On September 20 and 21, 2018, BIO joins the Biography Institute and the Biography Society in hosting the conference “Different Lives: Global Perspectives on Biography in Public Cultures and Societies.” The conference will take place in Groningen, Netherlands, home of the Biography Institute, which is directed by BIO member Hans Renders. The event will allow biographers to look beyond their own borders, explore how biography is practiced in other parts of the world, and discuss the cultural perspectives that guide biographers in their approach to the infinite complexity of their subjects.

With a mix of panel, roundtable, and public discussions, featuring speakers from many nations, this conference is designed to present the state of the art of biography from a wealth of different perspectives. The 2018 BIO Award-winner Richard Holmes will deliver the keynote address, and BIO members participating include Carl Rollyson, John A. Farrell, and Nigel Hamilton. The latter will host a master class on Wednesday, September 19, for young biographers working on their first books.

Also on Wednesday, attendees can choose to explore two cultural sites in and around Groningen: Museum of Graphic Arts and Camp Westerbork. The latter features an exhibition depicting the Netherlands during World War II, focusing on the persecution of Jews.

The cost of the conference is 60 euros, with additional fees for the optional cultural tours and the conference dinner on September 21. Get more information and register here. If you require assistance in booking hotel or travel arrangements, email the conference board. You can see the entire conference program here.