Experience Southern’s Hospitality at the 2026 SPSA Conference in New Orleans!
The Conference will take place January 14-17, 2026. Please stay tuned to this page for updated information on the conference, including conference registration and lodging.
2026 Preliminary Program Available
The 2026 SPSA Preliminary Program is available HERE. Updates will be made periodically to the program, so please refer to this page for the most updated version available.
Read more about how to prepare for and present your research at the SPSA Conference HERE.
Conference Registration and Hotel
Register for the 2026 SPSA Annual Conference today! Information on registration rates can be found HERE, and you can register for the conference by clicking HERE.
The host of the 2026 SPSA Conference is the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. The SPSA room block is now full, but you can contact the hotel directly through their website or by calling 504-561-0500 to inquire about availability.
Download the SPSA 2026 Conference App
The best way to stay up-to-date on panel times, locations, and conference events is through the SPSA Conference App. Download yours today HERE or use the QR code below.
KiND Workshops at the SPSA Conference
This year, KiND is offering a series of Professional Development Workshops, spanning qualitative and quantitative research methods, leadership, and professionalization. These short, intensive learning opportunities are designed to help participants to become more effective and adaptive leaders, researchers, and teachers by strengthening their methodological skills, enhancing their writing and research capacities, improving their productivity, and increasing their publishing success. In addition to workshops, KiND is also offering a series of one-on-one and group consultation sessions with several of our experts. Designed for both academic and non-academic participants at all career stages, workshops and consultation sessions will help you to reach your goals and build a competitive edge. Your participation can also earn you credits toward the KiND/SPSA Professional Development Certificate!
Workshop registration opens in just a few weeks, and registration is complimentary with registration for the SPSA Conference. Don’t miss out, make sure to complete your SPSA registration and update your KiND profile.
Inability to Attend Insurance
The Southern Political Science Association will provide No Refunds if you are unable to attend. Instead, we now provide a refund insurance policy (please see below).
Attendee Registration Insurance is now included in your registration fees. This coverage is underwritten by Lloyds of London.
You will receive a 100% refund if you are unable to attend the event for a reason outside of your control that is covered under the policy. This coverage starts on the date you pay for registration and ends on the first date of the conference.
Click Here which takes you to our claims website and then click on the tab Policy Terms & Conditions to see what is covered under the policy.
Click Here for the Attendee Refund Policy.
Receptions for SPSA 2026
The SPSA hosts several receptions that are open to all attendees. We warmly invite you to join us at our following receptions:
- Thursday, January 15, 7 – 9 pm: Welcome Reception – St. James Ballroom
- Friday, January 16, 12:30 – 1:30 pm: SPSA Awards Reception – St. James Ballroom
- Friday, January 16, 2:30 – 4:00 pm: SPSA Ice Cream Social for the Young and Young at Heart – 3rd Floor Breezeway
- Friday, January 16, 7:30 – 9 pm: SPSA President’s Reception – St. James Ballroom
- Saturday, January 17, 6:30 – 9 pm: SPSA Party in the French Quarter – Crescent City Brewhouse (Note: This event requires a ticket, which can be purchased during conference registration)
Volunteer to be a Panel Chair/Discussant
The SPSA relies on the expertise of our members to put on a successful conference every year. Attendees who are interested in serving as a panel chair or discussant should email spsa.conference@spsa.net to volunteer, including a description of their areas of expertise so we can match you to an appropriate panel.
