Preparations are in full swing for the 7th European Communication Conference (ECC) to be held in Lugano from October 31 to November 3, 2018. As you may know, the topic of the conference is “Centres and Peripheries: Communication, Research, Translation”. Now that submissions have closed on March 2nd, and with the review process under way, we want to take the opportunity to give you some further details about your stay in Lugano and about how to make the most of your experience there.
Lugano. Photo taken by USI students, Social Media Management Course
We are aware that costs in Switzerland might be rather expensive compared to recent ECREA conference locations. Therefore, the Local Organising Committee is putting a lot of effort into making the conference and your stay in Lugano affordable for all ECREA 2018 participants. For example, we were able to keep the conference fees for ECREA members unchanged. This will make a difference for participants, who are our priority.
Moreover, together with our logistics partner, we have created a package of hotels with different price levels, including low budget options and solutions for groups. All guests booking one of these options will also receive a “TicinoTicket” offering free public transportation for the duration of their stay. With this, participants can move easily and freely across the whole of Ticino, the southernmost Canton of Switzerland. This is an additional invitation and opportunity for exploring sights and nature in the surrounding areas, including – but of course not limited to – two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: a natural one, Monte San Giorgio; and a cultural one, the Castles of Bellinzona.
Currently, we are also creating a separate section of the ECREA 2018 website dedicated to low budget solutions for traveling to Lugano, as well as for eating and drinking in the city during your stay. Students of USI Università della Svizzera italiana will be happy to assist and provide participants with related information on site, and we are working on special deals with selected bars and restaurants. You will find more details in the evolving section Travel and stay on the ECREA 2018 conference website. Have a look from time to time to explore new tips, deals and travel information.
The ECREA Young Scholars Network (YECREA) and ECREA are also offering ten ECC 2018 grants to support YECREA members who do not have other funding or for those whose funding is very limited. The grants will cover the conference fee and provide a partial reimbursement for the costs of travel and accommodation. Deadline for submitting your application is 14th May, please visit the YECREA website for further information on these grants.
Last but not least: Don’t forget that registration for ECREA 2018 will open on May 7, 2018. Register by August 31st to take advantage of the early bird registration fees.
Looking forward to welcoming you in Lugano!
Warm wishes,
Gabriele Balbi, Lorenzo Cantoni, Katharina Lobinger & Petra Mazzoni
ECREA 2018 Local Organising Committee
