Preparations for the London conference are now entering into a crucial phase. The submission system is accepting your proposals through the end of October. Make sure you read the call for proposals and the instructions very carefully to ensure your proposal will be considered (http://www.icahdq.org/conf/2013/2013CFP.pdf).

After just over 2 weeks, proposals from over 200 authors are showing up in the system. What's more, a record-breaking number of projects are being developed for preconferences and postconferences. These are just the first measurable signs of the enthusiasm that surrounds the upcoming conference. Not only is London an extremely attractive city, it is also a key location for media and communication studies, both historically and currently.

The very high interest for the conference is quite encouraging for all those involved in preparations, but it is also a source of concern. Logistical constraints are preventing any possibility for enlarging the conference. In other words, the number of sessions that can be held within the period of the conference is strictly bound and not extensible. Therefore, should the number of proposals be significantly higher than usual, program planners would have to optimize the use of available space and time slots to avoid bringing down acceptance rates. Submitters are encouraged to remain open to formats such as high density session or interactive poster presentations, should the program planners offer such a possibility.

Preparations are also underway for off-site activities of various kinds. The Local Arrangements Committee members are sharing their experience and activating their contacts to offer delegates a range of activities going beyond the traditional landmark stops that one finds in any visitors guide to London. ICA is also working at helping delegates find the most suitable accommodation, at the lowest possible price.
Keynote sessions are also taking shape and will make the best of the opportunities offered by this extraordinary setting and the engaging work of British scholars and other fascinating personalities.

We hope to share this great conference with many of you. And should you decide to extend your stay afterwards, remember that the rest of Europe is yours to visit (Brussels and Paris are just a short train ride away!). And if you can't get enough of those international communication conferences, you could also consider attending the IAMCR annual conference in Dublin, just a few days after the ICA conference. A number of initiatives are in development to bridge these two major gatherings of communication scholars from around the world.