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PRESENTER INFORMATION

The 2024 Language, Regional Expertise and Culture (LREC) Symposium committee invites proposals for individual or panel presentations at the 9th Annual Air University LREC Symposium, to be held in person November 13 – 15 at Air University on Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama. 

The Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC) invites proposals for individual or panel presentations at the 9th Annual Air University Language, Regional Expertise and Culture (LREC) Symposium, to be held in person November 13 – 15 at Air University on Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama.  With this year’s theme, “Engaging the Global Landscape: Collaboration, Competition, and Culture,” we will explore the complex dynamics of global interactions by emphasizing the importance of culturally competent approaches to collaboration and competition in an increasingly interconnected world.

The Symposium serves as a premier gathering for LREC professionals both within and outside the Air Force. The conference provides a platform for academic exchange by topic experts throughout the DoD and academia, on topics specific to cultural studies, regional expertise, and language education in the military. CSAF General David Allvin has noted that “America’s national security focus is crucial as we navigate this new global landscape with our allies and partners, especially as opportunities for distraction and confusion are increasingly exploited.” This call to action emphasizes the importance of cooperation and shared understandings and is in line with the U.S. national security strategy’s emphasis on the fundamental importance of building alliances and partnerships.  Language, Regional Expertise and Culture (LREC) knowledge is key to preparing our personnel for such complex global landscapes, and conscientious and competent engagement depends on LREC-enabled mindsets and skill sets.

We seek submissions that address topics specifically included under LREC, such as language teaching and learning, sociolinguistics, culture (culture-general and/or culture-specific matters), and regional affairs; that offer insights on or critically analyze practices, policies and values that bolster relationships with global allies and partners; or that relate to managing strategic competition more generally. Some questions that may inform submissions include, but are not limited to: In what ways do American cultural assumptions shape our approach to working internationally and in intercultural contexts? How does the interplay of geographic realities and global connectivity affect our understanding of cultural and regional issues? How do we better integrate the cultures and histories of marginalized and peripheral groups when teaching and researching great powers?  We especially welcome international perspectives on these and other questions, and are open to methods and approaches from disciplines across the academic spectrum, including but not limited to the social sciences, history, andragogy, political science, psychology, organizational studies, and cognitive science. Each presenter is limited to two submissions. Deadline for submissions is August 15th, 2024.


Submitting an individual presentation abstract:

Individuals will be allotted 25 minutes to present (20-minute presentation and 5 minutes of Q&A). The committee will assign individual presenters into panels (or blocks) of 3 that run for 75 minutes.

 

Submitting a Panel Abstract 

Each panel will have a total of 75 minutes for panel presentations and Q&A.
Proposals may be accepted if they demonstrate that substantial critical thinking has been applied in the creation of an organized framework showcasing the results of original research or experience-based insights. Successful proposals will articulate an original idea, even if this idea is in an early draft form, that is grounded in evidence which renders the resulting argument more of a working contribution to knowledge than simply a well-formed opinion.

You can also download the optional 
AU LREC Symposium Power Point template for building your presentation

 

 Submit a Proposal                      Download Slide Template

 
Once you have submitted your proposal, please register here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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 Who can attend the event?
  • Open to all interested in Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture.
 Do I need to register to attend the Symposium?
  • Yes. You must register to attend the Symposium and to present.
 Is there a virtual option?
  • No, in person only.
 What is the cost to attend?
  • There is a “landing fee” of $40, to cover hospitality items and an evening social. This must be paid in cash at check-in. 

 How is this trip funded?
  • Unit-funded TDY
 What is the schedule for the Symposium?
  • The schedule, presenter information, directions, and more will be available on the Symposium tab in AFCLC’s Culture Guide App. (TBA) Search “AFCLC” in App Store or Google Play to download the app (or update to the latest version if you already have the app).
 AFCLC AU LREC Symposium - Presentation Info
  • Information on presentation themes and submitting proposals can be found here.
 When will presentation proposals be due?

August 15th, 2024

 When will I be notified if my proposal is accepted?
  • August 30th, 2024
 Do I still need to register if I am a presenter and/or if my proposal topic was accepted?
  • Yes. You must register to present at the Symposium. We will contact you for presentation protocol and expectations.
 Where can I find more information about the Symposium and the AFCLC and its activities?
  • Much more information can be found here:
    • AFCLC Website
    • AFCLC Facebook
    • AFCLC Twitter
    • AFCLC LinkedIn
    • Search the hashtag #AULREC on all social media platforms to keep up with the latest Symposium news!
 What is the policy on non-attribution and academic freedom for the Symposium?
  • This is the Air University Non-Attribution Policy:
    All Symposium participants must adhere to academic freedom and non-attribution policies as described in Air University Instruction 36-2608, Academic Freedom. Presentations may include candid lectures and articles from senior U.S. Government leaders and the civilian sector. These presenters consent to distribute their presentations because they are assured their comments will be shared only among participants and faculty. Participants must respect and protect the confidentiality of all speakers’ presentations. Participants are not allowed to attribute any materials from the Symposium to persons other than the speaker / author without permission from that individual.
    Similarly, participants shall respect the contributions of other participants who participate in Symposium sessions.

    Below are some explanatory notes on AU’s academic freedom policy:
    1. Academic freedom allows students, guest speakers, contributing authors, and participants in established classes (and symposia) to state opinions openly and to support or challenge ideas without concern their remarks will be attributed to them.
    2. Non-attribution facilitates the free expression of opinions and ideas and allows for professional disagreements within the context of an academically stimulating environment. Essentially, non-attribution means not associating specific comments, ideas, opinions, or conversations with specific individuals.
    3. Although individuals may debate relevant issues, academic freedom must be tempered by good judgment to refrain from making offensive remarks, unfounded opinions, or irresponsible statements either verbally or in writing. Offensive remarks or irresponsible statements include comments disparaging any person’s race, color, national origin, ethnic group, religion, or sex. Offensive remarks or irresponsible statements – whether oral or written – will not be tolerated. Individuals who violate the academic freedom policy are subject to adverse administrative and/or disciplinary actions as described in AUI 36-2608, Academic Freedom.
 Where can I find reporting information?

Jones Auditorium, 0700 on November 13th, at the Air War College on Maxwell AFB

AFCLC emblem. Air Force Culture and Language Center. Air Force's Global Classroom.

551 E. Maxwell Blvd, Bldg 500, Maxwell AFB, AL 36112

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