Participant-centred conference design for academic, scientific and research communities
It’s time to re:think how we do conferences
Most academic and research conferences still rely on long talk schedules, dense poster sessions and minimal time for discussion. Yet what attendees value most are the conversations, collaborations and connections they make along the way.
We help create engagement-focused events where delegates actually talk to each other, share expertise, develop ideas and build relationships that last.
Re:Conference supports universities, learned societies, research networks and professional associations to design participant-centred conferences that are more useful, more enjoyable and more memorable.
Listen to Sarah and Russell talking about Re:Conference on the Research Adjacent podcast
We’ll help you re:invigorate your conference design
We know many organisers want a more interactive, people-centred approach, but lack the time, tools or confidence to redevelop established formats. Re:Conference founders Sarah and Russell have decades of experience in organising academic and educational events. We’ll bring that deep understanding of how people learn and interact to reinvigorate your conference design.
You choose the level of support you need:
- Light-touch improvements to enhance your existing programme
- Facilitated sessions that create meaningful interaction
- Complete redesign and delivery of participant-centred conferences
Let’s prioritise people rather than PowerPoint
Our focus is on helping your participants connect with one another, engage with content and make the most the time they have together. We plan schedules and run sessions that integrate seamlessly into any academic or professional conference. There will still be plenty of time for sharing the latest research, but in ways that promote learning, support inclusivity and encourage collaboration across career stages and disciplines.
Activities might include:
- Structured and facilitated networking
- Discussion-led and open-space formats
- ‘Unposter’ sessions that encourage real conversation
- Skills exchange and micro-workshops
- Social, active, and wellbeing sessions
- Location-based experiences that help people decompress and connect
Let’s re:invent your conference together
Whether you need support with a single session or a full event, we can help you create a programme that feels alive, intentional and participant-focused.
And through our extensive associate network we can connect you with…
- experienced chairs and moderators
- creative facilitators, trainers and coaches
- graphic recorders and visual storytellers
- videographers and photographers
- designers and communications specialists
- event evaluators
Our Services
Conference consultancy
Small changes that make a big difference.
We help you introduce engagement-focused elements into your existing programme.
£600 per package
Includes two 1h planning calls, tailored activity suggestions, schedules and resources.
Facilitated sessions
Too much to do already? We’ll come and run sessions for you to integrate connection and collaboration perfectly into your current plan.
From £1800 per day
On-site facilitation of people-centered sessions alongside your existing conference programme
Full conference redesign
Time for something completely different? We can develop, plan and deliver an event that supports collaboration, learning and research culture.
Ask for a quote
A complete participant-centred conference design and facilitation service.
About Us
re:conference was founded by Sarah McLusky and Russell Arnott after attending one too many information-heavy conferences where meaningful interaction was an afterthought. Together, we bring decades of experience in academic event strategy, research culture, science communication, conference facilitation, and collaborative design. We have delivered events for universities, learned societies, educational organisations, and research networks across the UK and Europe.
Dr Sarah McLusky
Events expert, facilitator and founder of the Research Adjacent podcast and network.
Dr Russell Arnott
Science communication specialist, educator and experienced facilitator.
Work With Us
Ready to reinvigorate your conference? We’re ready to bring the Re:Conference magic
If you’re planning a conference and want to make it more engaging, collaborative and people-centred, we’d love to help.
Send us a message and we’ll be in touch to arrange a free no-obligation introductory call.
Re:Conference is a collaboration between Sarah McLusky Ltd and Incredible Oceans CIC.