Submitting Proposals

  • How do I set up a new account to submit a proposal on the MPSA website?
    View helpful tips and screenshots on how to create your MPSA account here.
  • The proposal link keeps taking me to the same homepage, but does not allow me to submit. HELP!
    When logged into your MPSA account, you should see a button on the right hand side that reads “Click Here to Submit a Proposal”. If this button is not visible, you may see a different button that says “Complete My Profile.” You must complete/update your profile before you are able to submit a proposal. Once you’ve updated each profile screen, a link will be available at the end to submit your proposal.
  • I tried completing my profile, but my institution isn’t showing up in your database as an affiliation option. How do I add this?
    If your institution is not listed, please contact us at mpsainfo@mpsanet.org with the institution name. Once we have made the update, we will respond so that you may log back in and complete your profile.
  • I am a first-year graduate student. What sections may I submit my proposal to?
    First year graduate students may only submit to subfields which is Section 75-80. Review the section descriptions here: https://www.mpsanet.org/conference/section-descriptions-and-contacts/
  • What is the difference between a regular section and a subfield?
    The difference will be the presentation format. Papers, roundtables and complete panel formats are available for Sections 2-74. For subfields (Section 75-80), the format will be a Lightning Talk. Review this page for descriptions of each format: https://www.mpsanet.org/conference/session-formats-and-role-descriptions/
  • I am a PhD student and unable to submit a complete panel. Why is it this option not visible when logged in?
    You must hold a terminal degree in order to submit a proposal. If another panel participant has a terminal degree (including the discussants), they may submit the complete panel proposal.
  • Do I submit my full paper or just the abstract and overview?
    You cannot submit a full paper to the proposal submission system, only the abstract and overview. If your proposal is accepted, you will receive instructions in the Spring about how to submit your paper to the members of your panel by uploading it to the MPSA paper archive.
  • When will I hear if my proposal has been accepted?
    For important dates and deadlines including proposal acceptance, please review here: https://www.mpsanet.org/conference/important-dates-and-deadlines/

Preparing for the Conference

  • My proposal was accepted for the conference. How to I respond to my invitation for conference participation?
    Please login and to confirm or deny your participation here. Remember to coordinate with your co-authors; if you are not planning on attending, you must DECLINE your role(s). If you are an author on a paper and have a co-author who ACCEPTS their role, the paper will remain on the program and the person who accepts will continue to receive updated conference information via email.
  • My proposal has been accepted. What date/time is my session? 
    You can find your schedule online by searching the preliminary conference schedule here. You will be asked to set your time zone before you can view the program. The online program is searchable by participant name, session format, section and date/time.
  • 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.

Registration and Receipts

  • Are hotel accommodations and meals included in the conference registration fee?
    No. Neither meals nor hotel accommodations are included with your conference registration fee. You are responsible for making your own hotel and childcare reservations. Please see information about making reservations at our official conference hotels here and information on our Childcare Scholarships here.
  • How can I access a receipt for my conference registration?
    Print registration receipts directly from the website by logging in to your MPSA account, click on your name (person icon) in the top right-hand corner. Then click “My profile”. Then select “Orders & Payments”. All previous orders will be visible. Select “View/Print” beside the order for which you need a receipt. You then have the option to download or print.
  • I have been invited to speak on a panel, and I am not a member of MPSA. Do I have to register for the conference? 
    Everyone who attends the conference must register. There are no exceptions. The Conference Fee Waiver Scholarship is available on a first-come, first-served basis for international scholars from developing countries and individuals who are not political scientists, if they have not attended the conference before.
  • Why is the conference registration fee higher if I do not stay in a conference hotel?
    When the MPSA negotiates a contract with a conference hotel, the association receives free meeting space in exchange for a guarantee that it will use a specific number of sleeping rooms. If attendees do not use the required number of sleeping rooms, the MPSA must pay the cost for these unused rooms, which could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition, the more sleeping rooms that conference attendees use, the more attractive the MPSA conference becomes to a hotel, and the MPSA can negotiate even lower room rates.
  • If I have already registered for the conference but decide not to attend, can I get a refund?
    The MPSA has a “no refund” policy.
  • What if I need to change my participation status from in-person to virtual, or vice versa?
    If you register for in-person attendance and are unable to travel, you can change your registration status to virtual if you are participating on a session featuring a hybrid format (Panel/Paper Sessions, Roundtables, Lightning Talks and Working Groups). You may also switch your registration status from virtual to in-person as needed. If you have a participatory role (presenter, chair, discussant) on a Poster session, you will not be able to switch your registration status from in-person to virtual as this session type is available for in-person participation only. If you need to change your status from in-person to virtual (or vice versa), please click here to login to your MPSA account. After logging in, click the “Update Registration” button to begin the updating process. Adjustments to registration pricing (based on in-hotel/virtual, out-hotel status) will be processed accordingly. If a balance is due, your registration will not be updated until the balance is paid in full. Any refunds due to registration status changes will be issued after the conference.
  • I am registered for in-person participation, but want to attend some sessions virtually. Do I need to adjust my registration?
    No, unless you are planning to be fully-virtual, you do not need to update your registration type. Regardless of registration participation status (in-person or virtual) all conference registrants have access to the online virtual conference platform.
  • Do I have to purchase a membership to register for the conference?
    No, you are not required to purchase a membership prior to registering for the conference. However, please note that MPSA members receive significant discounts. Learn more about the benefits of MPSA membership here, membership categories here, and join/renew here.
  • If I purchase a membership, do I also have to register for the conference?
    MPSA membership is not the same as conference registration. To register for the conference at the member rate, please note that conference registration must be made as a second transaction after purchasing the membership.
  • Do I have to present at the conference to attend?
    No. While most of the conference attendees are participating as presenters, all political science students and scholars are welcome to attend. The same registration rates and deadlines apply for all conference attendees.
  • How do I get a certificate of participation?
    Due to the volume of requests, we are unable to provide certificates of participation during the conference. Please send your certificate of participation request via email to mpsainfo@mpsanet.org after the conference.

