We know that each year, some CCCC members are unable to travel to the CCCC Annual Convention for a variety of reasons. CCCC is currently working on a long-term vision for the Convention that provides multiple ways for engagement. Although we are not yet prepared with a viable solution and plan for implementation, we believe it is important to think about ways that we can make participation in the Convention more accessible to more of our members right now. To that end, below are four options for offsite participation for those who had a proposal accepted for CCCC 2025 but are not able to physically travel to Baltimore. We acknowledge that there are limitations with each of these options during this transitional phase, none of which can entirely replicate the Convention experience for those who are not able to attend physically.
Asynchronous Remote Option
1. The CCCC 2025 Convention Companion Publication
Following its launch in 2024, we will continue to offer the option to share your work with others by having your short paper published in the CCCC 2025 Convention Companion Publication. The Companion Publication will be made available to all CCCC members on the NCTE publications platform, with print-on-demand copies available for purchase, the summer following the Convention. Papers will undergo light editorial review as opposed to a double-anonymous, peer-review process.
If you plan to select this option, please review the submission information and complete the Intent to Submit form by December 11, 2024. Paper submissions should be no more than seven pages in length and uploaded by January 8, 2025.
Synchronous Remote Options
We understand the value of connecting with colleagues synchronously. At the same time, we believe it is important to make members aware of several important factors to consider with regard to synchronous remote engagement:
- With an estimated 2,500 attendees, almost all of whom will be connected to the Convention venue’s internet, CCCC is unable to guarantee stable, consistent, or strong WiFi for live-streaming presentations.
- Maintaining WiFi at the Convention venue is an accessibility issue. Stable WiFi is necessary for attendees to look up information, connect with others, and access assistive technologies such as CART. For this reason, we ask that all members who are interested in a synchronous remote option weigh out their presentation needs alongside consideration of how their chosen mode of engagement might impact the venue’s Internet bandwidth.
- We can all do our part to lessen the strain on the Convention WiFi, such as, by turning off apps when not in use; turning off video when not speaking; avoiding use of high-bandwidth applications such as TikTok, YouTube, and Netflix on the Convention WiFi; downloading files in advance; and using cellular data if your phone plan allows for it.
- CCCC does not currently have the staffing and resources necessary to provide technical support for remote participation. Any presenters who choose a synchronous remote option should keep this context in mind, and plan for the possibility that technological issues may happen.
- In an effort to avoid some of the issues that arise when combining individual papers into three- to four-person panels including unfocused panels and uneven amount of time for each paper, and to rededicate the significant time and energy required to create these panels toward other longstanding organizational priorities, individual presentations are not arranged into panels this year. If your individual proposal was accepted and you cannot travel, please plan accordingly and choose the option that best supports your situation.
With these factors in mind, those who are unable to attend the Convention on site may consider one of the following synchronous remote presentation options:
2. Pre-recorded Video
You may choose to pre-record your presentation, to be played by an onsite co-panelist or contact that you identify and arrange.
We request that those who select this option caption and transcribe their presentation, send it to their onsite contact in advance, and arrange for the onsite contact to download the file prior to the time of presentation, so that its viewing is not dependent on the Convention WiFi.
Those with pre-recorded videos may choose to join via livestream for the Q&A.
3. Prepared Paper
You may opt to have a prepared paper read by an onsite co-panelist or contact that you identify and arrange.
4. Live-Streaming
Because live-streaming takes a more significant toll on the venue’s internet bandwidth than other presentation modes, we ask that presenters live-stream only when absolutely necessary for the success of the panel. In addition, live-streamers may consider taking steps to reduce bandwidth usage, e.g., turning off cameras during non-speaking times.
All presenters who are interested in synchronous remote presentation should read through the following requirements and complete the Intent to Present Remotely form by March 12, 2025.
Requirements for Remote Presentation
- All presenters, whether onsite or offsite, are required to register for the Convention. Your registration fee helps pay for the cost of WiFi at the Convention venue. Please visit the CCCC Professional Equity Project to learn more about financial assistance for the registration fee for eligible presenters (Note: If selected for this grant, remote presenters are not eligible to receive the $310 travel stipend.)
- In the case of panels and roundtables, we recommend that at least two panelists are physically present at the Convention to facilitate any remote presentations and to field questions for remote presenters connecting via live-stream.
- CCCC can only make remote presentations available to in-person Convention attendees who attend the session.
We recognize that these options for offsite participation in CCCC 2025 are imperfect. We are aware of the need to provide more opportunities for members to present and share their work and learn from others in ways that are inclusive and equitable, and that encourage a sense of belonging—values we hold dear to our endeavors. We are committed to continuing to work toward a more sustainable plan that keeps in mind the financial realities of the organization and its annual event in the short- and long-term. Most of all, we are thankful for all who have taken up the collaborative effort to create a more accessible professional organization and scholarly community, whether by speaking up about lack of access, gathering and relaying perspectives as a way to advocate for accessibility, coming up with concrete ways to address these issues, and/or by doing the work of planning and implementation.
