2021 Conference Networking Option Types

The 2021 MPSA Annual Conference will offer networking opportunities through Networking Receptions and Networking Channels on the virtual platform.

The call for receptions and networking channel proposals have closed. Please view the conference schedule here and mark your calendar for receptions that you would like to attend at conference!

Networking Receptions

Networking Receptions are an excellent way to reserve a virtual meeting space for events that would have typically been held in-person at conference: subfields, dine-arounds, social events, departments, organizations, working groups, caucuses, and lectures.

Miss the social aspect of conference? Propose a social-event style Networking Reception where participants partake in ‘Puzzles and Pints’ and talk about your pandemic experience and the way life has changed for you! Or network in a dine-around format (think ‘Italian Food and International Political Economy’, ‘Dessert and Data Trends’, or ‘Martini’s and Monetary Policy’), the options are endless.

Networking Reception Format and Logistics

Each Networking Reception will be set up with its own virtual meeting room with chat and video conferencing capabilities (powered by Zoom) during a specified time during conference. Receptions also have breakout room capabilities. We recommend being prepared for your reception with an outlined agenda and a planned icebreaker for participant engagement.

Networking Reception Scheduling

Networking Receptions are available in 40-minute time slots during the following times (until all spots are reserved) each day, Wednesday, April 14 – Saturday, April 17:

  • 9:50-10:30 a.m.
  • 5:20-6:00 p.m.
  • 6:10-6:50 p.m.
  • 7:00-7:40 p.m.
  • 7:50-8:30 p.m.

The conference will conclude at 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, April 18. As a result, Networking Reception times on Sunday are limited to:

  • 9:50-10:30 a.m.
  • 5:20-6:00 p.m.

Please note all conference events are scheduled in Central Daylight Time (CDT/GMT-5). All events will be scheduled at the discretion of the MPSA. MPSA staff will try to accommodate preferred time slots to the best of our ability, but time slots are not guaranteed.

MPSA-Sponsored Networking Events

  • First-time Attendee Reception. Wednesday, April 14 from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
  • Undergraduate Attendee Reception. Wednesday, April 14 from 6:10-6:50 p.m.
  • Behavior, Methodology, Public Policy and Public Administration Mentoring Reception. Thursday, April 15 from 5:20-6:00 p.m.
  • Political Theory, Race, Gender and Political Institutions, Gender Mentoring Reception. Thursday, April 15 from 7:00-7:40 p.m.
  • Political Scientists and their Pets. Friday, April 16 from 5:20-6:00 p.m.
  • Comparative and International Relations Mentoring Reception. Friday, April 16 from 7:00-7:40 p.m.
  • Virtual Flair Mixologist and Happy Hour Networking Event. Saturday, April 17 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Networking Channels

Have a conundrum? Interested in gaining perspectives or insight from colleagues on a particular topic? MPSA is calling on conference participants to propose Networking Channel themes to address any issues, opportunities, and challenges that the political science community is encountering.

Proposed themes will be turned into Networking Channels. Networking Channels are chat streams dedicated to a particular topic. Participants will be able to join and follow chat conversations and create group or one-on-one video calls (powered by Zoom) in Networking Channels.

Conference sections will have the ability to create Networking Channels. Find a paper session topic of particular interest and don’t want to stop the flow of ideas? There will be a link in each session room to ‘Continue the Conversation’. The link will take you to a similarly themed Networking Channel to engage with colleagues in follow-up discussion either through the chat feature or via video calls.

Interested in sparking an advocacy-focused discussion on obtaining additional funding for the discipline? Propose a Networking Channel theme to get the discussion rolling!

Has writing been a challenge the last year? Propose a ‘How to finish your book during a pandemic’ networking channel and ask for tips from colleagues on how they motivate to move past writers block and work/life/home distractions to make headway on their writing projects. On the job market? Request a channel for job placement. Are you an undergrad considering graduate school? Request a channel!

If you are interested in getting the discussion started on a particular topic, but don’t think it qualifies for a larger Networking Reception, consider submitting a Networking Channel. Networking channels are a great way to engage in casual discussion on a particular topic!

Networking Channel Scheduling

Unlike a Networking Reception, Networking Channels do not need to be held at a specified time. Networking Channels can be created on-demand during the conference by participants, but if you already have a topic top-of-mind, MPSA will handle the logistics and have the Networking Channel pre-set for you. Attendees can join the networking channels at any time – between sessions, on breaks or during sessions if they find themselves with downtime.

Remember to follow all conference updates on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram and add the #MPSA2021 hashtag to your own messages about networking at the conference!