The Power of Place 2.0

The theme of the 2026 Geography Days is The Power of Place 2.0. This event continues the dialogue initiated seven years ago at the Geography Days in Vaasa, inviting participants to reflect on the evolving roles of place in an era marked by overlapping and interlinked crises.

Through the lens of place, we examine distinctive phenomena arising from the interactions between people, the environment, and society. By analysing processes across multiple scales, regions can be situated within broader governance structures and networks. Places simultaneously synchronize and shape social life: they connect certain actors and activities while excluding others. In the context of globalization, both the increasing diversity of places and, conversely, the experience of placelessness have gained prominence, particularly as virtuality and artificial intelligence reconfigure our understanding of geographical space.

Political decision-makers and researchers increasingly consider unpredictable intervening factors that cannot always be anticipated. Concepts such as multi-locality and interregionality help make sense of the relational forces characterizing the polycrisis era. Comprehending these interconnected dynamics requires not only analytical and investigative competencies but also the willingness to discuss, bridge, challenge, calm, interrupt, modify, rebuild, listen, and understand.

Participatory discussions enhance our ability to grasp the mosaic-like nature of regional phenomena. The power of place further highlights the potential societal impact of research by enabling trust-based dialogue between producers and users of scientific knowledge. In this dialogue, geographical expertise occupies a central position, supported by the interdisciplinarity that defines the field.

We warmly welcome you to contribute to this ongoing dialogue at the Geography Days 2026 in Vaasa. We invite proposals for working groups aligned with the theme, encompassing empirical, conceptual, and methodological research perspectives. We particularly encourage approaches that emphasize dialogue and interdisciplinarity.