Timeline
Please note that the dates for calls, decisions and registration may change and the changes will reflect here.
2024
Announcement of location, year and host
2025
Announcement of theme
Announcement of keynotes
Confirmation of dates
2026
1 April: Call for panels opens
17 July: Call for panels closes
21 August: Communication of panel decisions
1 September: Call for presentations opens
23 October: Call for presentations closes
11 December: Communication of presentation decisions
2027
11 January - 28 February: Early-bird registration
1 March - 30 April: Registration
1 May - 18 June: Late Registration
18 June: Final day for registration
5 July: Pre-conference workshops
6 - 9 July: Conference
Call for presentations
Opens: 1 September 2026
Closes: 23 October 2026, midnight SAST
Decision: 11 December 2026
We welcome submissions of presentation abstracts that are aligned with the conference theme, listed panels and/or the fields of ethnomethodology, conversation analysis, and related fields. Submissions are inclusive of a title, keywords and 500-word abstract.
On submission of your abstract please select either the general stream, the AI stream or a specific panel from a single list. The general stream is for abstracts suited to the conference but not being submitted to a specific panel or stream. The AI stream is for abstracts on AI that could be included in any of the 4 AI panels. There are also specific panels that abstracts can be submitted to. Refer to the list of accepted panels for more information.
*We recommend that individuals are only a first author on 1 abstract but can be coauthors on more than 1. For accepted abstracts to be included in the program, first authors must register for the conference once registration opens.
FAQs
Do you have questions about the calls, submissions and submission process?
Check the list of frequently asked questions and answers below.
Abstracts
What is the abstract length?
Panel abstracts should be no longer than 700 words. Presentation abstracts should be no longer than 500 words. The word count excludes the title and keywords.
What format should the abstract be in?
Your abstract needs to be in a text format (not video or audio). You will need to type or paste it into the submission portal form. Abstracts must be in English.
How many abstracts can I submit?
We recommend that you only submit one abstract as a first author. You can be listed as a secondary author on other submissions.
What is the difference between panels and presentation abstracts?
In the EM/CA tradition, panels propose a research area for which researchers can gather together to present their research projects on the shared area of interest. Panels consist of multiple presentations from multiple authors. Presentations are on specific research projects that can either be presented within a panel or generally. Presentation length will be confirmed when the program is drafted but each presentation will be allocated either 20 or 30 minutes (presentation & Q&A included).
What should a panel abstract include?
Panel abstracts should (i) describe the area of inquiry and scope of the panel, (ii) how the panel fits within EMCA and/or the conference themes, (iii) the novelty of the panel and thus the contribution to the area of inquiry, and (iv) the kinds of papers you wish to attract to the panel. You do not need to have a list of authors and papers for inclusion.
What should a presentation abstract include?
We generally recommend that abstracts describe the (i) context and rationale for the study, (ii) research aim(s)/question(s), (iii) methods (including the analytic approach and data used), (iv) findings, (v) conclusions and implications. While a description of the data is necessary, an example of transcribed data and the data analysis thereof can be included but is not required. Reference lists are not required.
Submission
How do I submit an abstract?
Next to each call there is a "submission portal" button. The Button will only be active from the call opening date until the closing date. The submission portal for panels is different from the portal for presentations, requiring you to select the specific call button and to create a new account for each portal. The link will take you to EXBO Abstracts (with the URL exbo.co.za) where you need to follow the steps to register an account and then submit your application. We unfortunately cannot accept email applications.
What should I do if I encounter a technical challenge?
Site instructions are available.
For technical support please contact interact.hmn@wits.ac.za or catherine.tam@wits.ac.za
How do I indicate which panel I want to submit to?
During submission you will be asked to select a category from a list. The list contains all panels, an AI stream and the general stream. You will only be able to select one for each paper. A list of panels can be found at a link above.
Peer Review Process
What is the peer-review process?
A blind peer-review process will be undertaken by members of the IIEMCA scientific committee and accepted panel organizers. Please do not include identifying information in your abstract and title.
How will I know if my abstract has been accepted or not?
Decisions will be communicated via email and within the EXBO abstract platform in line with the calendar dates listed above.
What are the review criteria?
Reviewers will assess the suitability of the paper for the conference according to rigor, coherence, novelty, contribution and alignment with the institute, conference and/or panel themes.