Mapping the Magazine 7: Magazines and the Moment
A “flipped” conference
Q: What is a flipped conference?
A “flipped” conference is one that is optimized for virtual attendees but has added benefits for those who can attend in person. (Yes, we invented this.)
Q: Why have you chosen to “flip” Mapping the Magazine 7?
To make it accessible to as many participants as possible. We expect that the pandemic will still make it difficult for many overseas scholars to travel to the U.S. this summer. We also know that shrinking budgets at many institutions make it harder for some attendees to get financial support for their travel. And as a side benefit, it’s eco-friendly to minimize flying and driving when possible.
Q: So why “flipped” and not just virtual?
This comes from our experience as educators. The pandemic taught us that hybrid approaches shortchange those who are present and those who are virtual. It’s better to have a primary modality. In this case, we’ve chosen to make virtual participation the primary modality in order to welcome as many people as possible to fully participate in the event. However, the pandemic also highlighted the importance of being together in person, so we are providing that option, too.
Q: What is the advantage of attending in person then?
Those who attend in person will have the many benefits of being together: more engagement with each other, casual conversations, social events. There will also be coffee/snack breaks and cocktail hours, and a field trip to Dotdash Meredith, if the pandemic permits.
Q: Then what is the advantage of attending virtually?
You can wear your pajama bottoms! There will be some “talking circles” (see below) for connecting with other attendees. And you won’t miss out on the coffee or cocktails; you just have to bring your own.
Q: What if I don’t know how to mix a cocktail?
We’ve got you covered! We’re engaging the services of a mixologist who can walk you through the creation of your own alcoholic or non-alcoholic MtM7 Glossy Cocktail™. We’ll provide an ingredient list in advance.
Q: Will in-person and virtual attendees have opportunities to connect and converse with each other?
For sure! There will be “talking circles” throughout the conference for that purpose.
Q: What is a “talking circle”?
It’s a session where participants can discuss questions that concern magazine scholars and students, including those relating to teaching, research, and the future of the industry. Each circle has two facilitators, and all attendees are invited to join and share experiences and do some networking–one of the most important aspects of an international conference.
Q: What if I’m not sure whether I’ll be able to attend in person or virtually?
Register for the one you expect to attend. Then notify us as soon as possible if your plans change. We need to have a firm headcount of in-person attendees no less than a month before the event.
Q: What are the Covid protocols?
All in-person attendees will need to wear a mask during all inside activities. Depending on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person attendees may be required to submit proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test prior to attending.
Q: Is there a difference in cost between in-person and virtual attendance?
No, the cost is the same.
Q: Where is Drake University?
Drake is in Des Moines, Iowa
Q: Where is Iowa?
Iowa is a landlocked, midwestern U.S. state more or less in the middle of the country. Fun fact: it is the only state whose eastern and western borders are created entirely by rivers.
Q: Where is Des Moines?
41.5868° N, 93.6250° W
Q: Where is the nearest Airport to Drake University?
Des Moines International Airport, which is just seven miles from the university
Q: What if I have a question that isn’t answered here?
Email us mappingthemagazine7@gmail.com. We’ll reply and add your question to this list, if it’s general enough.