Accommodations

  • Does the MPSA check to see if a person has registered in a non-conference hotel?
    The MPSA counts on you to be honest when you select a registration rate and pay to attend the conference. We have restructured our registration system so we can confirm that people who register at the lower in-hotel rate are really staying in the Palmer House or an official conference overflow hotel. If a person registers for the conference at the lower in-hotel rate but is not a registered guest in an official conference hotel, they will be billed for the difference between the in-hotel and out-of-hotel rates. Be aware that if you are not officially registered as a guest in the hotel, you are not staying in that hotel. If you are sharing a room with another person, be sure that you register at the hotel check-in desk when you arrive at the hotel.
  • What happens if the Palmer House sells out of rooms?
    As the MPSA conference has grown over the past several years, rooms at the Palmer House have sold out. When this has happened, the MPSA has negotiated additional blocks of rooms at other hotels. We will continue to try to negotiate additional room blocks once the Palmer House sells out: however, ultimately it is your responsibility to make your reservations in a timely manner.

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.
  • It’s after the deadline and no one has uploaded their research. I’m the discussant! 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).
  • 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.
  • 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 virtual attendees can be found here. Zoom tips 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 onsite 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 attempt to 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).
  • 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.

Resources and Useful Information While at Conference

  • Is there a conference app?
    Our conference app is available to all registered attendees for download from Apple iTunes for an iOS version of the app for either iPhone or any other iOS devices. It is also available via Google Play Store for Android devices. It can be found by searching “MPSA2023” in the app stores. The app features the entire program agenda as well as a host of additional features including a direct link to tech support via a chat option. You can set-up your personalized schedule, view the exhibitor list and floor plans, network with attendees, connect with social networking and much more. The hotel will provide free Wi-Fi in most areas. Due to the volume of users, the speed may vary.
  • Which receptions are open to all attendees?
    The MPSA Welcome & Exhibitor Reception (Thursday, April 13 from 6:30 p.m.– 7:30 p.m.), the Minority Caucus Reception (Friday, April 14 from 9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.), and the MPSA Presidents Reception (Saturday, April 15 from 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) are open to all registered attendees.
  • Is there anywhere nearby to access a computer or have some documents printed?
    There is a UPS Store located on the Street Level of the Palmer House near the Wabash entrance. Additionally, there is a FedEx Office Print & Ship Center located across from the Palmer House Wabash entrance. Both are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • 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.
  • Where can I charge my phone/laptop/tablet?
    ChargeTech charging locker stations can be found in the Red Lacquer on the 4th floor of the Palmer House and are available for attendees to use to charge electronic devices. Additionally, you may charge your devices in the hall across from the State Ballroom.
  • Is there a place I can rehearse my presentation in advance of my session?
    A Presenters’ Green Room can be found in Burnham 3 on the 7th floor.
  • Is there a quiet area I can use at the conference without going back to my room?
    MPSA is reserving the Wabash Room on the 3rd floor of the Palmer House, as a quiet space 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 room, please check in at the conference registration desk for room location and access information when you arrive onsite.
  • Where is a gender-neutral restroom at the Palmer House?
    Gender-neutral restrooms are located on the 4th floor near the Red Lacquer room and on the 6th floor near the Grant Park Parlor.
  • Who can I ask for help while at the conference?
    If you need directions or have general questions about the Palmer House Hilton itself, please look for hotel staff wearing gold oval Hilton name badges. You may also speak with the front desk or the hotel concierges to answer hotel-specific questions. For questions about conference presentations, MPSA staff members will be available at the conference registration desk in the Red Lacquer and at the information both on the 4th floor.
  • Are there additional resources I can access to prepare for the conference and my plan my visit to Chicago?
    View Travel ResourcesOnsite detailsPresenter ResourcesA/V Details and Tech Support information, Local Dining options, Family Resources, and Health and Emergency Services locations and contact information. A Conference Guide can be found here.
