About the conference
The BISA conference brings together a worldwide community of specialists to discuss, promote and develop International Studies.
You can present and receive feedback on your paper, take part in discussions, and enhance your knowledge. You'll network with academic and practitioner colleagues from around the world, publishers, editors and more. We’re a leading voice in International Studies and our conference is renowned for being inclusive and friendly. You don’t have to be presenting a paper to attend – all are welcome.
Birmingham, our location for 2024, is dynamic, diverse and ambitious. In recent years it has reinvented itself from an industrial heartland to a leading business, cultural and major events destination, and in 2022 it hosted the Commonwealth Games. There is something for everyone in the city - whether you want to enjoy architecture, seek out theatre and live music, or explore the majestic waterways.
01 Conference highlights
- Three days of inspiring, provocative and diverse panels and roundtables
- Keynote lecture by globally-renowned academic Tarak Barkawi on 'War and World Politics: or why I stopped doing IR’.
- Event in collaboration with the School of Government, University of Birmingham, and the Foreign Policy Centre
- Conference reception on Wednesday 5 June at the iconic Birmingham Library. This 10-level, flagship building boasts two outdoor garden terraces and a panoramic viewing gallery at the summit, where visitors can enjoy stunning views from one of the highest points in the city.
- Social programme including a curry tour and canal run.
02 About Birmingham
In Birmingham there are experiences to suit everyone. Explore the city through blue badge guide walking tours of the city and canals, or head to a local attraction such as Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Ikon Gallery, Science Museum, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. If history is more your jam, travel back in time at the Back-to-Back houses and see how ordinary people lived at the hight of the Industrial Revolution. You’ll also find a wide variety of restaurants, theatre and music performances.
If you want to travel a little further afield, book excursions to the Black Country Living Museum, Iron Bridge and Peaky Blinders tours. You can also immerse yourself in over 1,000 years of fascinating history, diving into a world of medieval-themed fun at Warwick Castle, or travelling to Stratford-upon-Avon - the birthplace of William Shakespeare and a market town steeped in charm and history. Find out more about Birmingham and the surrounding area on the Visit Birmingham website.
The conference venues
The 2024 conference takes place across five fantastic venues in Centenary Square, Birmingham. The exhibitor hall and refreshment breaks, as well as some of the panels and roundtables, will be located at the Hyatt Regency hotel. We have additional rooms for panels and roundtables just a few minutes’ walk away at The Exchange, ICC and Birmingham Library. On Wednesday and Thursday lunch will be served at the Symphony Hall. The caterers are a ‘zero to landfill’ business, and use at least 80% local suppliers. There will also be lunch served on Friday at the Hyatt Regency.
All venues have WiFi and are fully accessible. The travel between venues is flat and suitable for wheelchairs.
The Hyatt Regency has a bar, restaurant, and spaces to work independently. Their comprehensive green policy will help to minimise the impact of the conference on the local environment. Step outside to find independent boutiques in a Victorian shopping arcade, stroll through charming urban parks, and marvel at masterpieces in local art museums.
03 Costs and bursaries
The BISA 2024 conference is competitively priced with up to 39% discount on the standard rate for BISA members. There are also significant discounts for early-career researchers and students.
04 Access and support
We are committed to providing all reasonable support to make our events accessible. We also promote equality, diversity and safety. Read our dedicated support, childcare and Code of Conduct pages for more information.
05 Reserve a room
Are you a working group looking to book your AGM, or an exhibitor wanting to hold a reception? Let us know your room booking requirements using the link below. Rooms will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis so please complete the booking form as soon as possible.