CALL FOR PAPERS:
ISSS 2008
The University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
July 13-18, 2008

Systems that Make a Difference
President: Gary Metcalf

The title for this conference borrows from Gregory Bateson¹s definition of information as "a difference that makes a difference." The question for systems researchers and practitioners is, "what difference are we making?"

The ISSS 2008 conference will bring together professionals who are developing the cutting edge of systems ideas with leaders who face real-world complexities and ³messes² daily. While we must continue to make systems research ever more rigorous, we must also connect that work with the dilemmas in the world for which people are seeking solutions. The intent of this conference is to further build the bridges between rigor and relevance in systems work. Speakers and authors are invited who can address any part of this spectrum, from better methods for systems research to clarifying the nature of real-world problems in need of resolution.

Location

The 52nd conference will be held at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, July 13-18, 2008. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is located in Madison, WI, and the campus spreads out along Lake Mendota, encompassing wooded hills, friendly shores and lively city streets. Madison ‹the state¹s capital city with a population of 208,000) offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, stimulating cultural offerings, outdoor recreation, distinctive restaurants, unique shops and vibrant nightlife.

The university¹s location in south central Wisconsin makes for convenient access to Milwaukee (80 miles), Chicago (150 miles) and Minneapolis (270 miles). Daily buses serve all three cities.

Related Web Sites

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: www.wisc.edu [1]
• City of Madison: www.ci.madison.wi.us [2]
• Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau: www.visitmadison.com [3]
• Dane County: www.co.dane.wi.us [4]
• State of Wisconsin: www.wisconsin.gov/state/home [5]
• Visiting Wisconsin: www.travelwisconsin.com [6]

Call for Papers

Although the conference will accept papers related to the following areas of research, the list is neither exclusive nor restrictive. Proposals of new sessions and tracks are very welcome. Each session chair takes the final responsibility for running his/her session. All submitted papers are encouraged to state how relevant the paper is with regard to systems thinking, systems modeling and/or systems practice.

Specific Calls for Papers will be advertised on the website, and in the General Systems Bulletin 2008, by the following Special Integration Groups (SIGs) and exploratory groups:

EXPLORATORY GROUPS

In addition the above sessions, the Student SIG and ISSS Roundtable SIG will be organized and the format for these sessions is interwoven into the program. These groups do not accept abstracts or paper submissions. Anyone who is interested is welcome and invited to participate; please see the website for information about the organization of these sessions or contact Nicholas Magliocca (Student SIG) or Sue Gabriele (Roundtable SIG) for further information.

Important Dates

(Late papers received after May 31, 2007 may still be accepted to the conference, but they are included on the CD-ROM proceedings for the subsequent year.)

Late abstracts may be accepted after May 1 on a space available basis until June 15, 2008. If late papers from these abstracts are submitted they will be held for publication on the following year conference CDROM.

Social Programs

The conference opening reception will be held on July 13 and the conference banquet will be held on Thursday, July 17. Detailed plans will be announced on the conference website.

Registration

Off-line registration will also begin on February 1. A copy of the registration form has been included with this mailing. Accommodation information for the conference can also be found on the website. The registration fee does not cover accommodation or transportation expenses to and from the conference site.

The registration fee includes:

• ISSS membership fees for 2009
• A program/abstract book
• CD-ROM proceedings
• Reception on Sunday July 13
• One banquet ticket for Thursday July 17
• Coffee/tea breaks
• Lunches from Monday to Thursday

Due to space limitations, only one paper per registered participant will be accepted for the 2008 conference.

Accommodations

Accommodation information is being gathered and will be available shortly.

There will be the choice of University accommodation or local hotels in Madison.

Committees