One of my jobs here at Canada’s History is to keep our Calendar of Events up to date. I really like this task, as I get to dig around the web for fun and innovative history-related activities and learn more about the people and organizations who host such events. There really are a lot of cool events happening all across the country, and I find myself wishing that teletransportation existed so that I could attend more of them.

This week, I was adding a colloquium that’s being hosted by the University of Calgary’s History Graduate Students' Union, and I wanted to give them a shout-out for what looks like a great event. It can be tough to put on conferences and lectures, but I think these students have done a great job already, and here’s why:

• Timely topic: 2011 is the 70th anniversary of Japanese attacks on the British and Americans, and so this colloquium will focus on these events. One talk will look at Canadian soldiers and the Battle of Hong Kong, which occurred 70 years ago this December (for more on the Battle of Hong Kong, be sure to check out the Dec-Jan issue of Canada’s History magazine).
• Collaboration: The Student’s Union is partnering with the Calgary Military Museums' Society. This not only increases their reach and audience, but ensures a richer discussion and the inclusion of different perspectives and experiences.
• Affordability and the lure of food:  Admission to the evening colloquium is $40 for the public and includes a steak dinner! People are more likely to pay for an event when they get something tangible (like a steak) in return.
• Encouraging new audiences: They are offering discounted rates to students and veterans. Again, this is a great way to get more people involved and to ensure that multiple perspectives are represented.

Kudos to the University of Calgary’s History Graduate Students' Union for their great work in planning this event. For anyone interested in attending, the event takes place on December 8, from 6:30-9:00, but you must RSVP by December 1, 2011.

If you’re in the Calgary area, you should definitely check out this event (and if you do, be sure to come back and tell us how it was)!