Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam > Blaise Pascal Instituut > Girard Studiekring > COV&R 2007
Lessons learned
Wiel Eggen
Three
questions asked
What should
be avoided in the future?
What should
be retained and further improved?
What did I
learn and take away from the conference?
Positive aspects
-
The generous welcome and perfect accommodations made for a very cordial
atmosphere.
-
The work of Thérèse and her assistants Laura
and Cor were singled out for special praise.
-
The practical arrangements, the setting and especially the food at the
centre were great.
-
The technical facilities were up to the task, the acoustical conditions
were good all over.
-
Information via the website was plentiful, to the point, well-presented
and accessible.
-
Special mention was made of the many useful links to background material
of substance.
-
The USB-stick with abstracts and papers is a good idea, but too many
papers came late.
-
Communications with section directors were generally good, but
occasionally it faltered.
-
The dropping-out of speakers forced much rescheduling, but it was
generally handled well
-
Moderators handled the sessions well, although the time keeping proved
often difficult
-
Goodhart's pre-conference primer on mimetic
theory remains useful and is to be retained.
-
Play-backing René's interview did sweeten his absence, but his message
disturbed some.
-
The general theme was well-chosen and explained well by Buruma, Beunders & Palaver.
-
The hand-out of practical information was good, a names list of
participants was missed.
-
The recreational program at A'dam was
appreciated despite the transportation difficulties.
-
(Later comment): the final concert and Sunday service formed an
inspiring rounding-off.
Negative comments, things to be improved
Most
criticism concerned the running of the (parallel) sessions and the
presentations as such.
-
Punctual time keeping is essential to avoid frustrations, Implement the
time schedules
-
Shifting of venues, moderators and speakers between sessions caused too
much confusion.
-
Some rooms were overcrowded. Dynamic programming (writing-in attendance)
may help.
-
Each speaker be given equal time of presenting and sufficient discussion
time is essential.
-
Presenting your own paper if your English diction is inadequate may
prove a big handicap
-
A cluttering of jargon in the presentations must be avoided. Encourage
giving hand-outs.
-
Asking presenters to study each other's paper works only if papers are
available in time
-
Sanction for who hands in late: you must bring 30 printed copies to the
conference itself!
On the contents and organisation in general
-
When hot issues as political or religious divides are thematised be careful about setting.
-
Invite people who have already some dialogue, bring in an expert (e.g.
on Islam) to help.
-
Make sure that the link between sub-sections and mimetic theory remain
evident to all.
-
At some time provide a working definition of the conference key concepts
e.g. tolerance.
-
This applies especially for panel discussions that stage people from
various background
-
The link between Girardian and Levinasian analysis deserves pursuing and deepening.
-
More time for relaxing after midday meal would be appreciated. This was
too tight.
-
An updated list of all participants would be welcome on the website,
including e-mails.
-
Some found the price rather steep for people without subsidy, but it
gave value for money.
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