Race in the Marketplace (RIM) is an international multidisciplinary research network dedicated to innovatively advancing knowledge and critically understanding the role of race, and how it intersects with class, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, and disability in global marketplaces. 

“PAST IN PRESENT - PATHWAYS TO THE FUTURE”

JANUARY 7–9, 2025 | CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Submission Deadline: APRIL 30 MAY 15, 2024

The RIM Research Forum is back!

After successful Forums in Washington, D.C. (2017) and Paris (2019) and a break due to COVID-19, we are moving south to Cape Town (South Africa) whose history, cultural diversity, and prominent role in the shaping of race and markets worldwide provides a unique backdrop for examining the intersection of race and the marketplace. 

As with past Forums, our objective is to continue the dialogue across domains, disciplines, and geographical boundaries to contribute to an integrated understanding of race in markets. Our guiding aim remains to interrogate the development of equitable markets across societies. 

This third Forum, Past in Present - Pathways to the Future, seeks to particularly explore the multifaceted histories and dynamics of how race has influenced, and been influenced by, the functioning of markets. Although all submissions do not need to directly align with the theme, we especially welcome contributions from various disciplines that shed light on historical perspectives related to race in the marketplace, as well as on how history is shaping contemporary and future market issues. 

To keep the discussions lively and dynamic, the third Forum will offer a variety of thematic areas and presentation platforms from which participants can interact, including colloquia, posters and thematic sessions.

In addition to “traditional” colloquia and thematic sessions (i.e., about 15 min presentations + Q&A), the Forum will experiment with "lightning” sessions in which 3-4 presenters will briefly (i.e., 4 min) communicate key aspects of their work; after all presentations, presenters then move to a separate space in the room to meet with attendants in small groups for in-depth discussions. Presenters will have to specify their preference (traditional vs. lightning) at the time of their submission.  

In conjunction with the Forum, the Journal of Historical Research in Marketing will publish a special issue dedicated to RIM research. Some of the papers presented at the Forum (chiefly those with a more historical orientation) will have an opportunity to be considered for publication in this issue. 

Submissions can be done in two formats depending on one’s own preference: (1) Papers/Contributions and (2) Participation Intent.  

Pre-Conference Activities: Stairway to South Africa (optional) 

In the months leading up to our time in South Africa, we plan to offer a series of online, RIM-related, group activities to help us learn about and better understand how race is experienced in the context of South Africa. These may include short readings (with discussion), films, lectures, and other educational resources.  

And in the spirit of collaboration: you should also feel free to share any ideas regarding the Forum that you believe would make it a more meaningful experience for attendees that are not already mentioned in this document. Please forward your ideas to us by emailing contact@rimnetwork.net.  

We look forward to your contributions and to exploring this vital and evolving field of study in South Africa. 

Contribution and intent should be submitted by: APRIL 30 MAY 15, 2024

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