Conference mythology

The process of creating a "mythology" involves several factors. As used here, "mythology" means the story, based on experience, which relates that experience to some larger social significance. The rationale created by the organizers about the intent of the conference, their recruitment brochures and materials and the "rumours" about it help create this story. The history of the event enhances the story. Who organizes and sponsors the event become components of the mythology. All of these things and more create a swirl of emotional, intellectual and decisional processes that place the event in the world.