Conference FAQ

Presenting at the Conference

• How do I upload my research to the online conference program?
  Please upload your research to the online conference program. Uploading your research early allows for those attending your session to come prepared with meaningful feedback. Instruction on how to upload your paper can be found here.
• How do I access all of the papers for my sessions?
  Click here for detailed instructions for accessing papers for your sessions. Please note that only papers which have been uploaded will appear online.
• I’m the discussant and no one has uploaded their research. What should I do?
   Please reach out to the authors individually and ask them to send you their paper. To view email addresses of colleagues in your session, click on your session and then on a participant name in the online program (you must be logged in to view email addresses).
• Where can I find presenter resources, FAQs and guidelines for different session types?
  View role-specific guidelines for Authors, Chairs, and Discussants. View presenter resources, FAQs and guidelines for Lightning Talks and Poster Sessions. Instructions for the hybrid conference and virtual attendees can be found here. Information on the breakdown of session times, as well as session formats and role descriptions can be found here.
• I’m presenting a poster. What if I need help on-site locating my poster board or have other questions about my presentation?
  If you have any questions or need additional assistance in locating your poster board, please visit the Poster Information Booth in the Exhibit Hall.
• What should I do if my discussant doesn’t show up for the session?
  All discussants in the conference program have confirmed their participation and are expected to perform their roles. If there is an emergency that requires last-minute cancellation, discussants should make every effort to email the written comments that they would have given, so that the chair and panelists can read and discuss those comments during the session. In the event that the discussant(s) does not arrive for the session, and has not communicated their absence to any of the panelists, panelists should still present their papers and exchange feedback with one another. After the session, please inform the MPSA of the discussant’s absence by emailing the Conference Director (speelmon@mpsanet.org).
• What should we do if the chair is absent?
  All chairs listed in the conference program have confirmed their participation and are expected to fulfill their role. In the event of an emergency, chairs should make every effort to notify session participants in advance and designate a replacement. If the chair does not arrive and has not communicated their absence, the first discussant should step in to serve as chair. For Lightning Talk sessions, where there are no discussants, the first presenter should assume the role of chair. The acting chair should follow the hybrid conference instructions posted in the room and may refer to additional guidelines for chairs here.Chair responsibilities include:
  • Introducing each paper, its author(s), and the discussant(s).
  • Introducing each paper and the authors as well as the discussant(s).
  • Managing time to ensure all presenters stay within their allotted slots. As a guideline:
    • 5 presenters: 10 minutes each
    • 4 presenters: 13 minutes each
    • 3 presenters: 14 minutes each
    • This should be followed by approximately 20 minutes for discussant comments and 15 minutes for audience Q&A.
  • Ensuring that discussion remains respectful and productive.

  After the session, please inform the MPSA of the chair’s absence by emailing the Conference Director (speelmon@mpsanet.org).

• Can I nominate my own research for an award?
  Self-nominations are not permitted. MPSA strongly encourages individuals with section or panel responsibilities to nominate papers from their panels for consideration. Learn more about the awards program.
• How do I get a certificate of attendance?
  After the conclusion of the first full day of the conference, participants can print a certificate of attendance by logging into their MPSA account and clicking “Request a Certificate of Attendance”. Certificates of attendance will only be provided to those registered individuals with accepted roles on the program who either attended the conference in person (you must have checked in with registration and picked up your name badge) or have logged into the virtual meeting.

