As you can imagine we have been giving a lot of thought to BERA Conference 2021 and what it might look like and how to deliver the most inclusive, accessible and engaging event. To that end, we have made the decision now to host it as an entirely online conference. We will miss the opportunity to gather in person but the ongoing uncertainty generated by Covid-19, the likely restrictions on international travel and the desire to enable as many people as possible to present and attend means that we think our energies are best spent planning the very best digital experience we can offer.

Conference will still take place in the week of 13^th September 2021 and while we are still exploring the best platforms and formats to us; we are committed to hosting an innovative and interactive event that will be both live and on demand and which will hopefully enable more people than ever to engage in the opportunities that BERA Conference traditionally offers. Our online events so far have seen significant numbers attend and reach beyond our traditional audiences and we hope to replicate that with the conference itself.

So please keep your diaries free that week and start planning to be part of the 2021 conference experience. Abstract submission will both open and close a little later than normal this year but we will be in touch when it opens this side of Christmas and we look forward to engaging with you all as part of the process.

Dr Mhairi Beaton, BERA Conference and Events Chair 
Nick Johnson, BERA Chief Executive
Marie Blythe, BERA Events Manager