2026 RSA Annual Conference FAQs

The deadline for session proposals is 23rd January 2026.

Session proposals: We invite scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to submit session proposals for inclusion in the upcoming conference programme.  We offer two types of Sessions:

1. Open Session – the session organiser proposes the topic and provides a short description/call for submissions. Anyone interested can submit their abstract for this session.
2. Closed Session – the session organiser proposes the complete session, including all speakers. Other delegates may not submit their abstracts for this session. Please note that all speakers need to register to be able to present.

We particularly welcome sessions that are interdisciplinary, internationally collaborative, and align with the conference’s themes. This is a great opportunity to bring together voices around a shared topic and foster meaningful dialogue. Please submit your session through the portal here: https://www.regionalstudies.org/2026-rsa-annual-conference-session-submissions/

Deadlines

• Abstracts for submitted sessions: 12th February 2026
• Abstracts for general themes: 19th February 2026

Please submit your abstract/poster abstract (up to 250 words and text only) through the RSA conference portal. You do not need to register to submit an abstract. Once your abstract has been accepted, the deadline for paper and poster presenters, panel contributors and discussants to register is 19th May 2026. Please note the conference is in-person only.

We will not produce conference proceedings, so there is no requirement to submit a full paper.

Delegates are limited to one paper presentation and one panel contribution. The role of discussant is counted as a panel contribution.

Types of sessions 

• Plenary session – high-level session of invited speaker(s) and chair/discussant
• Spotlight session – mix of high-level panels, policy panels, journal and editors, and professional development
• Paper session – sessions will run for either 90 or 120 minutes. Presenters will have 15 minutes to present and 5 minutes for questions. Any remaining time can be used for further feedback/discussion. You will need to bring your presentation on USB to be uploaded to the devices in the session rooms
• Panel session – panels of  between three to five speakers with a discussant and chair
• Poster session – An interactive poster session highlighting emerging scholarship, fresh empirical insights, and novel methodological approaches.
• Speed networking – a fast-paced, dynamic setting where you can hone your interview, networking, and presentation skills – all in just five minutes per round. Can you beat the buzzer and meet your ideal academic partner?
• Networking – a mix of sessions for students, first-time attendees, early career researchers, general networking and social events

• Early bird registration opens: 20th February 2026
• Normal registration opens: 1st April 2026
• Registration for paper and poster presenters, panel contributors and discussants (to ensure inclusion in the programme): 19th May 2026

All attendees must register for the conference, whether they are presenting or non-presenting participants (co-authors who are not attending do not need to register). We offer a tiered pricing system for members according to career stage and country of residence, and a tiered non-member rate according to country of residence. The conference fee includes access to the conference app, full programme of academic and social/networking sessions,  all daytime catering and welcome reception (separate registration required). The conference dinner is not included but can be added at an extra cost. You can find the full list of conference registration fees by clicking on the following link and scrolling to the bottom of the page: https://www.regionalstudies.org/events/rsa26/.

The conference will begin on 15 June with an evening welcome reception (free to attend, but requiring separate registration). The academic programme will run from 08:45 on 16 June to 14:45 on 18 June. Your paper may be scheduled at any time within this window, so please plan your travel and accommodation accordingly, as there is an expectation that you will attend the full programme.

Please be aware that the programme is very difficult to adjust once set. Timetabling requests should be submitted (via email events@regionalstudies.org) as soon as you submit your abstract and will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, and even then we cannot guarantee that they can be met.

You will need the app to view the programme, abstracts, speakers, to message other delegates, to create your profile and personal conference schedule, to receive email reminders about your selected sessions, to swap business cards and more. There will be no printed programme or abstract book.

Watch our short video guide to get a quick overview of apps features.

Follow these steps to download and set up your app:

1. Download RSA Hub from your app store: IOS or Android. You can also access session information through the desktop version of the App
2. Create an app account: Use the same email that you used when submitting your abstract or registering for the conference
3. Set up your profile: Add a photo, social media links, and more.
4. Start exploring: Connect with attendees, send messages, and make the most of your RSA conference experience.

Visas

If you require a visa to travel to Gothenburg and need an official confirmation letter to support your application, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can prepare the documentation in good time. You can find out more information about entry to Sweden here: https://visitsweden.com/about-sweden/passport-and-visas/

Accommodation

We are pleased to have secured a number of pre-booked hotel rooms for the conference attendees at special discounted rates, click here to access the full list, early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Important addresses:

• Main venue: School of Business, Economics and Law Address: Vasagatan 1, 405 30 Göteborg
• Welcome Reception: The Bourse Address: Östra Hamngatan 21, 411 10 Göteborg
• Conference Dinner: Kooperativet Address: Anders Carlssons g 2, 417 55 Göteborg
• Google Map with all venues and hotels: Click here

You can find more information about getting to Gothenburg and information about the city here: https://www.goteborg.com/en/information/practical-information

Accessibility at the conference

• More information about accessibility at the conference, welcome reception and dinner venue will be available soon
• If you need to be accompanied to the conference please contact us at events@regionalstudies.org and we will arrange a suitable complimentary registration.
• Quiet rooms for decompression and prayer will be available; details and locations will be confirmed in the conference programme
• During registration, you will be asked to provide any dietary or accessibility requirements, and we will endeavour to accommodate these wherever possible.
• Unfortunately we are unable to offer crèche facilities for participants