Resources and Useful Information While at Conference

• Where do I pick up my badge or register on-site?
  The on-site registration area is located in the Red Lacquer Room on the 4th Floor at the Palmer House Hilton. Registration will be during the following hours:
  • Wednesday, April 22: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 23: 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Friday, April 24: 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 25: 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 26: 7:30 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
  • After Hours Self-Serve Kiosk. For those pre-registered, an after-hours, self-serve kiosk for name badge pick-up will be outside the Red Lacquer on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. However, name badges cannot be re-printed via this kiosk after the initial badge has been printed. Don’t forget to return to registration during regular registration hours to pick up a copy of the printed program and a giveaway bag for all registered attendees
• Is there a conference mobile app?
  Yes! The MPSA conference app features the conference program agenda as well as a host of additional features. To download the app, search for “MPSA 2026” in the Apple App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices. The app is not available for download on Amazon devices. Please install the app and login before arriving at the conference. Advanced download will allow us to maintain strong Wi-Fi connectivity speeds on-site. The hotel will provide free Wi-Fi in most areas. Due to the volume of users, the speed may vary. If you have technical questions, please contact support@bravuratechnologies.com.Login to the Conference Mobile App. After downloading the app, you must log in with the email address you used to register for the event. If you need assistance accessing or operating the app, please come to the staff information booth on the 4^th floor on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 7:30 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.IMPORTANT NOTE: The conference app is only accessible for pre-registered attendees. If you have colleagues registering on-site, they will only have access to the app after they have completed their registration.

• Is there information on navigating the Palmer House and accessibility accommodations?
  The Palmer House is a nostalgic and historic property that has ornate architecture and design. The original Palmer House hotel in Chicago was destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire on October 9, 1871, just 13 days after opening. A second hotel was completed in 1875 and the current third structure erected in 1925. As a result, the Palmer House is unique in that both the third and fourth floors have “half” floors, sometimes making it difficult to navigate. To assist attendees in traversing the Palmer House conference floors and rooms, floorplan maps and information on elevator and floor accessibility, as well as general accessibility information for those requiring accommodations can be found here.
• What receptions and networking events do the conference feature, and are they open to all attendees?
  The MPSA conference offers opportunities to connect with your colleagues through a variety of meetings, receptions, and networking events. Some, like the First-time Attendee Event and Tour, require attendees to reserve a seat prior to the conference, while others like the MPSA President’s Reception are open to all participating attendees and require no advance registration. Please note that many events are available for in-person participation only, although some may offer a virtual option.
• Are there any open networking spaces?
  Room has been set aside in the State and Grand on the 4^th floor to meet with colleagues. The lounge is available for all registered attendees: Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Friday 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and on Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• How to I connect with colleagues in my session?
  To view email addresses of colleagues in your session, click on your session and then on a participant name in the online program (you must be logged in to view email addresses).
• Is there anywhere nearby to have documents printed?
  The FedEx Office Print & Ship Center and the UPS Store located adjacent to the Palmer House both provide poster printing services. You can learn more and see their rates on their respective websites.
• Where can I charge my phone/laptop/tablet?
  A locking cell phone charging station is located in the State & Grand Ballroom on the 4th floor. If you need to charge your cell phone simply open one of the available slots on the charging station, connect your phone to the charger and enter a numerical code to lock your slot. You create the numerical security code for your charging slot and therefore, it is unique to you. You must remember and enter that code when you are ready to retrieve your phone from the charging station. This set it and forget it process allows you to securely charge your device while you continue to conduct your conference activities and return when charging is complete. The charging station accepts various types of mobile devices so there’ll be a charging connection that fits your device. Use of the charging station is free.
• Is there a place I can rehearse my presentation in advance of my session?
  A presenters’ Green Room is in Burnham 3 on the 7th floor. A/V equipment is set up so that you can test your presentation in advance. The room will be open Thursday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Meeting Rooms will be open by 7:30 a.m. should you need to test your presentation before the start of the 8:00 a.m. sessions.
• Is there a quiet area I can use at the conference without going back to my room?
  The MPSA is reserving the Wabash on the 3^rd floor of the Palmer House as a quiet space on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; and on Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. during the conference to allow attendees to get away from the sounds, lights and energy of the annual conference activity. Please respect the purpose of this quiet space by planning personal meetings elsewhere.
• How do I access the room for nursing mothers?
  MPSA has set aside a room at the Palmer House Hilton for nursing mothers during the conference. If you wish to use the Nursing Mothers’ Room, please check in at the conference registration counter in Red Lacquer on the 4th floor for room location and access information. Each day you will need to pick up a new key card from the registration counter as the room will be rekeyed each evening.
• Where is a gender-neutral restroom at the Palmer House?
  Gender-neutral restroom are located on the on the 6th floor near the Grant Park Parlor, on the 4th floor near the Red Lacquer room, and on the lobby level near the hotel registration desk. The restroom facilities are available for use by all persons, regardless of their gender identity and will be marked on the door. Please help make these facilities and this meeting an inclusive space by respecting the rights of all genders.
• Is there a quiet place I can pray or meditate?
  The Congress on the 3^rd floor is a space to go for personal meditation and prayer.  The Congress is available Thursday through Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Please keep the door unlocked at all times and respect the rights of others.
• Who can I ask for help while at the conference? Is there an Ombuds on-site?
  The MPSA Conference Ombuds serve as impartial, confidential, and independent resources, offering informal support to all conference participants in addressing a wide range of challenges and concerns that may arise during the event. Learn more about how the Ombuds can provide assistance and be a resource for you.The MPSA Ombuds Sarah Klaper will be available to meet with attendees via walk-in consultations (if there is not another appointment already scheduled during that time) or for scheduled appointments, on Thursday, April 23 from 1:00-5:00 p.m., Friday, April 24 from 1:00 –5:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 25 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. in Clark 2 on the 7th floor. MPSA Ombuds Tyler Smith and will be available by virtual appointment. To contact Sarah or Tyler on Sunday, April 26, please reach out via email to set up a virtual appointment. If you have any questions or concerns about scheduling an appointment, please contact the ombuds via email at mpsaombuds2026@gmail.com.

