BGSU Department of Popular Culture seeking submissions for fall soap opera conference

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – The Bowling Green State University Department of Popular Culture is seeking submissions for its Soap Operas in Popular Culture conference, which will take place Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 on the Bowling Green campus.

Open to academics, industry professionals, fans and the public, the conference will highlight the popular serialized dramatic programs that are often characterized by a permanent cast of actors, continuing storylines, an emphasis on dialogue, slow pace and a consistently sentimental or melodramatic treatment. The two-day event will also serve as a showcase of the interdisciplinary nature and various research avenues within popular culture studies, in which BGSU has become a nationally recognized leader.

Open for submissions through Aug. 15, presentation topics could include, but are not limited to, overall textual analysis, analysis of producers, writers and performers, fandom and soap opera-related publications, the evolution and future of soap operas and more.

In addition to presentations, soap opera fan and long-time publicist for "As the World Turns" and "Guiding Light" Alan Locher will serve as the conference's keynote speaker.

Locher has spent the last three decades working in marketing and communications in the film, television and tourism industries, including with companies like Walt Disney Studios, Rubenstein Public Relations, Procter & Gamble Productions and Truescope. He also created "The Locher Room," a virtual talk show on YouTube featuring celebrity guests from daytime, primetime and film.

Locher currently serves as director of operations for Fotostori, a photo organizing company. He is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.

For more information on the conference and to apply to be a presenter, visit BGSU.edu/soapscon or email soapoperas@bgsu.edu.