About the conference
Join a dynamic community of specialists from around the world to discuss, debate, and advance the field of international studies. Whether you're presenting your latest research, seeking insightful feedback, or simply looking to engage in thought-provoking discussions, our conference offers something for everyone.
This is your opportunity to expand your knowledge, collaborate with fellow academics and practitioners, and connect with leading publishers and editors. Known for its inclusive, friendly atmosphere, BISA welcomes everyone, from seasoned experts to curious newcomers. You don’t have to be presenting a paper to attend – all are welcome.
Manchester, the location for our 2027 conference, is a city renowned for its spirit of innovation, collaboration, and a rich history of breakthroughs – the perfect setting for crucial discussions to help advance the field of international studies.
01 Conference highlights
The conference includes:
- Three days of inspiring, provocative and diverse panels and roundtables
- Keynote lecture by a world-renowned academic (announcement coming on 5 October!)
- Public lecture on Tuesday 29 June organised by our local university teams
- Conference drinks reception
- Social programme including a Postgraduate Network/first-timer meet up, and an early-morning 5km run around Manchester.
02 About Manchester
From its role at the heart of the Industrial Revolution to its present-day status as a globally connected city of ideas and influence, Manchester has always helped shape conversations beyond its borders.
Whether you’re seeking culture, nightlife, history, or just good fun, there are plenty of things to do in Manchester. Be absorbed by the beautiful attractions such as the gothic architecture at John Rylands Library and Manchester Cathedral; take in fine art at Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth; discover history, old and new, at Manchester Museum and the Imperial War Museum North; see contemporary arts redefined at HOME; or make some time for a tour of the grounds of Manchester United and Manchester City, and discover the social history of the beautiful game at the National Football Museum.
As the Gateway to the North, it’s easy to expand your Manchester visit even further with a trip to the beautiful countryside, including the Lake District and the Peak District, or cosmopolitan cities such as Chester, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and York.
Find out more on a special website created for BISA delegates by the Manchester Convention Bureau.
The conference venue
The 2027 conference takes place at the Mercure Manchester Picadilly, with additional rooms at Holiday Inn Manchester – City Centre and Doubletree by Hilton. Registration/badge pick up, the exhibitor hall, refreshment breaks and lunch will be located at the Mercure and BISA will take over the entirety of their conference and event space. Panels and roundtables will be split across all three hotels. All the hotels are fully accessible and are located just less than five minutes walk from each other.
There are spaces in each conference hotel to work independently or catch up with colleagues and friends when you aren’t attending panels. If you prefer to go outside the venues there are plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and a range of local attractions including museums and the arts within a few minutes walk.
03 Costs and bursaries
The BISA 2027 conference is competitively priced with up to 40% discount on the standard rate for BISA members. There are also significant discounts for early-career researchers, global south scholars 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 meeting 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 from March 2027 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 once it opens.
Top image provided courtesy of Marketing Manchester.