The Living with Animals 6 Conference, hosted by Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationships between humans and animals. This Animal Studies conference, held on EKU’s Richmond campus, delves into various aspects of these connections through the lenses of arts and humanities, sciences, and applied fields. The overarching theme for this year’s conference is “Invisibilities,” addressing a wide array of topics such as marginalization, extinction, animal consciousness, non-visible and microscopic animals, camouflage, spirituality, and the ways animals are overlooked or ignored.
This recurring conference, held every two years (with an exception in 2021 due to COVID-19), aims to foster a deeper understanding of our animal companions and the broader animal kingdom. Building on the success of previous events, the conference includes the continuing “Living with Horses,” co-organized by Gala Argent and Jeannette Vaught, and “Living with Art and Animals,” organized by Julia Schlosser. A new focus on “Living with Insects” is also being introduced to highlight the critical state of insect populations globally.
Keynote Speakers and Registration Details
Distinguished experts will headline the conference, sharing their insights on human-animal interactions. The confirmed keynote speakers include Shelley M. Alexander (Geography, University of Calgary), John Hartigan (Anthropology, University of Texas at Austin), Paul Koudounaris (author and photographer), Irene M. Pepperberg (Alex Foundation & Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University), and Andrew Rowan (Wellbeing International).
All conference registrations encompass lunch on Thursday, March 13th, and Saturday, March 15th, along with the conference dinner on Saturday evening.
- Non-Student Conference Registration: $300
- Student Conference Registration (includes participants representing animal welfare organizations): $200
- Keynote Speaker Registration (for invited keynote speakers only): $0
Interested individuals can register online via the provided link.
Conference Location and Logistics
The Living with Animals Conference will take place at the Perkins Building on Eastern Kentucky University’s campus in Richmond, Kentucky. Richmond itself boasts numerous historical and scenic attractions, with Fort Boonesborough State Park, the birthplace of Kentucky, located a short distance away. The university is situated south of the renowned Bluegrass Region, celebrated internationally for its horse culture.
The Perkins Building is located at 4436 Kit Carson Drive, Richmond, KY. Parking is readily available in the adjacent lot. For detailed directions, refer to the EKU campus map, where the Perkins Building is marked as #76.
Transportation and Lodging
Airport shuttle services are available from Lexington Bluegrass Airport to the designated conference hotels. Attendees requiring transportation to and from the airport should provide their flight details during registration. Kentucky Foothills will provide shuttle services between hotels and the conference venue, as well as all conference events, at no additional charge.
The official conference hotels are the Best Western, Quality Inn, Comfort Suites, and Hampton Inn, all conveniently located off I-75, exit 87.
- Best Western: Offers various room configurations and an ADA-accessible room. Reservations can be made by emailing or calling the hotel and mentioning the Living with Animals Conference for the special rate.
- Quality Inn: Provides rooms with double beds and king-sized beds. Early booking by February 8, 2025, is recommended to secure the conference rate. A 7-day cancellation policy is in effect.
- Hampton Inn by Hilton: Features rooms with king-sized beds and double beds. Reservations must be made by February 24, 2025, to receive the discounted rate.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites: Offers rooms with Double Queen beds and King-sized beds. Reservations can be made online or by phone, mentioning the “Living with Animals Conference Block,” with a deadline of February 8, 2025, for the discounted rate.
Important Dates and Submission Guidelines
Important Dates:
- Abstract submission deadline: December 20, 2024. Abstracts submitted after this date will be reviewed based on available space.
- Author notification: Approximately January 15, 2025.
- Conference begins: March 13, 2025.
- Conference ends: March 15, 2025.
- Optional excursion: March 16, 2025 (details to be announced).
Participants are encouraged to arrive on March 12th and depart no earlier than the evening of March 15th to fully experience the conference.
Call for Papers and Abstracts
Individuals interested in presenting at the Living with Animals conference should submit abstracts of 200-400 words along with their CV to livingwithanimals@eku.edu.
For the “Living with Horses” conference, abstracts should be sent to gala@me.com, jvaught@calstatela.edu, and livingwithanimals@eku.edu.
Presenters for the “Living with Art and Animals” conference should submit abstracts to both livingwithartandanimals@gmail.com and livingwithanimals@eku.edu. This includes artists wishing to present 20-minute artist talks or participate in panels discussing their animal-related artwork.
Abstract submissions should be single-spaced and include the title of the talk, authors’ names, positions, affiliations, and email addresses, followed by a blank line and then the abstract text. Indicate whether the submission is for an individual talk, poster, panel discussion, or other format. A one-page CV detailing relevant work and experience should be attached separately. Posters will be presented during lunch on Saturday, March 15, 2025, offering an excellent opportunity for engagement. Notification of acceptance is expected by January 15, 2025.
