Planning a Convention Session
The 2025 MLA Annual Convention will be held from 9 to 12 January in New Orleans. The deadline to submit a session for the 2025 convention has passed. If you have an idea for a session but weren't able to propose it by the deadline, learn about proposing a just-in-time session in September.
Interested in organizing a session for a future convention or want to find out how you can participate in a session?
MLA Entity Sessions: MLA members who are authorized to do so may submit a session on behalf of an MLA committee, forum, or allied organization. Review the information below for session submission guidelines.
Special Sessions: MLA members who wish to propose their own sessions not connected to any MLA entity may propose a special session. For session submission guidelines, review Proposing a Special Session.
Calls for Papers: The calls for papers deadline to post a call for papers for the 2025 convention has passed. Review Calls for Papers for future conventions.
Preparing for the Session
All session participants must be MLA members and be registered for the convention.
- Procedures for Organizing Convention Meetings
- Calls for Papers
- Policies for Forums and Allied Organizations
Proposing the Session
- Proposing a Special Session
- Special-Session FAQs
- Convention Session FAQs
- Convention Participant FAQs
- Innovative Session Formats
- Proposing a Just-in-Time Session
- Quick Tour: Session Proposal Form
- Examples of Proposal Forms for Convention Sessions
- What Makes a Successful Convention Proposal
Have you already organized a session? Read more below on how to prepare for a successful session.
Running the Session
- Access Guidelines for MLA Convention Session Organizers and Presenters
- Guidelines for Participants and Session Organizers
- Online Session FAQs
- Online Session Presider and Presenter Tips
- Online Session Platform General Guidance
- Scheduling Convention Sessions
If you have questions about planning a convention session, please contact us.
View future convention locations and dates or learn more about how convention locations are chosen.