| What is an academic conference? |
| An academic conference is an event where scholars and people interested in a particular topic come together for critical evaluation and discussion. Conferences typically feature a wide range of speakers who have prepared research on an aspect relating to the general topic and are willing to share their research. Many conferences also feature a variety of special events, programs and keynote speakers. The purpose of a conference is to serve as a locus of information on a topic. It allows researchers from a variety of disciplines to meet with each other and to spark continued dialogue, research and interest in a subject or field of study. |
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| What is a keynote speaker? |
| A keynote speaker is usually someone who holds special prominence in the community or field being discussed and delivers an independent lecture as part of the conference procedings. Some conferences feature many keynote speakers. Postcards from the Future will have one, Chuck Palahniuk himself. As Mr. Palahniuk's writing is the focus of this conference, we are excited to have him as our guest and keynote speaker. Mr. Palahniuk will deliver the keynote lecture during the luncheon on Saturday, April 7th. The luncheon is open to all conference presenters and attendees. |
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| How can I become a presenter? |
| A presenter is someone who has researched a particular topic pertaining to the themes of the conference, which in this case are the works of Chuck Palahniuk, the issues raised by his novels, the film adaptation of Fight Club, and studies of related literature and film. To be a presenter at this conference, you must first submit an abstract (see below) that summarizes your topic. You should then prepare a research paper (usually about 10 pages in length, double-spaced) on that topic. You do not need to send us a copy of your paper, nor is there any minimum length for your paper. Once we have approved your abstract, we will assign you a time and location in which to present your paper. A presentation is not a reading of your paper, rather it is an opportunity for you to provide a detailed oral summary of your research. You should, however, be prepared to provide a copy of your paper to audience members who request one. |
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| Do I have to be in college, a graduate student, or a professor to be a presenter? |
| No. Presenter status is available for anyone who submits an abstract (see below) that we approve for presentation. |
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| Can I present creative material / artwork? |
| Yes. We will accept presentations of artwork from any medium, including musical compositions, so long as they pertain to the themes of this conference. The application process for artistic presentations is almost identical to that of a research paper. You will need to submit an abstract (a onmouseover="window.status='what is an abstract?' ; return true" href="/pa/maleficent/faq.html#abstract">see below), which will be is a description of 500 words or less describing your work and how it relates to themes of Chuck Palahniuk's works or Fight Club. Your abstract should also include any special considerations necessary for presenting your work (space considerations, sound systems, installation materials, etc.). |
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| As a presenter, what kind of atmosphere can I expect? |
| While audience reaction and attitude varies from presentation to presentation, this conference will be comprised primarily of people interested in learning more about Chuck Palahniuk and his works; the primary purpose of this conference is discussion, not criticism. While debates are welcomed and encouraged, we expect an open and engaging environment for everyone involved. First time presenters, college students and graduate students are therefore encouraged to present. |
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| What is an abstract? |
| An abstract is a short summary of the research you plan to present. It informs us of your topic so we can ensure that it is appropriate for the conference. Abstracts also help us organize presentations by category and to establish presentation panels. |
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| How do I submit an abstract? |
| Abstracts submitted for this conference should be 500 words or less and should include the title of your paper as well as your name, address, telephone number, email address and academic status (IE: undergraduate, post-graduate, etc.). For those involved in roundtable discussions we will require an individual abstract from each member of your group. We will not ask for, nor can we accept a written copy of your paper in its entirety. For information please see our call for papers. Once we approve your abstract you must confirm by registering (see below). |
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| What is a panel? |
| A panel is a generalized category where we assign individual presenters in order to provide some continuity among the various presentations. For example, a person presenting a paper on Marla Singer’s relationship to Tyler Dudren in Fight Club might be included on the same panel as someone presenting a paper on gender roles in Fight Club. On the schedule, each panel will be labeled by a general theme. The presenter and the title of each presentation will be listed under the label in the order that they will present. Each speaker will have 20 minutes for their presentation. After each person on the panel has completed their presentation, there will be a question and answer period where members of the audience may comment on the presentations. Large conferences usually create panels by academic discipline and allow their presenters to request a particular panel. As this is a smaller conference, panels will be assigned by us and divided by topic. |
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| What is a roundtable discussion? |
| A roundtable discussion is similar to a panel only each participant has agreed ahead of time to research an identical topic. For example, a group of students may wish to hold a roundtable discussion on gender roles in Fight Club. Each of those students would then research and prepare a presentation on that topic. As with a panel, each participant will be given 20 minutes for their presentation. After every person on the panel has finished speaking, there will be an open discussion session where members of the audience and the speakers may discuss the topic further or comment on the presentations. Roundtable discussion groups should consist of no more than 4 to 5 members. Each member of the group must complete an individual abstract (see above). The abstracts should then be submitted to us as a packet and should note the title or topic of the discussion (see above). |
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| What is a moderator? |
| A moderator is a member of the conference staff who will oversee each panel or roundtable discussion. The moderator will introduce each speaker before his or her presentation. The moderator is also responsible for keeping track of the length of each presentation. The moderator will inform the speaker of how much time he or she has remaining and will notify the speaker should the presentation run over 20 minutes. |
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| Does it cost anything to be a presenter? |
| Yes. Nearly all conferences charge a fee for presenters and attendees (see below). |
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| Does it cost anything to attend the conference? |
| Yes. There is a registration charge (see below) associated with both presenters and conference attendees. Payment entitles you to all events, lecture, presentations, and activities during the conference. |
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| How do I register / get tickets? |
| You can register to attend this conference by simply filling out a copy of the registration form provided here. Potential presenters should register only after receiving an abstract approval notice from us. The registration form can be mailed or faxed to the address provided on the form. |
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| I’m only in high school / I’m not a college student. Can I still attend this conference? |
| Yes. This conference is open to anyone who has registered as an attendee or a presenter (see above). |
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| Where is Edinboro University? |
| Edinboro University is located in Northwestern Pennsylvania, about 120 miles due North of Pittsburgh and about 15 miles due South of Erie. Links to interactive roadmaps to the university and maps of the campus are available here. Those booking flights into the area will need to fly into Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Erie or Buffalo. Consult your airline or travel agent for the most appropriate destination. |
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| Where can I stay in Edinboro? |
| Lodging is available through the Ramada Inn, a hotel less than 1 mile from Edinboro University campus. Reservation information is available here. |
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| Will Chuck Palahniuk be at this conference? |
| Yes. Chuck Palahniuk will be our guest and keynote speaker. He will deliver a keynote address during a luncheon on Saturday, April 7th that is open to everyone attending the conference. He will also partake in other activities throughout the course of the conference. Please view the schedule of events for details. |
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| Will I get to meet Chuck / get his autograph? |
| Mr. Palahniuk has been extremely gracious in making himself available to us for the duration of this conference. He will be involved in numerous activities that will be open to all those attending. |
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