PhD Networking Conference, 29-30 May, 2008

Bournemouth University

Exploring Tourism II: Issues in PhD Research

Following the success of the conference held at Leeds Metropolitan University last June, the International Centre for Tourism & Hospitality Research (ICTHR), School of Services Management, Bournemouth University, is pleased to announce that it is hosting Exploring Tourism II: Issues in PhD Research in association with the University of Exeter. To be held at the Talbot Campus of Bournemouth University, the aim of the conference is to bring together and exchange experiences of PhD students in tourism and related subjects. Participants of this networking conference will have the opportunity to present their research in parallel sessions and further discuss issues and experiences in an informal and multidisciplinary environment. A number of experienced keynote speakers will provide a variety of insights into current research and publishing practice within the interdisciplinary field of tourism and offer support for the various stages of your PhD. Non-presenting and /or first-year PhD students are also very welcome to attend the conference.

The conference format for submissions is a 500-word abstract which is to be submitted to Karen Ward at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it no later than Friday 18 April, 2008. More specific details will follow after Christmas.

For those wishing to present it is preferable if you select one aspect of your PhD for presentation (i.e. literature review, methodology, reflexivity, the research process, quantitative or qualitative analysis). Hence, when submitting your abstracts please confirm what ‘focus’ your presentation will take as this will help the organisers with the streaming of parallel breakout sessions. It will also enable your fellow PhD-students to learn from and critique your work. For your presentation you should aim at 20 minutes to have sufficient time for questions and discussions. If you are using PowerPoint please bring your presentation on a USB-Stick or CR-Rom. If you need other technical equipment than a laptop (e.g. Overhead Projector) please inform us beforehand.

The indicative programme is as follows:
Wednesday 28 May, 2008
Informal social gathering in a local bar in the centre of Bournemouth.
Thursday 29 May, 2008
09:00 – 09:30 Coffee and Registration
09.30 – 09:40 Official Welcome
09:40 – 11:00 Keynote presentations: Research Paradigms and Conceptual Frameworks
11.00 – 11.30 Coffee
11.30 – 13:00 Parallel breakout sessions
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 15:30 Keynote presentations: Grounded Theory and Mixed Methods
15:30 – 16:00 Coffee
16:00 – 17:30 Parallel breakout sessions
17:30 – Feedback Day 1
Informal social evening at a bar in the centre of Bournemouth
Friday 30 May, 2008
09:00 – 09:30 Coffee and Registration
09:30 – 11:00 Keynote presentations: Case Study Research and Publication Opportunities
11.00 – 11.30 Coffee
11.30 – 13:00 Parallel breakout sessions
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 15:30 Keynote presentations: Preparing for the ‘Transfer’ and Preparing for the ‘Viva’
15:30 – 16:00 Coffee
16:00 – 17:30 Parallel breakout sessions
17:30 – Feedback Day 2
The cost of attendance for the two-day conference is £50 which excludes accommodation and evening meals. Lunch is provided however on both days.