• Will MPSA leadership be on-site?
  The MPSA Executive Committee (President, Rikhil Bhavnani and President-elect, Jennifer Merolla) will hold office hours with attendees on Thursday, April 23 from 3:30–4:30 p.m., and Friday, April 24 from 1:30–2:30 p.m. in the Harvard Room on the 3^rd floor. Attendees are welcome to drop-in without an appointment or may schedule time to meet with the Executive Committee through this link. Appointments are available in 10-minute intervals; if you need a longer appointment time, please book up to two consecutive 10-minute time slots or email the Executive Committee (ExecutiveCommittee@mpsanet.org) if you would like to set up meeting that you anticipate may go over twenty minutes.
• Does MPSA offer job placement at the conference?
  Since there are traditionally very few positions open in the spring, we forgo the traditional placement area at the MPSA conference. Instead, we feature open positions in the members-only section of our website and in our monthly newsletter as they are submitted. Have an open position? Post it here. There is no charge to feature an open position on our jobs board.
• Does the MPSA offer scholarships for childcare during the conference?
  MPSA offers Childcare Scholarships to help defray the hourly cost of childcare for parents or guardians that are current members of MPSA, registered and attending the annual conference in person, staying at one of the Conference Hotels (Palmer House, Hilton Chicago or Hosteling International of Chicago). If you are a Chicago resident, you may request consideration, however you must meet all of the other guidelines to be awarded the scholarship. Childcare must be provided by a bonded and insured sitter service within Chicago, and not be the childcare costs a member is already paying on a day-to-day basis. This service must be arranged by the parent or guardian. We recommend making childcare reservations at least two weeks in advance, childcare may not be available if you wait until later to make reservations. An itemized receipt is required for reimbursement.
• Are meals provided at the conference?
  Meals are not included with registration. However, some receptions that are open for all participants to attend do feature light hors d’oeuvres and beverages.
• What’s the official conference hashtag?
  The official hashtag for the 2024 conference is #MPSA2026. Please remember to follow all of the conference updates on X, Bluesky, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, and add the #MPSA2026 hashtag to your own messages about the conference.

