Call for Expressions of Interest to Host the BRISMES Annual Conference in 2027 or 2028

We are seeking statements of interest for serving as the Host for the annual BRISMES conference in late June or early July of 2027 or 2028. The BRISMES conference aims to foster dialogue between scholars, practitioners and activists concerned with the Middle East and North Africa region from all disciplines and all approaches. 

We seek expressions of interest from groups, departments and/or organisations throughout the United Kingdom. The Conference Host is a group or organisation which partners with BRISMES in conference delivery. With extensive support from BRISMES’ conference team, the Conference Host plays an important role in securing conference spaces and venue(s), choosing the conference theme and keynote speakers, writing the call for papers and recruiting volunteers and a conference assistant. It also works together with BRISMES in relation to reviewing submissions, planning, putting together the programme, helping with the publishers’ exhibition and technical/logistical matters before and during the conference.

Individuals, organisations or consortia who may be interested in serving as Conference Host should submit a letter outlining an expression of interest, to include the following information: 

• a list of the members of your hosting group 
  
• your connections to BRISMES and the field of Middle Eastern studies 
• a description of any prior experiences you have had with hosting conferences and the role(s) members of the hosting group have played 
• your preference (if any) on the year – 2027 or 2028 
• proposed conference theme and keynote speakers 
• thoughts on venue options that could accommodate up to 400 delegates and 80 panels over 3 days and why these would be good spaces for holding the conference, including proposals for ensuring accessibility and inclusiveness (for all genders, abilities, nationalities, etc.). BRISMES is open to a variety of venue spaces, but the preference is to hold the conference on university campuses where possible. Rooms should be bookable internally by the conference host team to avoid the cost of externally booking rooms. BRISMES will cover the costs associated with catering (e.g. tea/coffee, lunch) and support staff (e.g. AV technicians, etc.)  
  
• availability of accommodation options for conference attendees 
• an assessment of the potential for additional institutional support (if available)