On 8th and 9th September, the University of Bristol Business School hosted two in-person academic events in partnership with the British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA) and its South-Western Area Group (SWAG). The 9th was the SWAG Annual Conference, preceded by a Doctoral Colloquium on the 8th.
These were the first in-person SWAG activities since the pandemic and also represent the first in-person events to be hosted by our new Business School. Ruby Brownen-Trinh and Chris Chapman took the lead on organising these events with the invaluable support of BAFA SWAG, Maura Lydon, and the School Executive Team.
The events attracted a wide range of scholars from around the UK and Europe to come to Bristol, with 60 participants across the two days. At the Doctoral Colloquium 16 papers from PhD students were presented and discussed. Interesting and insightful keynote presentations were given by Professors Chris Chapman and Neslihan Ozkan, along with her PhD student Lauren Li. At the Annual Conference 13 papers were presented and discussed. Keynote speakers Professor Giovanna Michelon from the University of Bristol Business School and Professor David Yermack of the Stern School of Business at NYU gave enlightening and thought-provoking talks.
The two days also included panel discussions led by University of Bristol Business School faculty. At the Doctoral Colloquium, Doctors Xi Chen, Richard Zeng, Silvina Rubio, and Manuela Pedio shared their job market experience and advice, concluding their session by answering questions from PhD students. At the conference, based on their experience as editors and scholars, Professors Gilad Livne, Neslihan Ozkan, and Ian Tonks offered valuable insights and suggestions about the journal publication process.
As the first in-person external event to be hosted by the University of Bristol Business School, we are thankful for the participation and support of everyone in making these both inclusive and successful.