The SPA Conference 2024 will be hosted by the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow and takes place from Wednesday 3 – Friday 5 July 2024.
How do I submit an abstract?
The Call for Abstracts is open and can be found at:
https://social-policy.org.uk/what-we-do/conference-2/spa-2024-call-for-abstracts/
Paper abstracts and symposia proposals should be uploaded at:
https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/stages/7865/submitter
The deadline for paper abstracts and symposia proposals is 19th April 2024. Abstracts and proposals will not be accepted after this date.
This is my first conference abstract. Any top tips?
There are no specific rules about how to write an SPA Conference 2024 abstract. But some things that you might want to think about include:
- Make clear that your paper fits the call for papers.
- Write clearly and concisely. Unless your paper has a heavily theoretical focus, there’s no need to bombard us with complex theory and concepts. Explain in simple terms what your paper is about.
- Include the key components of your research: its context, method, and findings. Briefly explain the aims and structure of the presentation that you will be giving.
- Highlight what’s interesting or important about your research and your contribution.
- Keep to the word limit. For papers, abstracts should be 200-400 words. Proposals for symposia should consist of a title and 200 word outline of the aims of the symposium, as well as details of both the organiser and contributors’ names and email addresses. Symposia contributors should submit their paper abstracts separately, indicating their inclusion in the symposium.
Are there dedicated Early Career/PhD activities?
Our ECR-PhD organising team will be organising targeted activities for Early Career and Doctoral Researchers. In addition to the main SPA conference there will also be a dedicated PG/ECR social event on the evening of the 2nd July, and a networking and careers related workshop on the morning of the 3rd July. See here for further details and the opportunity to sign up.
Are discounts available for non-academic participants?
If your paper/session involves non-academic participants who do not have access to funding (e.g. community participants involved in the research that is being discussed), please email conference2024@social-policy.org.uk to explore whether a discount is feasible.
For requests to be considered, we require: (1) a short summary of why non-academic participation is integral to the session and how many participants are involved; (2) clarity about whether non-academic participants would attend only the relevant session / the full conference; (3) a rationale for why it is not feasible to pay the full registration fee (e.g. non-academic participants from low-income groups for research projects that have ended); and (4) assurance that some funding to cover a discounted registration rate is available (we are not able to offer full fee waivers). Please note that we only have capacity to consider a small number of discounted rates.
How do I get to the conference venue?
The SPA Conference 2024 will be hosted in a single building: The University of Strathclyde Technology and Innovation Centre, 99 George Street, Glasgow G1 1RD.
For an interactive map CLICK HERE.
The venue is approximately five minutes’ walk from Glasgow Queen Street station and approximately 12 minutes’ walk from Glasgow Central train station. Neither walk features any steep inclines. Taxi ranks are also located beside both stations.
Further information about getting to the conference venue can be found HERE.
Where will the conference sessions take place?
All sessions will take place in The University of Strathclyde Technology and Innovation Centre, 99 George Street, Glasgow G1 1RD. Session rooms will be clearly signposted.
There will be student helpers on hand – wearing red SPA T-shirts – should you feel lost.
Where can I find the Conference registration desk?
The registration desk will be located near the entrance, ground floor of The University of Strathclyde Technology and Innovation Centre, 99 George Street, Glasgow G1 1RD.
Is there a cloakroom where I can leave my bags at the Conference venue?
There is a cloakroom where bags/luggage can be deposited. Ask at the registration desk, which will be located near the entrance, ground floor of The University of Strathclyde Technology and Innovation Centre, 99 George Street, Glasgow G1 1RD. Capacity is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
What about accessibility at the venue?
All conferencing spaces in The University of Strathclyde Technology and Innovation Centre are fully accessible, and the Centre team will be on-hand if you need further assistance or advice. Further information about accessibility for the venue, the conference dinner venue and the ceilidh venue can be found HERE.
You can also read more about accessibility at University of Strathclyde venues HERE.
What’s cooking?
On Wednesday 3rd July attendees will have the option of buying a ticket for a traditional ceilidh (a fun and traditional Scottish dance party) in a city centre venue, with relaxed buffet dinner included in the ticket price. A live band will play traditional ceilidh music, and a ‘caller’ will talk everyone through the steps for each dance. If you prefer, you can make your own arrangements and make your way into the city centre, which hosts many restaurants covering a wide range of cuisines.
On Thursday 4th July conference attendees are invited to a civic reception hosted by the Lord Provost and Glasgow City Council, and conference dinner at the historic City Chambers. Our hosts at City Chambers regularly welcome both international conferences and important civic events, so we can look forward to outstanding cuisine, including vegetarian/vegan options.
What about accommodation?
This year, conference accommodation is not being provided as part of SPA Conference registration. Glasgow has a wide range of accommodation for all budgets that is within walking distance of the TIC conference venue or is easily accessible by public transport.
Negotiated rates – booking through the Glasgow Convention Bureau (GCB):
The GCB in support of the SPA conference have negotiated rates with some of local hotels. Bookings through this route do not require a deposit and include some flexibility to cancel without penalty. Breakfast is also included (unless otherwise stated). To book through the GCB please use the following link: https://book.passkey.com/go/SPAC2024
Direct rates – booking with other accommodation providers:
There are many other accommodation providers that offer competitive rates outside of the GCB negotiated rates. These providers include other hotels, Guest Houses, B&Bs and hostels. You can book direct or access directly through www.booking.com
In all cases, delegates are advised to book early to guarantee availability at their preferred provider.
What will be in my conference pack?
Sorry, no conference pack! For environmental reasons we are aiming to make this conference paper-free. All information about sessions, papers, events and locations will be provided via our conference website. A printed programme will be displayed at the registration desk.
Where can I find the Conference programme?
The conference programme will appear in due course on our Oxford Abstracts page.
We are using Oxford Abstracts for our programme, which is online and kept updated live should there be any last minute changes.
The conference will start with lunch at 12PM on Wednesday 3rd July, and close at 1PM on Friday 5th July.
Can I share my experiences on social media?
Please share your comments and conference photos on Twitter/X.
Please use #SPAconf2024 and feel free to mention @SocialPolicyUK
Anything else?
Any queries that we don’t address above should be emailed to: