Call for Papers CVS 2011 (UK)

Room for excellence

‘Modesty is a virtue’ and ‘don't stand out from the crowd’ are typical often-heard expressions in the Low Countries. They honour our traditions of common sense, collaboration and compromise. Although our culture of extensive debate and consultation is sometimes met with enthusiasm, there is also criticism: it would lead to endless processes, feeble compromises and dull mediocre projects.

In the field of spatial planning and mobility we often encounter intensive process and deliberation structures. Although this could lead to complexity and sluggishness, it could also clear the way for excellence! Different aspects of a solution are discussed by several experts. Moreover, consultation of stakeholders leads to broadly based proposals. But does this lead to better balanced outcomes in the planning practice? And if so, where are our shining examples in the field of transport geography? From time to time we come across ‘best practices’ but more often experts are tongue-tied when asked to name excellent projects. For some reason it seems that naming and analysing less successful projects comes more naturally to them. Are ‘dull mediocre projects’ in the field of transport geography the rule in the Low-Countries? Or is this false modesty and are there undisclosed examples of Dutch and Flemish excellence?

The CVS conference invites you to break with the tradition of modesty and search for excellence within the field of transport geography. To stand out from the crowd and celebrate our successes! Which projects, research or concepts are the ‘best practices’ that everyone should know of? And even more interesting: why do these projects stand out and what can we learn from them for future projects? Was it an outstanding project leader, an innovative approach or process, an alderman that took his chances, or…? In the search for best practices you can draw from your own work or also from other examples in the broad field of Transport Geography.

Participation
Participation in the CVS conference is possible by submitting a paper and presenting it during the conference. You write your own personal contribution. This contribution can discuss a completed study, or a new, not yet fully thought through idea, an attractive design, a new method or a well underpinned opinion. A commentary paper on a contribution to a previous CVS conference is also possible. You are free to choose your own topic. Your paper can be short or long. If you choose a longer contribution, please note that there is a limit of 15 pages (including attachments). Shorter contributions are appreciated. The guidelines for writing papers can be found here.

Every year, the CVS-board selects a new theme. This is the central theme during the traditional opening ceremony where key note speakers give their vision on this theme and start discussions with the audience. Participants are also invited to incorporate the theme in their personal contribution for the CVS conference but are free to choose their own topic. Contributions that are tailored to the theme are clustered in so-called ‘theme sessions’ by the CVS board.

Contributions must be registered in advance. You can register until June 15, 2011 on our website, via "CVS 2011" and "Aanmelden". You can also click here. The final papers must be submitted at the website no later than August 31. A paper should not exceed three authors of which at least one author is a participant in the 2011 CVS conference. If too many papers are registered, the conference organisation reserves the right to select papers based on date of notification, relationship with the theme of the conference and the quality of the paper.

Full papers need to be submitted between the 16th of June and the 31st of August. Papers in English must include a Dutch abstract. Please note that, although papers in English are possible, the conference language is Dutch. We encourage non-native speakers to present in Dutch. Some (basic) knowledge of the Dutch language will be necessary to fully benefit from all that the conference and its delegates have to offer.

To participate in the CVS conference, each participant must register personally. This is also possible on our website, until August 31. Each participant is author of one or more contributions to the CVS. Each participant will hold no more than two presentations. We strongly encourage full participation of the conference for the whole two days.

Date and location
The CVS 2011 takes place on the 24th and 25th of November in the Elzenveld Hotel in Antwerp. Information on this location can be found on our website.

Information
For further information about participation and pricing, please visit our website: CVS 2011. You can also contact Nancy Bastiaansen (contact), member of the organisation of the CVS conference. We are looking forward to receiving your application and we wish you good luck preparing your paper.

Sincerely,

The CVS board:
Rebecca van der Horst (Chair)
Sophia Boertjes
Paul van de Coevering
Teije Gorris
Jeroen Schrijver
Daniëlle Snellen