IMC 2026 Interview: Bookfair Exhibitor Kate Hammond
IMC 2026 is just around the corner, and the administrative team are very busy pulling everything together before the most important week of the year. We would, however, like to take a moment to share and celebrate those who make valuable contributions to the congress. The IMC would not be the incredible, immersive experience that it is without the contributions and efforts of every delegate, bookseller, artist, craftsperson, performer, workshop director, and excursions guide at the conference.
In this interview feature for, we had a conversation with one of our wonderful Bookfair Exhibitors, Kate Hammond, who is one our staple exhibitors from De Gruyter Brill. Kate will be in Parkinson Court for the IMC 2026 Bookfair during the Congress ready to chat to all of our lovely delegates.
How did you first learn about the IMC?
"I can’t really remember life before knowing about the IMC, but I suppose I learned about it as a Medieval History MLitt student – that was also the first year I attended, in 2009, with a group of rowdy fellow postgraduates from St Andrews."
How many International Medieval Congresses have you attended?
"I’ve had a decent run from 2009, interrupted only by the Covid years and the birth of my son (3 days before the IMC began!) in 2023. 2026 will therefore be number 15 for me."
What has been your best purchase or sale?
"As a PhD student, I got some great deals on second-hand source editions – especially the Oxford Medieval Texts volumes – and I still prize those books today. As a publisher, I love seeing people enjoying our titles and being able to take home books which they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford – and now that we actually don’t even charge for the books at the conference, that opportunity is open to everybody (if you get to the book fair quickly enough!)."
What do you wish you had known before your first IMC?
"Medievalists don’t bite! How genuinely relaxed and welcoming it is."
What is your favourite thing about the IMC?
"The sense of community. In my job now I attend many conferences – some even outside medieval studies (!) – and the atmosphere at the IMC cannot be bettered."
What was the best interaction you’ve had at the IMC?
"It’s impossible to choose one. From catching up with old friends, advising authors, hearing from exciting young scholars about their research, to chatting with Fred the janitor (now retired?) in the Parkinson, the rich tapestry of interactions is one of my favourite things about the congress."
Most surprising thing you’ve learnt at the IMC?
"How well some eminent medievalists can move on the dancefloor."
How has the IMC helped you?
"As a postgraduate, the IMC was foundational in introducing me to medieval history beyond my own research and beyond my institution. As a publisher, attending the conference helps keep my knowledge of the field broad and up-to-date and gives me access to the best scholars to run publishing ideas past – so many successful book projects have started off with informal conversations in Leeds."
What keeps you coming back to the IMC?
"As the publisher at Brill for medieval studies, the IMC is my most important conference of the year – I simply have to be there, and I want to. I don’t get the chance to see so many scholars, speak with so many current and prospective authors, and bounce my ideas off world-leading experts anywhere else. Evenings whiled away in Boddington Bar, and now the Old Bar, are also a strong pull."
Describe the IMC in 3 words
"Communal, engaging, rewarding."