In December 2007, the School of Oriental and African Studies’ Centre of Buddhist Studies and the Shan Cultural Association UK are co-hosting a conference. It is billed as the “first ever gathering in the West of academics working on Shan Buddhism and Culture”. According to the organisers:

Today the Shan people live in the Shan State of Myanmar, northern Thailand and southern China, and as Diaspora communities worldwide. For centuries, they have practised Theravada Buddhism. However, their unique culture and ways of practising Theravada Buddhism remain little studied. This conference will explore and increase awareness of their unique history, culture and religion.

A call for appers has been released, with 250 word proposals due by 7 September 2007. More information is available here.

A number of New Mandala readers, including Roger and David, sent word of this upcoming conference. Thanks for passing on the information.