THE 20th ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE MEDIA ECOLOGY ASSOCIATION
International Conference, Toronto (26) 27-30 June 2019
International Conference, Toronto (26) 27-30 June 2019
THE CONFERENCE draws attention to the ways that contemporary communication practices and emerging technologies are marked by ethical issues and decisive political, societal and cultural questions.
WITH THIS AGENDA, conference participants will share research that engages with the nature of contemporary media, communication, and technological struggle, and the potential that communication, media, and digital technologies hold for enacting positive social change.
Founded in 1998, the Media Ecology Association (MEA) is an international organization of academics, researchers, policy analysts, media practitioners, and activists dedicated to promoting an ecological and systemic perspective to the study of media, technologies, and implications of human innovations.
We wish to acknowledge this land on which the University of Toronto operates. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land.
Toronto Reference Library, 7:00 PM
789 Yonge Street, Toronto
Presented by the Toronto Reference Library in collaboration with the McLuhan Salons series, a special panel on The Social Cost of the Information Age will kick off Media Ethics: Human Ecology in a Connected World, the 20th annual convention of the Media Ecology Association.
Come hear from four renowned experts about how the internet today is affecting civil society:
- Mark Kingwell, Philosophy professor, University of Toronto
- Mutale Nkonde, fellow at Data & Society Research Institute in New York City and expert in artificial intelligence governance
- Taylor Owen, Beaverbrook Chair in Media, Ethics and Communications, McGill University
- Bianca Wylie, open government advocate and co-founder of Tech Reset Canada.
NB: At 6pm doors open. Come meet and connect with other people who care about these issues, as well as experts attending the Media Ethics convention. There will be a cash bar selling beer and wine, as well as snacks and a selection of sandwiches and wraps, with a special treat for the MEA delegates.
9:00 AM Opening Ceremony
9:45 AM Opening Address
11:00 AM Coffee Break
11:30 AM Parallel Sessions
1:00 PM Lunch
2:00 PM Parallel Sessions
3:30 PM Parallel Sessions
5:00 PM Coffee Break
5:30 PM Plenary Panel
7:30 PM Welcoming Reception
9:15 AM Greetings
9:30 AM Plenary Panel
11:00 AM Coffee Break
11:30 AM Plenary Panel
1:00 PM Lunch
2:00 PM Parallel Sessions
3:30 PM Parallel Sessions
5:00 PM Coffee Break
5:30 PM Plenary Panel
7:30 PM Social Events
9:15 AM Greetings
9:30 AM Plenary Panel
11:00 AM Coffee Break
11:30 AM Plenary Panel
1:00 PM Lunch
2:00 PM Parallel Sessions
3:30 PM Parallel Sessions
5:00 PM Coffee Break
5:30 PM Plenary Panel
7:30 PM Awards Gala Dinner
9:30 AM MEA Business Meeting
11:00 AM McLuhan Walking Tour
Full-Program available to download [26 Mb]
Friday, 28 June 2019, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Join special guest Nora Bateson, and Dennis P. O’Hara, Director ot the Elliott Allen Institute for Theology & Ecology, for the screening of An Ecology of Mind. A Daughter’s Portrait of Gregory Bateson (2010, 60 min.) followed by discussion.
Hosted by the McLuhan Centre for Culture and Technology, Toronto
Friday, 28 June 2019, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
A night of Media Ecology’s internationally acclaimed poets—a spectacular celebration of language and acoustic space. Featuring: Robert Albrecht, Lillian Allen, bill bissett, Adeena Karasick, Martin Levinson, Barry Liss, B.W. Powe, Lance Strate.
Hosted by the University of Toronto's Robert Gill Theatre, Toronto
Friday, 28 June 2019, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
A special event about the cult TV series. Please join media theorists and cultural critics - Davide Bennato, Siobhan O’Flynn, Isabel Pedersen, Barry Vacker, and Luca De Biase - for a lively and engaging discussion of Black Mirror.
Hosted by the Italian Cultural Institute, Toronto
27-28-29 June 2019, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Based on the concept essay “Hot and Cool in the Media(S)cene,” the mixed-media installation probes the layers of media that make up our techno- environments.
Conceived and created by Barry Vacker and Julia M. Hildebrand
Sunday, 30 June 2019, 11:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Join us in the footsteps of Marshall McLuhan, mapping out spaces and places in the context of his academic and personal life on campus of St. Michael's College and the Unversity of Toronto
Presented by St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto
World Legal Summit
International Bateson Institute
University of Catania
CBC
Emerson College
Il Sole 24 Ore
Hofstra University
IPC of of Ontario
University of Notre Dame
Columbia Journalism Review
BuzzMachine
Rice University
Media 2000
University of Toronto
University of Bologna
CIGI
Université Laval
Université du Québec à Montréal
Data & Society Research Institute
McGill University
Arizona State University
City University of New York
Fordham University
Mozilla Foundation
University of Guelph
Université de Montréal
National Security x Technology
Brookfield Institute
Tech Reset Canada
CBC
#MediaEthics #MEA2019 @MediaEcology
Abstract SUBMISSION CLOSED on January 15, 2019
General areas of interest related to this year’s theme include, but are not limited to, the following topics:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Internet of things
- Robotics and automation
- Bioengineering
- Virtual/augmented reality
- Data ethics, privacy, surveillance, cyber security, and data protection
- Big data and cloud computing
- Social media algorithms
- Internet policy
- Misinformation on social media
- Propaganda, censorship, and free speech
- Net Neutrality, openness, and digital inclusion
- Media integrity in journalism, advertising, public relations
- Digital citizenship, social and political engagement
- Entertainment media, digital and media arts
- Digital literacy and media pedagogy
- Civil discourse, human dignity, diversity, and individual expression in the media ecosystem
- Wellbeing sustainability and prosperity in the media environment
- Innovative interpretations and new ethical perspectives emanating from the Media Ecology intellectual tradition
U of T is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The main conference venue and all meeting places are accessible for people using wheelchairs and all handout materials will be available in accessible electronic format.
