Call for Papers for the SHA 2021 Virtual Conference

Dear SHA Members,

The Call for Papers for the SHA 2021 Virtual Conference is now available at the SHA conference webpage, https://sha.org/conferences/, and we invite your abstract submission. Please read the Call for Papers carefully, since the virtual format requires some changes to the usual process, before submitting your abstract through www.conftool.com/sha2021. Abstracts may be submitted from June 10, 2020 to August 10, 2020. The 2021 Call for Papers is attached to this email.

The 2021 Conference will be held January 6-9, 2021. The “virtual” conference format will be a new experience for all of us, and the 2021 Conference Committee is working to ensure its success with a range of opportunities for engagement, learning, and networking. In addition, the SHA Board of Directors is committed to making the 2021 Virtual Conference affordable for attendees, and registration rates will be substantially discounted from our regular conference rates.  

So, how will the SHA 2021 Virtual Conference work?

The SHA will be using the OpenWater platform (www.getopenwater.com/virtual-conference-software/) for its 2021 Conference. All accepted paper and poster presentations will be pre-recorded and uploaded to the OpenWater platform and available for viewing by conference registrants at their convenience before, during, and after the conference dates. Presenters and discussants in each paper and poster session will be available at a scheduled “session” time during the conference to answer questions from registrants about their presentations. Fora/panels will be scheduled as “live” events during the January conference with questions from the audience.

OpenWater and the SHA will provide presenters with guides and assistance for preparing their pre-recorded paper/poster presentations and with instructions for uploading them to OpenWater after abstracts are accepted. Presenters will need access to a computer with internet connection, camera, and microphone to record their presentations in advance of the conference and to participate in sessions during the conference.

The SHA 2021 Virtual Conference will feature additional scheduled events at which registrants can meet virtually with their colleagues for learning and networking opportunities. All sessions during the conference dates will be “live” events and recorded for later viewing.

The Conference Committee and SHA staff will be available to assist presenters and registrants with navigating the “ins and outs” of the 2021 Virtual Conference.

We look forward to having you join us at the SHA 2021 Virtual Conference. If you have questions on the Call for Papers or presenting at the 2021 Conference, please contact the Program Chairs at sha2021program@gmail.com or the SHA Headquarters staff at hq@sha.org.

Thank you,

2021 Conference Committee
SHA HQ Staff