5th ISA Forum of Sociology (6-11 July 2025)

Newcomers Workshop: How to navigate the ISA Forum?

Language: English and Spanish

The workshop wishes to share, discuss and develop practices and useful ideas that make a congress a more humane experience, for both individuals and the general academic community. Conferences are professional events with a lot of unwritten rules and a highly demanding social element. As professionals we tend to try to hide a lot of physical aspects and emotions, from joy to nervousness to exhaustion, anger and disappointment. The demands on a participant are social, cultural, academic and physical. The soundscape of a venue, the navigation of a massive program, toilets, meals and guidelines may feel overwhelming. The academic skills are needed beyond the own paper presentation. With the global crowd, and generational differences, assumptions can be challenged, but advice and sharing can be useful. Most importantly, new anti-anxiety practices can be ideated. 

Whether first time attendant or soon to retire, this session is for those who wish to get together to develop practices and strategies that make a conference a better place for all. We will work in small groups and share, list and envision practices that can be helpful in creating a space that is inclusive, inspiring and supportive. Silent observer participation is also welcome.