Tuesday 8 April 2014

Day 93: The conference begins...

Day 93: ...and history reigns...

Early registration (7.00am) then breakfast and a final run through of my paper which is on an 10.30am panel, one of five papers. Yes, along way to travel for a 12 minute presentation and short discussion but so interesting to hear others who are doing similar work. 

The Midwest Political Science Association Conference is big (by Australian standards). This is the second time I've attended. Over the next three and a half days, there will be about 5,500 papers by about 6000 presenters, roundtables, posters and general discussion across five sessions a day. Too much politics is never enough as they say. 

Palmer House is an historic hotel in Chicago, beautifully, perhaps the word is elegantly, appointed, with a rich history (it is said to be the home of the 'brownie', the sweet). The walls on the hallways in the hotel section are adorned with the photos of all who have played in the famous Empire Room, the entertainment centrepiece. Last year, as much as the musician in me wanted to, I didn't get to go in there. This year, however, organisers arranged to have roundtable panels in the Empire Room. Fabulous idea.

Discussion and elegance


Detail...

OK, don't ask me to recall exactly what the discussion was for the first panel I attended there, I went really just to soak up the atmosphere and hear the voices of Sinatra, Garland, Fitzgerald, Armstrong...et al. (It was a special lecture, about the history of ideas...most appropriate.)

Also excited that the day included two panel discussions on Hannah Arendt...my current research project. And so reassuring in the presence of specialists, that I might be onto something...and a paper idea for next year!

(Camera : iPhone 4S, 5.40pm, 4.33pm)