What is the RMLE unConference?

An organically-structured and participant-driven event where management education researchers gather together to question, extend, and create new knowledge.

Our 2022 RMLE Unconference will be held somewhere in Europe our 2021 event has been cancelled

As an engaged research community, we are grateful that we were able to hold our truly memorable and highly engaging 2020 RMLE Unconference at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand in January, prior to the pandemic. Given the current challenges to both the educational sector and international travel, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our 2021 RMLE Unconference. Due to the highly personal, dynamic, and interactive nature of this event, we decided that it was not suitable to try to replicate in a virtual format as many other conference organizers are doing. We look forward to having everyone together again in 2022, most likely somewhere in Europe during the European summer (June or July).

For those who are interested in this concept, at our RMLE Unconferences there are no formal presentations, just a series of highly engaged and organically developing discussions about research in management education. We have the editors and board members from our two sponsor journals, the Journal of Management Education and Management Learning, who participate in the event as well as editorial board members from numerous other journals in the management education and learning domain.

For an example of of what we are looking for in terms of submissions for these events, please see the 2020 Call for Contributors link in the box below. Just above that, you’ll see pictures from our 2020 RMLE held in New Zealand. You can also look through the Proceedings from each of our Unconferences by visiting our “Past Unconferences” page and clicking on the different host institutions’ names. In each of those sections, you’ll find pictures, a short description of the respective event, and a link to a pdf. of the Proceedings from that year’s RMLE Unconference.

If you have any Unconference-specific queries, Amy Kenworthy, Chair of the organizing committee, will be delighted to help. You can contact her directly at akenwort@bond.edu.au  We look forward to seeing you in Europe in 2022.

call for contributors

The research domain for RMLE Unconferences encompasses management teaching, learning, education, and the contexts within which these occur. Download our Call for Contributors (pdf link below) for more information about how to submit.

download pdf

participants' reactions

In this video you’ll see a series of unscripted, spontaneous, and genuine reactions from participant contributors’ who attended the first RMLE Unconference held at Bond University in Queensland, Australia in 2013. A theme that runs throughout all of the reactions here is engagement.

We view engagement as arguably the most critical component of our Unconferences – it is what differentiates these events from more traditional conference formats. More than just engagement, you’ll see enthusiasm, excitement, and passion in the shared comments here. We believe these are truly representative of the outcomes we strive for and achieve at every Unconference. We would love to have you join us for one of our Unconferences to experience this for yourself.

what people say

“The Unconference is truly unique. Traditional conferences give you the opportunity to interact, but the Unconference takes that interaction to a different level. You take the time to explore issues with others but the discussion doesn’t end with the next session being called. Instead, the discussion continues, often re-invigorated. I’ve found participating presses me to think about what I do and why, and challenges me to rethink, explore, and develop new strategies for teaching and mentoring.”

Peggy Hedges, Professor of Finance, Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, Canada (RMLE Unconferences 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)

“It would be an understatement to use any one of the adjectives dynamic, engaging, and participant-owned to describe these Unconferences. The high levels of participation in dialog about important issues in management education continues to be both exciting and exhausting, words that are not usually associated with academic gatherings. Moreover, the events produce tangible outcomes by creating research networks, and laying the foundation for specific follow-up initiatives and scholarly outcomes.”

Vijay Kannan, Past Editor, the Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education (RMLE Unconferences 2014, 2015, 2016)

"The unconference format offers a unique, engaging, productive, and thoroughly enjoyable experience. The conversations are rich and rewarding, and the development of collegial relationships is simply wonderful."

Sarah Wright, Senior Lecturer, University of Canterbury, NZ (RMLE Unconferences, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020)

For me, RMLE Unconferences provide a much needed break from traditional academic events. Each of the five Unconferences I have participated in has been unique, yet all were highly productive, stimulating, engaging, and exciting. I leave with new ideas, fresh approaches to examining research I'm working on, and at least one or two new friends for whom I have a great deal of respect and desire to continue our conversations."

George Hrivnak, Assistant Professor, Bond University (RMLE Unconferences - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020)

"RMLE Unconferences continue to refresh my experience of how new ideas benefit from being tossed around within a community of scholars. The energy at these events is so positive. Unconferences encapsulate how the power of a committed community of practice, focused on student learning and engagement, can move innovation forward."

Kathy Lund Dean, Co-Editor, the Journal of Management Education (RMLE Unconferences, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)

“My greatest discovery at the Unconference at CBS was that no two unconferences are the same. I experienced the same thrill of unexpected turns in the conversations as I did in the first, but the ideas being offered and the dynamics within and between the groups were all distinctly different. It is impossible to say what made this second one as fascinating and lively as the first. But I can say that I am glad that I attended both and I would encourage anyone who has already attended an unconference to go again. You will not be disappointed”.

Ken Brown, Past Editor, the Academy of Management Learning and Education journal (RMLE Unconferences - 2013, 2014)

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