MEETinLEEDS virtually welcomes the world’s largest medieval congress to the University of Leeds

Earlier this month, MEETinLEEDS welcomed the world’s largest medieval academic event, International Medieval Congress (IMC), to the University of Leeds for its 28th year and its second year virtually. Bringing together medieval experts in a unique, interdisciplinary forum, the IMC hosted a series of discussions, demonstrations and debates centred around this year’s theme of ‘Climates’, as well as covering all aspects of Medieval Studies.

Welcoming over 2,000 attendees from all over the world, the event also featured multiple academic sessions, a book fair, exhibitions, and an events and workshop programme, all via its virtual platform. Unlike many academic conferences, the vast majority of attendees were actively involved in the programme as speakers, moderators, and roundtable presenters, making IMC one of the largest conferences held online in the humanities field this year.

This year’s focus on ‘Climates’ allowed global experts to demonstrate the value and importance of interrogating historical societies, cultures, and data in light of the present-day climate crisis. In total, six keynote speakers presented cutting-edge research into medieval climates and the importance of deepening our understanding of the past in order to better deal with contemporary issues.

There were also opportunities for delegates to socialise and network together, ensuring that like-minded professionals within field of medieval studies were able to network and socialise, building important professional and personal connections in-spite of not being at an in-person physical event.

Axel Müller, Director of the International Medieval Congress, commented:

“We’re delighted with the success of this year’s IMC, despite not being able to hold it as an in-person event. It’s truly a testament to the resilience and strength of colleagues across medieval studies that delegate engagement and participation remained high even two years into the current pandemic.

“Thanks to support from the MEETinLEEDS team, we were able to bring speakers together from all around the world. Whilst we’re looking forward to returning to a physical event at the University of Leeds next year, we will be offering a virtual component for those who are unable to be present in-person. This will ensure that the IMC can remain accessible to all, and further support important conversations and cutting edge research in medieval studies.”

Harriet Boatwright, Sales and Marketing Manager at MEETinLEEDS, commented:

“We’re so pleased to have been able to support the IMC once again, in its 28th year. Whilst restrictions meant that we were unable to have a physical event for the second year in a row, we were able to adapt our approach across the IMC, the University of Leeds and our MEETinLEEDS team, to ensure that all requirements of both the organisers and the delegates were met. Following the success of supporting the IMC with virtual events, we’re delighted to announce that this will be an element carried forward into next year, alongside the much-anticipated return to a physical event.”