When? 25-27 September, 2024
Where? Goethe University Frankfurt
The Second International Multimodal Communication Symposium (MMSYM 2024) successfully took place at Goethe University Frankfurt from September 25 to 27, 2024. Bringing together more than 100 experts in multimodal communication from around the world, the symposium provided a dynamic platform for discussing a wide range of multimodal phenomena, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between gestures and speech. During the two and a half days of the conference, participants engaged in stimulating discussions across 3 keynote speeches, 30 oral presentations, and 33 poster presentations. Key topics included the relationship between acoustic and visual communication modes, the cognitive processing of multimodal information, and the interactive effects of multimodality. Additionally, formal and automated approaches to multimodal communication research represented critical themes, highlighting their importance for the future of the field.
The conference featured high caliber contributions introducing innovative perspectives and fostering fruitful discussions. Many leading experts in the field presented cutting-edge research and actively participated in lively debates. Among the distinguished speakers were this year’s keynote presenters: Prof. Dr. Petra Wagner (Bielefeld University), Dr. Judith Holler (Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Nijmegen), and Dr. Julie Hunter (LinaGora Labs, Toulouse), who each delivered thought-provoking talks on the central MMSYM topics.
We are particularly pleased to have seen strong participation from early career researchers, with approximately one-third of all contributions being first-authored by emerging scholars in the field. Their involvement enriched the symposium and underscored the importance of fostering the next generation of researchers. A four-member jury selected three early-career researchers as joint recipients of the awards for the Best Student Presentation and Best Student Poster, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the symposium. We extend our sincere thanks to all junior and senior presenters for their invaluable contributions and for making MMSYM 2024 a resounding success.
In addition to the highly successful scientific program, MMSYM 2024 also featured a varied social program, which contributed significantly to the conference’s stimulating and collegial atmosphere. These events offered ample opportunities for participants to engage in informal exchanges, networking, and deepen discussions—particularly encouraging early career researchers to interact with more senior colleagues. The symposium kicked off with a Welcome Reception in the iconic Rotunda of the IG-Farben building, where attendees were treated to an outstanding classical music performance by a string quartet from the Academy of the HR-symphony orchestra. A further highlight was the conference dinner, held at the traditional “Homburger Hof,” where participants enjoyed authentic Hessian cuisine and drinks. Finally, a guided campus tour of Goethe University’s Westend Campus offered insights into both the rich history and contemporary significance of Goethe University.
MMSYM 2024 was organized by the Department of Linguistics at Goethe University Frankfurt, under the leadership of the Chair of Phonology, Prof. Dr. Frank Kügler. The successful realization of the symposium was made possible through the generous support of the Alfons und Gertrud Kassel Stiftung, the DFG funded Special Priority Program “Visual Communication” (DFG SPP 2392, ViCom), and Goethe University Frankfurt. With its second edition, MMSYM 2024 contributed to turning the symposium into a series of events in the field of multimodal communication research. We are pleased to announce that the next MMSYM will be hosted by KU Leuven in September 2026!
Photos: Alex Lowles Photography