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Victorian Sociability
An International Conference

This conference will pair traditional presentations with a collaborative digital humanities project, sponsored by the Orlando Project and VSAWC, which we warmly invite all delegates to participate in. Mapping Victorian Literary Sociability aims to uncover the spatial networks that allowed writers, artists, editors, and publishers to collaborate and sustain successful careers. No technical knowledge is necessary to participate in this project.

In advance of the conference, we will be asking delegates to collect data on the addresses of one or two Victorian writers, artists, editors, or publishers. In workshops during the conference, we will work together to map this data, which will show us how propinquity and literary sociability shaped the careers of those who worked together, especially women who did not have access to the more public networks of the club and the literary dinner party. Support and guidance for delegates will be provided by the Orlando Project and staff from Libraries and Cultural Resources. At the end of the conference, we will launch the beta version of this project: Mapping Victorian Literary Sociability.

Getting Here 

Calgary is a city in Alberta, Canada. It is nestled in southwestern Alberta's foothills and prairies, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the Canadian Rockies. The University of Calgary's campus boasts incredible views of the mountains on our doorstep.

Delegates travelling from anywhere outside Canada, including the US, will need a valid passport. You may also need a Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization. See the Government of Canada website for more information.

By Road

Calgary is accessible by the Trans-Canada Highway and Alberta Highway 2 (also known as Queen Elizabeth II Highway). These highways link Calgary to Banff, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Edmonton, and the US border.

By Air

The Calgary International Airport (YYC) is located in the northeast quadrant of the city, just a 20 minute drive from the downtown core. Flights arrive daily from across Canada, the US, and Europe.

Transportation to and from the airport is available through rental cars, taxis, and public transportation. You can find the various options here.

City Transportation

If you are moving between your accommodation and the University, or just exploring the city, Calgary Transit is an easy way to get around. Numerous routes will take you to the University by bus, and the Red line (Tuscany) will take you to the nearby University Station via C-Train (LRT).

Standard fare is $3.40, and the ticket or transit is valid for 90 minutes for travel in any direction. Exact change is needed to purchase a ticket when boarding a bus, and you must ask the bus driver for a transfer ticket. Ticket machines with coin and card purchasing are available at C-Train stations. Proof of fare is required for fare-restricted zones. In downtown, a free fare zone exists along 7th Avenue, between 3rd Street East and 11th Street West.

You can plan your trip and find out more here.

Campus Navigation

The University of Calgary is a large campus, with plenty of different facilities like quiet places to work and places to grab food or coffee. There are plenty of signs to direct you, and you can find a map here.

Accommodation

The nearest accommodation to the conference will be on campus, at the University of Calgary's Hotel Alma. Group rates have been secured, and will be available until the first day of the conference (May 1st). A range of rooms are available for every need, including private single rooms and shared flats with affordable rates:

- Hotel Alma Eurostyle Standard Room, $129 per night, with a queen-sized bed and various amenities  

- Hotel Alma One Bedroom Standard Room, $154 per night, with a king-sized bed and various amenities

- Flats at Alma Two Bedroom, $115 per night, with a double bed in a shared flat for 4 people, with various amenities

* These rates are subject to applicable taxes.

 You can find out more and book your hotel stay here. Conference delegates are also welcome to find their own accommodation at one of Calgary's many hotels or through Air BnB.

Things to Do in Calgary and Area

Calgary is a city with lots to do - beautiful parks, an incredible central library, diverse cultural experiences, great shopping, and a fantastic food scene. Find what you can do here. 

If you are interested in seeing our nearby mountains in Banff or Lake Louise, driving takes about an hour and twenty minutes from the city or from the airport. Driving directions and shuttle information is available here. Learn more about what to explore here.