  • 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? Please email it to mpsainfo@mpsanet.org.
  • Does the MPSA offer scholarships for childcare during the conference?
    The MPSA offers Childcare Scholarships to help defray the cost of childcare for parents or guardians that are current members of MPSA, registered and attending the conference, and who are staying at the Palmer House or Hilton Chicago. Childcare must be provided on-site, by Jovie of Chicago (previously named College Nannies and Sitters) (a bonded insured childcare provider), or another preferred provider recommended by the conference hotel. Learn more about the Conference Childcare Scholarship here.
  • 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).
  • Where can I find networking and social events during the conference?
    Mark your calendar and plan to attend the in-person, 80th Annual MPSA Conference Meetings and Receptions here.
  • What’s the official conference hashtag?
    The official hashtag for the 2023 conference is #MPSA2023. Please remember to follow all of the conference updates on Twitter, FacebookLinkedIn, and Instagram, and add the #MPSA2023 hashtag to your own messages about the conference.
  • Where can I recycle my print program booklet if I do not want to keep it?
    If you would like to recycle your program at the end of the conference, please drop it off at the conference registration counters located on the 4th floor.
  • What are the in-person COVID-19 policies for this conference?
    In-Person Participation. All conference events, including research panels, networking and mentoring receptions, will be held at the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel. The MPSA will follow state and local guidelines requiring masks and vaccination. Chicago is now open with no capacity restrictions, following state and local guidance. The City of Chicago has lifted its indoor mask mandate as well as its proof of vaccination requirement; however many individual businesses may still require proof of vaccination for entry and we highly encourage you to wear a mask and be fully vaccinated. If there are any changes to the guidelines listed below, we will communicate them as they become available. Please see below for the latest regarding COVID-19 transmission reduction efforts in Chicago, per the Choose Chicago website and plan for your in-person participation accordingly:
    Latest Updates
    Masks: Chicago currently has no mask requirement for indoor spaces or public transportation.
    Proof of vaccination: Chicago has lifted its proof of vaccination requirement for public spaces. Individual businesses and events may still require proof of vaccination.
    Travel guidance: The city of Chicago recommends that all travelers follow the guidance outlined in the CDC COVID-19 community levels.
    International Travel: All international travelers coming into the United States must be fully vaccinated. If traveling by air, all non-U.S. citizens will need proof of vaccination. There are no bans on travel from specific countries. Chicago’s international airports offer the nation’s most comprehensive in-airport COVID-19 testing program. Learn more about airport testing and safety measures.
    Gatherings: There are currently no limits on social gatherings or events. Chicago Restaurants and bars are currently open for indoor dining, outdoor dining, delivery, and takeout with no restrictions on capacity or table size. While there are no citywide mask or vaccine requirements, individual businesses may still require masks or proof of vaccination.
    Attractions and Events: All attractions and events are subject to changes and closures. We strongly recommend confirming the status of attractions and upcoming events by reaching out directly to the attraction, venue, or ticket provider. Chicago attractionsmuseums, sports arenas, and performance venues are open with no restrictions on capacity limits. Public and private events have resumed with no required capacity limits. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test may be required for entry for attractions and events. Check with individual venues for details. For more information on COVID-19 guidelines regarding travel, restaurants, attractions and events, hotels, health and safety, healthy travel tips, and other resources, please click here.
  • Will MPSA be contact tracing anyone who may become ill with COVID-19?
    Yes. We are thrilled to be back in-person in Chicago for #MPSA2023. The health, safety and wellbeing of our attendees is of utmost importance to us. Therefore, we are asking that if you have tested positive for COVID-19 while at the conference, or test positive for COVID-19 post-conference, to please email us at this dedicated email address: contacttracing@mpsanet.org. Your identity will remain anonymous. We will notify the other participants of any panel on which you participated, letting them know that a member of their session tested positive, so that they can take the proper measures to test and quarantine if needed. We want to be as transparent as possible with all participants and we appreciate your willingness to help protect the safety and wellbeing of your colleagues.

Conference Policies

Additional Questions?

  • If your question about the conference isn’t answered above, please email MPSA staff at mpsainfo@mpsanet.org.