Welcome to "Conference Connect," your audio snapshot of the biggest academic events! I'm your host, Alex, and today we're tuning into the digital chatter around the International Communication Association's annual conference, #ica25, which is in full swing in the Mile High City – Denver, Colorado! We've been scrolling through Bluesky, and let me tell you, the excitement is infectious. First off, Denver is buzzing! We're seeing a wave of "Good Morning Denver!" posts. One user enthusiastically shared, "Books, journals, and bold ideas await at #ICA2025. Visit us at table #20!" So, if you're there, you know where to find at least one hub of activity. The official welcome seems warm, with many researchers chiming in: "Welcome to #ICA25! We’re so glad that you’re here!" And for those who couldn't make it, the #ICA25 FOMO is definitely real, though some are making the best of it – one person quipped they "at least managed to get myself a new office chair!" Now, let's talk logistics and survival tips from the ground. It sounds like Denver is living up to its sunny reputation. A crucial piece of advice: "If you're packing for #ICA25, bring shorts… it will be hot in Denver!" And for getting around, a pro-tip from a seasoned attendee: "Be smarter than me and take the free ‘mall ride’ from Union Station to the conference. It’s air-conditioned!" You heard it here first, folks – beat the heat and save your feet! Need some essentials? Someone helpfully noted, "For #ica25 there is a city Target a block away - basic food, clothes, etc." And a classic conference reminder: "Don't wear your badge outside the hotel." Always good to keep in mind! The pre-conference events were clearly a hit. We saw a lot of anticipation for the HMC Pre-Conference, the Mobilepreconference, and the DebatingCreatorCulture pre-con. Oxford University Press is also getting shout-outs as a Gold Sponsor – congratulations to them! But the main event, the presentations, are where the real action is. And can we talk about the ICA Communication and Technology (CAT) Division's panel names? They are wonderfully creative! Get ready for a purr-fect lineup including: "NEKO-tiating Digital Boundaries" "PURR-plexing Divides: Gender Bias, Political Polarization" "MIAO-nipulating Time: Digital Gazes, Virtual Intimacy" And even "CHAT-alyzing Disruption: Gen Z Coping, AI Mediated Communication." It seems there are also GATO-lyzing and QITTA-lyzing panels. A whole menagerie of insightful discussions! Topics are incredibly diverse, from fMRI analysis, AI ethics, digital divides, misinformation, and even presentations on TikTok's algorithm. One researcher is excited to present their work on TikTok, while another is sharing insights on algorithmic bias. Of course, a huge part of #ICA25 is the community. The official @icahdq.bsky.social account is a key follow, and there's talk of a "starter pack" on Bluesky for various divisions and interests – a great way to connect. We're seeing shout-outs to university departments like @ucdavis.bsky.social Department of Communication and global institutions like Nanyang Technological University. People are eager to connect over research and meet new colleagues.
There’s also real talk. One scholar shared they got sick just before a pre-conference but is still powering through for their #ICA25 presentation – sending them good vibes! And the annual experience of acceptances and rejections is, as always, part of the conversation. So, what's the overall vibe? Enthusiastic, engaged, and very, very busy! From navigating the Denver sunshine to diving deep into groundbreaking research, #ICA25 is clearly delivering. We're seeing reminders about the official app to plan schedules, calls for papers for future events already, and a lot of happy attendees sharing their positive experiences. That's your Bluesky whirlwind tour of #ICA25 in Denver! If you're there, keep those posts coming – use the #ICA25 hashtag. And if you're following from afar, hopefully, this gives you a taste of the action.
This has been "Conference Connect." I'm Alex. Stay curious, and keep communicating!
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