Dear TASA TG conveners,
As you know, the TASA Conference is coming up very soon 25-29 November at Curtin University, WA (and online). The TASA Conference is always an important opportunity for Thematic Group members to meet, catch up, share ideas and common interests, and plan for any initiatives. Time has been allocated during the conference program for TGs to meet - this will be 1230-130pm AWST on Thurs 28 November. Note that this meeting time is during the conference lunch break. The usual practice is to give in-person attendees time to grab their lunch before heading to this meeting, so you should generally look to start the meeting no earlier than 1245pm. Please note that TG Conveners are responsible for organising these meetings. Even if you can't attend personally, you may be able to ask other interested members to meet!
Therefore, I am writing to ask all TG Conveners to start thinking about planning for your meeting at the conference. While this is a good opportunity, it does not need to be an onerous task! For example, you can start to enquire who else from your TG will be attending, e.g., co-conveners, PG reps (if you have them), or other members. If you are attending the conference in-person, you can let fellow TG members know that you will be meeting and see who turns up! If you are attending online, then the best option is to arrange for at least one other TG member who will be there in-person to let you into the meeting via zoom.
Again, this doesn't have to be difficult. Meetings can be brief and informal (and often are)... often just providing a space for members to meet, or catch up with each other and share stories and ideas is really valuable! Meetings can also be a good opportunity to brainstorm ideas or plan ahead for next year's first funding round for TG events (due date 1 March 2025). For those travelling to Perth from interstate, remember to take the time difference into account when making arrangements (AWST).
Meeting rooms will be allocated closer to the date of the conference. If you would like to set up a videoconference so members can join via zoom, can you kindly let me know ASAP?
Also please note that a meeting for all TG conveners will be held at the conference 1230-130pm AWST, Wed 27 Nov. This is also during the lunch break so we will look to begin around 1245pm. I will be joining you remotely. This meeting will also be an opportunity to meet, share ideas, ask questions, etc, as well as to meet TASA's new TG Portfolio Leader, Dr Naomi Smith, who will be taking over the role from me next month.
As always, don't hesitate to get in touch if you have questions, feedback, etc.
Looking forward to meeting many of you at the TASA conference next month!!
Stay safe, best wishes
Tom
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