COnference information
COVID-19 Update
The BSANZ 2020 conference committee has decided that, in order to provide certainty to prospective delegates, we will make plans to host this year’s conference in an online format. While travel restrictions may ease between Australia and New Zealand by late November, it is unlikely that mass gatherings will be advisable at that time and yet we feel strongly that it is important our organisation’s members and friends continue to share research and give feedback. We hope to be able to do this as effectively as possible in an online conference. We will release details of the format soon.
We would still like to host a physical gathering, but it is too early to say what the situation will be in different parts of the country, and what cross-border travel will be allowed at the end of November. We can only say that we will be guided by the rules in force at the time. We have the conference venue booked and we will use it to the extent allowed.
Change of format
With the move to an online format, we think it will be simpler to keep to a single plenary session rather than parallel panel sessions. Accordingly, we ask that presenters aim for a talk of 10-15 minutes, rather than 20 minutes as previously advised. Talks may be delivered live online or pre-recorded, and may be followed by a short question-and-answer session.
We are also open to proposals that use online and digital platforms in novel and interesting ways. Please include some indication of your preferences and requirements in this regard when you submit your proposals.
We understand that the change to online presentation will be a challenge for some and we will aim to work with delegates to facilitate their participation.
We aim to record presentations to be shared later. Please let us know when you submit your proposal if you would prefer not to have your presentation recorded.
Conference registration fees
Online attendance will be free as a one-off recognition of the extraordinary circumstances. Those who attend in person (if this proves to be possible) will pay a modest fee to cover catering and other costs.
The BSANZ conference bursary will not be offered this year, in order to subsidise free online attendance.
The conference is scheduled to take place on 30 November and 2 December 2020.
In view of the financial ramifications of the pandemic, for this conference only all new members will be charged the concession rate of $45 for 2020-21 membership. The membership fee will revert to $75 for the 2021-22 financial year, for all members who are not students.