We are accepting proposals to organize special sessions spanning 1.5 to 3 hours. The conference schedule includes space for several of these sessions to encourage learning, collaboration, and connection among attendees. Organizers can choose to make the session open attendance or require some formal or informal pre-registration and selection, for example limiting attendance to early career researchers or academics from a specific region.
Examples of special sessions include:
- A workshop that shares research and ideas in a focused, mini-conference format.
- A tutorial that introduces a software tool or research methodology.
- A panel that debates emerging issues and topics.
- A networking session such as “speed-meeting” or lightning talks.
- A colloquium for new graduate students, late-stage PhD candidates, or early-career faculty to share experiences and get feedback from senior members.
- A design or coding jam where participants collaboratively prototype ideas during the session.
- A fireside chat with a senior researcher or industry leader reflecting on lessons from practice.
- A community meeting to plan a shared research initiative or large grant proposal.
Sincerely, Karen and Geneva
GI 2026 Special Session Chairs
Deadlines
Special event proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis until the final submission deadline.
- Rolling review begins: March 4, 2026
- Final submission deadline: April 15, 2026, 11:59 pm AoE
- Last notifications: April 25, 2026
Submission and Review Process
Submissions are made by uploading to a Google Form.
Special events will be accepted based on the quality, relevance, and feasibility of the proposed activity. We especially welcome proposals to foster networking opportunities for first-time attendees, students, and new faculty; hands-on activities focused on specific research areas or methods; opportunities for attendees to engage more deeply with senior researchers or industry and government practitioners; and focused tutorials related to graphics and HCI pedagogy.
Note proposals are not blind, please include details of the organizing members and biographies.
Preparing Your Submission
We require a short 2- to 4-page extended abstract describing your proposal for a special session using the ACM proceedings-template in the two-column “sigconf” layout. It should include bios of the organizers, details of the planned activity, required time (1.5 hours or 3 hours), and the expected contribution to the graphics interface community.
In your description, please clearly indicate any special requirements beyond access to a typical classroom. Also indicate if you need the assistance of student volunteers.
At the Conference
Special session organizers will be assigned one or two 1.5 hour time slots depending on the session needs. The expectation is that the organizers fully organize the session, including soliciting submissions if applicable (e.g. for a PhD student colloquium) or securing materials for a hands-on activity.