Program Overview

EPIC2023 includes Learning & Networking Week (Sept 18–22) and the Main Program (Oct 22–25).

Learning + Networking Week

Online

|

Sep. 18-22

|

Tutorial registration opens June 13!

Join our global community in an online ethnographic jamboree of learning, career development, networking, and social events.
Programming is scheduled for time zones around the world!

Tutorials

Ethnographers never stop learning, whether we’re new to the field, growing as leaders, sharpening expertise, or shifting domains. Tutorials are mini-courses taught by experts in the EPIC community. Additional fee; register in June.

Mentoring & Networking

We’re a famously warm, generous community, and we work hard to connect you. Our programming helps you pursue targeted goals or invite serendipity to find mentors and kindred spirits.

Photo of hands holding a pen with a card on a table that reads "Transdiciplinary"

Undisciplined

Explore innovations in ethnographic practice with leading researchers and instructors from discipline-defying university programs.

Main Program

In Chicago

|

Oct. 22-25

|

Registration

Payal Arora delivering a keynote address at EPIC2022

Keynotes

Luminaries from diverse fields inspire us and provoke us with new perspectives.

Audience taking photos of a presenter at EPIC2022

Papers

Papers drive innovation and debate, offering new frameworks and syntheses that advance core ethnographic principles.

Shakima Jackson Martinez presenting at EPIC2022

Case Studies

Case Studies showcase ethnographic impact, taking us “under the hood” of challenging work that created concrete value.

Panelists speaking at EPIC2018

Panels

Panels bring experts with different perspectives into conversation with each other and the audience.

Mural showing a large eye and other shapes covering the top half of a face. Photo by Gunes Kocabog

PechaKucha

This unique storytelling format combines visual and spoken narrative to explore social and professional issues.

A box with glass containers and cards with colorful diagrams

Visual & Multisensory

Film, photography, and other immersive or multisensory approaches that are core components of ethnographic practice.

Attendees interacting

Workshops

Interactive sessions before the main program focused on Chicago experiences, embodied interaction, and Institute of Design offerings.

People in discussion groups in the main hall at EPIC2022

Town Halls

Hosts will get us started with reflections and provocations that have emerged from the program, then turn the mic over to you!

group of friends taking a selfie at EPIC2018

Networking & Social

Our Welcome Reception, Conference Dinner, and networking sessions foster warm connections and just plain fun.