Starting a New Conference

You’ve decided to hold a conference. The information on this page will help you get started, set up the business arrangements, manage the conference, and make sure you have met all IEEE requirements.

Your conference must be reviewed and approved by IEEE before you can promote IEEE sponsorship or use the IEEE brand. After your conference is approved, your conference will be listed on the IEEE Conference Search and IEEE Call for Papers.

Learn more about getting conference approval

Most conferences start preparing a minimum of 12 to 18 months before the conference date. Some of the pre-planning is done before you apply to IEEE for approval, such as getting sponsorship and defining the technical program. Many IEEE organizational units (Section, Societies, Technical Councils, etc.) have their own processes that must be completed to obtain sponsorship approval. You are encouraged to check with each sponsoring IEEE organizational unit before submitting your conference to IEEE.

You’ll need to prepare a budget, negotiate contracts with vendors, and plan registration. Most importantly, you need to plan the technical program and prepare papers for publication. IEEE Conference Services can support you at all stages of the planning process, providing information, resources, service, and tools, or to answer questions. Best practice has shown that earlier engagement with IEEE results in smoother execution and a simpler path for the conference committee.

Learn more about pre-conference planning

During the conference, you have to coordinate registration, manage on-site activities, and manage the presentation of papers.

Learn more about managing conference activities

All conferences that are financially sponsored or co-sponsored by IEEE are responsible for closing the conference financials within six months after the end of the conference. You will distribute any funds, close bank accounts, prepare an audit if required, and submit final financial reports.

IEEE is ready to help. If you have questions about starting a new conference, please contact Conference Services.

Do you have other questions about organizing a conference? Please see IEEE Conference Organizer Contacts.

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