If you require any accommodations for the conference, please contact info@mediaethics.ca
Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship
55 St George St, Toronto
St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto
81 St Mary Street, Toronto
Download Venue and Accommodation Map
MEA Membership dues include an annual subscription to our print journal, Explorations in Media Ecology, published quarterly, and other benefits such as the special Members Area where you will find back issues of EME and other member-exclusive content; venues for showcasing your scholarly work, including featured panels at NCA, ECA, and ICA.
Registration entitles you to attend all sessions, workshops, and plenaries, welcome reception (June 27), daily coffee breaks and luncheons, special events and gala dinner (June 29).
Students will be required to present a valid student ID card at the on-site registration desk and must be currently registered at a post-secondary or secondary institution.
Daily rates will be available at the on-site registration desk (Standard: $90 USD; Student: $30 USD; Awards Gala Dinner not included in the daily fee). An additional fee of $35 USD allows each presenter to bring one guest.
If you already paid for or renewed your MEA membership and looking simply to register for the 2019 convention, please log in here and click Convention in the main menu.
We have secured a special discount rate at the Chelsea Hotel (33 Gerrard St W).
$180 CAD + taxes per night.
You may book online or call the hotel directly, toll free 1-800-CHELSEA (243-5732) or 416-595-1975, identifying yourself as part of the “MEDIA ETHICS CONFERENCE”.
The Sorbara Residence offers affordable and fully-equipped accommodation (shared washrooms), just in the heart of St. Michael's College (70 St Joseph St).
Single rooms $68 CAD + taxes per night.
In order to book your room with the Sorbara Residence please contact us via email by clicking the button below.
Victoria College Residences (140 Charles St. W) provide comfortable and affordable lodging (shared washrooms) located on the campus of the University of Toronto.
Single room $77 CAD + taxes per night.
To make a reservation for summer accommodations complete the online reservation application.
Massey College (4 Devonshire Pl, Toronto), a residential community on campus. Standard rooms $90 (sigle) $130 (double) per nigh. Bathrooms shared. All room rates include taxes and breakfast.
Use "Media Ethics Conference" as Company Name.
Centrally located in downtown Toronto (89 Chestnut St). Special conference rate (referring to the Media Ethics Conference). Rooms cost $139 CAD/night + taxes and include breakfast (maximum of 2 occupants and 2 breakfast per room). All rooms are private with ensuite washroom.
Experience living on the beautiful and charming campus! Guests at the New College (40 Willcocks St, Toronto) will be housed in traditional student dormitory residence halls, single rooms (shared washrooms). Rate is $50 CAD/day + taxes (single rooms only).
Enjoy the serenity of a beautiful Victorian garden, or relax in a beautifully-decorated guest rooms. Affordable, fully-equipped suites in the following styles: single, double, studio. Rates range from $89 to $159 CAD. 68 Gloucester St. Toronto.
Spadina 11 Guesthouse offers clean, comfortable, safe yet affordable accommodation right in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Rates range from $55 to $99 CAD, depending on room type and number of persons in the room.
Historical detached house, centrally located in downtown Toronto (41 Huntley Street), 2 minutes walk to Sherbourne Subway Station, each guest room includes free WiFi and an en suite bathroom. Rates range from $84 to $96 CAD + taxes (double occupancy).
Toronto is served by two airports, the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is Canada’s principal airport with travel connections to every continent. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is located on Toronto Island and is served by both Porter Airlines and Air Canada, with air connections to regional Canadian and U.S. destinations.
Once you’ve landed, there are lots of options to get you to your final destination. Check it out:
Ground transportation from Pearson (YYZ) | Billy Bishop Airport Shuttles (YTZ)
Visitors to Canada require a valid passport and many require a visitor’s visa. Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization eTA (CAD $7) to fly to Canada.
Please review the eTA website to determine if you need to apply. For information on visa requirements and exemptions please check the Immigration and citizenship website and click “Visit” from the menu.
NB: An official Letter of Invitation to obtain a Visa and authorization to attend the 20th Annual Convention of the MEA will be issued ONLY TO PRESENTERS, after registration has been completed and full payment received by the Treasurer.
Paolo Granata, University of Toronto
Vice-president Media Ecology Association
info@mediaethics.ca
Paolo Granata (chair), Michael Czobit, Emma Graham, Paul Grosswiler, Alex Kuskis, Andrey Miroshnichenko, Phil Rose, Paul Soukup (treasurer), Brian Taylor (McLuhan Salons), Edward E. Tywoniak.
Cathy Adams, Corey Anton, Stephanie Bennett, Adriana Braga, William Buxton, Dennis Cali, Seth Feldman, Thomas Gencarelli, Robert Logan, Karen Lollar, James Morrison, Felan Parker, Valerie Peterson, Scott Stroud.
Cristina Amon, Randy Boyagoda, Wendy Duff, Sébastien Goupil, Anna-Liza Kozma, Gail Lord, Anne MacLennan, Rohinton Medhora, David Nostbakken, Seamus Ross, David Sylvester, Christine Tappolet.
Leonardo Beristain Ortiz, Catherine Doherty, Scott Duff, Krista Gjataj, William Nguyen, Dana Tartir, Neo Yin, Adrian Yung, Xuechun Zhu, Zuha Ziaee.
Simon Digby, David Lee, Jennifer Qian Li
An event of this magnitude is the result of ideas, hard work, and commitment from a number of dedicated people. We express our deepest gratitude to all of them (they will be listed in the full-program).