Conference Conversations

Conference season comes with excitement and possibilities. As this issue comes to fruition what is apparent is how much people have found joy and rejuvenation in celebrating their work while learning form their counterparts from all over the world in 2024.

As the founder of the International Media Literacy Research Symposium (IMLRS), the goal has always been to bring together seasoned researchers with new and upcoming researchers and work. Sometimes it is the pairing of strangers or even the uniqueness of the experience that makes it all work, but it is incredibly important. As someone who came into media literacy when the number of researchers were limited and the work even harder to find, I missed having these opportunities made available to me. Creating this conference was an opportunity to right that wrong or at least offer a chance to showcase that there is so much more happening with media literacy education all over the world. Further, having practitioners and students in the mix provides the bridge that is most needed and most necessary in making research come to life.

Beyond, the IMLRS conference, which was held in Azores, there were others that were happening in various localities which have been shared by some of the reflections found in this issue. Further, there was a special event which happened in Finland which was coordinated by DCN Global and Alexandre La Voci, a board member for the International Council for Media Literacy. This event brought together media literacy educators in a different capacity to share what is happening in their part of the world. At the same time, a concurring theme was showcasing the possibilities as well as potential of the ongoing work of media literacy education. It also was a chance for the attendees and speakers to learn more about Finland and explore their celebrated work in media literacy.

Both the Azores and Finland events provided attendees a look at the unique culture. In the Azores, the International Media Literacy Research Symposium was held at their national library which is central to the city. For many, the facility was walking distance to the community around them. Beyond that, the attendees were able to experience the local faire as well as many amazing sites from the Road of Hydrangeas to the Furnas Valley known for its bubbling cauldrons and hot springs where people were able to experience the thermal baths. Of course, the food is a staple. In particular, the steaming hot pots of Cozido (a traditional Portuguese stew) pulled out of the bubbling volcanic waters for lunch. In Finland, Helsinki provided another cultural experience from its modern buildings mixed in with Russian architecture as well as some Viking landscapes. Attendees were also provided with a captivating look at first hand history with a visit to the Suomenlinna fortress which has UNESCO heritage status. The Nordic cuisine and hot saunas were also a highlight.

In each locality, participants were provided with ample time to experience the places they had chosen to attend. A unique feature of attending conferences in far off places is the ability to bring both together culture and research– a lived experience that is made special by the time and place as well as the people who make conference events happen.

This issue brings together work presented at various conferences as well as reflections from attendees. Please visit our Youtube page for culminating videos from the IMLRS conference.