questions of other panelists, and, most importantly, get to know other scholars, experts, and interested fans. We invite fans of all kinds to apply whether you are a fan scholar or a fan yourself, we look forward to discussing all kinds of topics with you.
How to Attend:
If you’d like to attend, please send us a fandom biography of at least 200 and no more than 300 words to uwmetafans@gmail.com by August 14th.
Let us know what fandoms you consider yourself invested in (however you define that!) and what topics you are interested in talking about, particularly those you would be comfortable speaking on a panel about. Additionally, interested parties should provide evidence of immersion in fandom, academic or otherwise , so let us know about a publication, conference presentation, fanblog, cosplay, or other fan practice by including a link or citation. Take a look at the organizers’ bios in the Call for Participants (PDF) to get an idea of how to introduce yourself to us!
We also have a limited number of travel subsidies available, and will be happy to offer what we can to those who are making the trip to Waterloo. Please include tentative travel details in your bio if you would like to be considered.
Because we want to encourage a meaningful conversation, we can only offer invitations to 25 people, and we will notify you by August 18th. We will make our decisions in order to ensure there is a varied and balanced representation of fandoms and fan (aca or otherwise) practices.
Finally, the MetaFandom Unconference is a safe space. We will not tolerate bigotry of any form, and we expect everyone to respect other people’s fannish engagements. The MetaFandom Unconference is fandom, ship, and practiceagnostic, so there will be no favouritism or belittling of certain groups of fans. The general rule of Wheaton’s Law applies: Feel free to disagree, but don’t be a jerk about it.
Want to learn more? Visit the Event page and download the Official Call for Participants (PDF).