Colleges come together to host 2019 ANZALS Conference in Queenstown

The University of Otago, Lincoln University and Queenstown Resort College have come together to co-host the 14th Biennial Australia and New Zealand Association for Leisure Studies (ANZALS) Conference.

To be held in Queenstown from Tuesday 10th to Friday 13th December 2019, the conference theme is 'The Diversity of Leisure' with organisers currently calling for contributions that highlight the breadth and depth of research and industry experience in leisure studies.

Organisers explain "this theme was deliberately chosen as we wish to encourage a diverse mix of scholars to participate, and showcase the wide variety of leisure-related research being carried out across disciplinary boundaries.

"However, we believe the notion of ‘diversity’ in the title carries a deeper, more fundamental meaning which in turn connotes a significant responsibility on us as organisers.

"Diversity not only means the diversity of research being carried out in the field of leisure studies and related areas. It also means diversity in the geographic location of that research, and giving voice to the diverse range of scholars carrying out that research.

"For example, at this conference we want to focus on diversity at all levels and we believe this entails showcasing work of a wider variety of scholars than would usually be the case with the traditional keynote format - hence (a) panel discussion to be held as part of the welcome event. We want to create a conference that celebrates diversity, which signals the need for it to be accessible and inclusive."

Organisers are also looking to be transparent in their decision-making and have included a discussion of why accessible and inclusive conferences are important, what this 'looks like' for ANZALS 2019 and how they have sought to achieve this through conscious planning."

Click here for more information in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image courtesy of Skyline Queenstown.