Scholarly Boston

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The last week of May will see the US city of Boston play host to the 39th annual meeting of the Society for Scholarly Publishing.

The meeting will run from 31 May to 2 June, at the Westin Boston Waterfront hotel in the heart of the city, with the strapline Striking a Balance: Embracing Change While Preserving Tradition in Scholarly Communications.

This year delegates will discuss the ways in which publishers, librarians, vendors and academics explore and develop new technologies, business models, and partnerships while also remaining focused on their mission to publish and distribute quality scholarly content to researchers and students.

Keynote speakers will include Paula Stephan from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University, and Jeffrey Mervis from Science magazine. Conference ‘tracks’, or themes, will include: Industry Challenges; Practical Skills/Publishing 101; Product Strategy; Stakeholder Voices; Technology; and Research and Scholarship.

Stephan’s research interests focus on the careers of scientists and engineers and the process by which knowledge moves across institutional boundaries in the economy. She is a member of the Board on Higher Education and Workforce, National Academies of Sciences, a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a member of the board of reviewing editors at Science.

Mervis is a senior correspondent. He writes about all aspects of science policy, with the goal of explaining how government works to a global scientific audience. He also has a long-standing interest in STEM education and workforce diversity. He joined Science in 1993 after previously serving as news editor at Nature and The Scientist. He holds an undergraduate history degree and began his career with newspapers in Ohio and Washington DC.

Other highlights will include:

  • Pre-meeting Seminars: Numerous half-day seminars on 31 May offering in-depth discussions and practical advice to prepare delegates for the concurrent sessions;
  • Networking: Attendees will enjoy ample opportunities for meeting colleagues and sharing ideas at evening receptions, interactive lunches and other events; and
  • Exhibitors Marketplace: Popular exhibit hall provides a central area to learn about new products, programmes, services and solutions.

Further activities will include:

  • Sponsored sessions: registration now includes additional opportunities to learn about industry challenges and solutions on Wednesday afternoon. Plan to arrive early to take advantage of this additional content provided by industry knowledge experts. This value-added opportunity is free to all registered attendees.
  • Speed networking: attendees will find this a valuable opportunity to network with colleagues across the industry. Make new friends and contacts prior to the concurrent sessions, and follow up throughout the meeting and beyond. Attendees at all career stages and from all segments of the industry are encouraged to join us for this event on 31 May after the opening session.
  • Professional headshot studio: Is your professional profile picture in need of a refresh? Of course it is! A professional headshot gives you the opportunity to convey a positive message about yourself to clients, employers, and recruiters. Stop by the professional headshot studio during the Annual Meeting to have an expert photographer capture your current look and help to support the SSP Fellowship Program. The suggested minimum donation will be $20.

The conference hotel is located in Boston’s thriving Seaport District; the Westin Boston Waterfront is less than three miles from Logan International Airport.

A special rate of $279 a single/double has been arranged, with these room rates are available from 28 May until 5 June, should you wish to extend your stay. The reservation cut-off date is 29 April; thereafter, the hotel will accept reservations on a space-available basis.

Register at www.sspnet.org