The PAMLA 2025 Conference will be held at the InterContinental San Francisco, California
The conference will begin on Thursday, November 20 and continue through Sunday, November 23, 2025.
Below we have answered the top Frequently Asked Questions.
Contact Executive Director Craig Svonkin ([email protected]) and/or Information Director Sonia Christensen ([email protected]) for any other questions.
1) Where is the PAMLA 2025 Conference taking place?
The PAMLA 2025 Conference will be held in-person at the InterContinental San Francisco from Thursday, November 20 through Sunday, November 23, 2025.
Address: 888 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
2) Will the PAMLA 2025 Conference be in-person or virtual?
PAMLA 2025 will be held entirely in-person. Papers may not be delivered via Zoom or in absentia.
This decision—not made lightly—is based on practical and financial realities. As a non-profit organization, PAMLA relies on in-person attendance to remain sustainable. The Board voted against hybrid sessions due to:
– The risk of reduced in-person participation
– The high cost and unreliability of hybrid infrastructure
– The benefits of real-time, face-to-face intellectual exchange
3) What are the most important deadlines for PAMLA 2025?
– Special Session Proposals Due: April 15, 2025
– Paper Proposals Due: May 15, 2025
– Acceptance Notifications Sent: May 25, 2025
– Early Bird Registration: Jan. 30 – May 28, 2025
– Membership Payment Deadline: June 25, 2025
– Regular Registration: May 29 – July 20, 2025
– Minor Late Fee Period: July 21 – Sept. 15, 2025
– Urgent Late Fee Period: Sept. 16 – Oct. 1, 2025
4) Do I have to pay if I’m just attending and not presenting?
Yes, all attendees must register. However, if you’re not presenting, presiding, or chairing, you may register as an Auditor for a significantly reduced rate (typically under $100). The Auditor option does not include PAMLA membership and is not available to presenters or chairs.
5) How do I propose a special session?
To propose a special session, log in at pamla.ballastacademic.com and select “Propose a Special Session.”
You’ll be asked to submit a session title, a brief abstract, and a rationale for the session’s significance. If approved, your session will appear on the site for others to submit paper proposals to.
Deadline: April 15, 2025
6) How do I propose a paper?
To propose a paper, go to pamla.ballastacademic.com and click “Call for Papers”
You’ll need to provide a title, short abstract (40–60 words), and longer proposal (300–500 words).
Deadline: May 15, 2025
7) Are there hotel rooms available at a discount?
Yes! PAMLA has secured a special group rate of $179/night (plus tax) at the luxurious InterContinental San Francisco.
Booking through the official PAMLA link ensures this rate and helps us meet our contractual obligations, supporting the financial health of the conference.
Rooms are limited and may sell out. The booking link will be shared soon via email and on the PAMLA 2025 Conference Page.
8) How many sessions can I participate in?
Participants may:
– Present in one traditional panel
– And also take part in one creative session (e.g., roundtable, seminar, workshop, or poetry reading)
You may not present twice in traditional panels, nor may you present the same or a similar paper more than once.
If in doubt, contact Executive Director Craig Svonkin at [email protected].
9) Do I need to be vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 to attend?
PAMLA expects its members to take care of their and their colleagues’ health. We expect participants to be fully vaccinated, so please get your Covid, flu, and other necessary vaccinations so as to protect yourself and others. Those who test positive for Covid must cancel their conference participation. Mask wearing is often a good idea, as well. Since we cannot predict when a pandemic might return, please get your vaccinations ahead of time. If you have any questions, please contact PAMLA Executive Director Craig Svonkin: 626-354-7526 or [email protected].
10) What A/V equipment is provided?
Each room will have an LCD projector, screen, and HDMI cable. Presenters should bring their own laptop and any necessary adapters, especially for Macs.
Please arrive early to test your setup. A/V services are costly, so only request them if essential to your presentation.
11) Does PAMLA have a Code of Conduct?
Yes. PAMLA is committed to a respectful, inclusive, and collegial scholarly environment. All participants are expected to be thoughtful and polite in their communication, whether online or in person.
Please review our full Code of Conduct.