Monk’s fishing house at Cong Abbey, Co Mayo. Image: Stefval via Shutterstock
We can reliably predict that futurologists, archaeologists and technologists will descend on the Mayo village of Cong in November to figure out the future of a range of industries.
Now into its fourth year, the Congregation unconference is issuing a call for topics from anyone with a curious mind who wants to share their vision on what tomorrow holds.
To take part, participants must submit a proposal in the form of a blog to get a ticket.
‘No one person holds all the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle but, by bringing together people from very diverse backgrounds with individual pieces, we can construct a collaborative vision’
– EOIN KENNEDY
To date, the topics submitted cover a wide range of areas. Think the future of transport, education, work, play, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, farming and tourism, through to truth and digital media.
Crystal ball gazing
Eoin Kennedy, organiser, Congregation
“Congregation operates very differently to the normal conference,” organiser Eoin Kennedy said.
“Tickets are earned by producing a written or recorded submission. These are published in advance and then debated on the day using a unique ‘huddle’ or small, moderated intimate groups of people. Rather then lengthy presentations, these huddles focus on rapid and engaged sharing of views that kickstart diverse discussions.
“By focusing on ‘the future’ we are giving people to the opportunity to air their views on what they believe lies ahead. No one person holds all the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle but by bringing together people from very diverse backgrounds with individual pieces we can construct a collaborative vision.”
Outside of the unconference on Saturday 26 November, Congregation also features an evening of archaeologists and technologists in Ashford Castle exploring ‘Past Meets the Future’ on the preceding Friday and guided archaeology tours on Sunday 27 November.
Monk fishing house, Cong, image via Shutterstock