Preparing for the Conference

• My proposal was accepted for the conference. How to I respond to my invitation for conference participation?
  Log in to your account as soon as possible to confirm or decline your participation. Use the same email address that your acceptance notification email message was sent to as your username. If you haven’t logged in before, click here to set your password. Do not create a new account, as this will prevent you from accessing previously submitted proposals. If you have another MPSA account associated with a different email address contact mpsainfo@mpsanet.org to request the accounts be merged. All co-authors must log in and respond, even if they don’t plan to attend the conference. If you are planning to attend the conference and present, please ACCEPT your role and purchase a conference registration. If you aren’t planning to attend the conference, please DECLINE your invitation to present. If you are the only author on a paper, the paper will be removed from the conference program when you decline the role. If you are a co-author on a paper and decline your role, the paper will remain on the conference program as long as at least one co-author accepts their role.If you are being offered multiple participation roles on the program, you will receive a separate email for each one. Each offer must be accepted or declined individually after logging in. Instructions for confirming or declining your participation can be found here.
• My proposal has been accepted. What date/time is my session?
  The schedule for sessions at the 83rd Annual MPSA Conference is available here. The online program is searchable by participant name, session format, section and date/time. You must be logged in with your MPSA username and password to access the system. 
• How do I obtain a letter of invitation for the conference so that I may apply for a Visa?
  Participants may request a letter of invitation for a Visa to attend the MPSA Annual Conference by logging into their MPSA account and clicking “Request a Letter of Invitation”. If you have not done so already, you will be prompted to complete your MPSA profile prior to obtaining a copy of the letter. Please note that the MPSA is unable to advocate on your behalf if your Visa application is denied.
• Can I submit a special scheduling request for my presentation date and time?
  By submitting a proposal, individuals agree to be available to participate in sessions during any of the four days of the conference. Requests for specific days or times for participation are not accepted, except for reasons related to religious observance or unusual family circumstances. Though the MPSA does value teaching, approximately 80% of attendees teach and we cannot schedule around participant’s teaching schedule. Special scheduling requests must be submitted to the Conference Director (speelmon@mpsanet.org) no later than the cutoff date for special scheduling requests found here.
• How long will I have to present my paper?
  For Panel/Paper sessions, each author presents an abbreviated version of their paper (e.g.  if 5 presenters, 10 minutes; if 4 presenters, 13 minutes; if 3 presenters, 14 minutes), followed by comments from all discussants, and each session ending in audience discussion. The program will list the exact time for each paper to be presented, the times for discussants to speak, and the time for questions from the audience. During a Lightning Talks, six to eight papers are presented using brief PowerPoint presentations (six-minute maximum). After each presentation, there will be two minutes of Q&A. At the conclusion of the presentations, there can be more extensive Q&A about any of the papers. The chair(s) will keep the presentations to the exact time limit, so presenters need to have their presentation rehearsed in advance. View session times and formats here.
• Who can serve as a discussant?
  Discussants play an essential role at the conference by providing guidance and feedback to scholars looking to move their research forward. Professional-level members and submitters may volunteer to be a discussant or chair via the MPSA proposal system. Second-year graduate students may volunteer to serve as a discussant on undergraduate sessions (please note poster sessions are for in-person participation only). Undergraduate students cannot serve as a discussant.
• Are there additional resources I can access to prepare for the conference and my plan my visit to Chicago?
  View role-specific guidelines for Authors, Chairs, and Discussants. View presenter resources, FAQs and guidelines for Lightning Talks and Poster Sessions. Instructions for the hybrid conference and virtual attendees can be found here. Information on the breakdown of session times, as well as session formats and role descriptions can be found here. Explore attendee resources including Travel Resources, On-site Details, A/V Details and Tech Support information, Local Dining options, Family Resources, and Health and Emergency Services locations and contact information.
• Where can I find more information on attractions to see and the best places to eat in Chicago?
  Make the most of your time in Chicago with Chicago Concierge! This complimentary online service will guide you to the award-winning restaurants, attractions and retailers in town to help make your time in the city as memorable as possible. Type in keywords or select specific categories through the search engine to find an interactive map and list of suggestions. An Interactive Restaurant Map with filters is available here. Upcoming Chicago Events can be found here and a Chicago in the Spring Guide can be found here.