101st Annual Conference

• Presenters can edit their paper title, abstract, etc., and upload complete papers by logging into the conference platform and selecting My Submissions from the menu. Select the submission for the 101st Annual Conference and click Revise/Edit to update as needed.
• If your session has discussants, they are assigned first paper to first discussant, second paper to second discussant, etc. However all session participants are expected to be familiar with all the papers in the session and to contribute to the discussion
• Papers should either be uploaded to the conference platform by presenters or circulated via e-mail. To access uploaded papers, login on the conference platform, navigate to your session and click on a paper to view any uploaded documents.
• Session time allocations (based on four papers): 105 minutes total. 15 minutes per paper presentation plus 5 minutes for the paper’s primary discussant, then time for all other participants’ discussion. The session chair may alter time allocations if appropriate.
• Projectors and screens will be provided in each meeting room, but NO LAPTOPS. Please coordinate with your fellow session participants to be sure one will be available or bring your own laptop. 
• Email addresses for participants are not posted on the online program for privacy reasons. Session organizers will facilitate the discussion among their participants. WEAI sent a group e-mail thread to participants in each Volunteer Individual session on May 19th. Check your e-mail for that thread and reply all to coordinate in the lead up to the conference.

We will have in-person sessions June 29 to July 3, and one day of virtual sessions on June 25. 

Organize your own session and take charge of all the details. Sessions in all areas of economics and finance are welcome. Paper submission fees are waived for all papers in organized sessions, however participants are required to register for the conference. WEAI members affiliated with a WEAI Institutional Member, and who organize a session, receive complimentary conference registration. 

Organized sessions must include papers from various institutions. No more than 50% of the papers may be from the same institution. Each participant may author (or co-author) no more than two papers in the session. Proposals for workshops or roundtables should also include individuals from multiple institutions. Sessions are subject to review by a screening committee. 

Please notify us of your intent to organize a session as soon as possible so we can save a space for you. Email sessions@weai.org.

Overall Responsibility

As the organizer, you have the following responsibilities:

• Maintain liaison between your participants and WEAI.
• Ensure that your session participants are well prepared and registered for the conference. 
• Make sure your session participants upload completed papers by June 1.
• Keep the WEAI informed of changes to your session.

Typical Session Format

The session time allocation is one hour and 45 minutes. A typical session includes a chairperson, three to four papers, and discussants (paper presenters may serve as discussants on each others' papers). Organizers decide if discussants are assigned to specific papers or if comments will be part of the general group discussion. Other formats, such as panels or roundtables, may also be used. 

Information Needed

After receiving commitments from session participants, send the following information to WEAI:

• Session title.
• In-person versus fully virtual.
• Applicable JEL topic area codes.
• Professional affiliations and e-mail addresses for all participants (including coauthors). Please indicate paper presenter with an asterisk (*).
• Paper titles (if applicable).

A fill-in session template is available below, or if you have a format used for previous WEAI conferences, that is also acceptable as long as the information outlined above is included.

Please submit your session details early. Submit revised information with revisions clearly marked. All session communication is done via email to sessions@weai.org.

Session Template

Once Your Session is Accepted

Invite your session participants to submit their abstracts and register for the conference before April 1 in order to be included in the first posting of the program. Papers will be added to your session as they are received into the conference system. We've instituted this process in an effort to avoid last minute withdrawals causing gaps in your sessions.

Conference Format

The format is intended to promote active involvement by all attendees — most of the economists attending will be on the program. In addition to the keynote sessions, the program consists of small discussion groups meeting concurrently. Including program participants, session attendance may range from 6 to 60, depending on the time of day and the topic’s popularity, etc. However, the most fruitful discussions often occur among small groups of interested individuals. Your session can benefit by inviting experts besides those on the program to attend.

Registration Fees

All attendees are expected to pay the conference registration fee. Papers will only be released to be added to your organized session after the primary presenter is registered to attend. Please inform prospective participants that they are responsible for their own expenses. Registration fees are the same whether in-person or virtual.

Session organizers receive complimentary conference registration if (i) they are a current WEAI member, (ii) they are affiliated with a current Institutional Member, (iii) they organize a session in which at least three participants pay the usual registration fee, and (iv) everyone in the session registers by the deadline.

Dates to Remember

• February 15: Session information is due to WEAI.
• April 1: Deadline for program participants to register and submit abstracts in order to be included in first program draft.
• April 15: Deadline to take advantage of early registration discount (fees go up April 16 and late fee goes into effect May 16). 
• May 15: Last chance for program changes to be included in printed program.
• June 1: Verify that complete papers have been uploaded by presenters and session participants have access.

Waiver of Journal Manuscript Submission Fees

WEAI members can submit their conference papers to either Economic Inquiry or Contemporary Economic Policy without paying the usual manuscript submission fee provided the manuscripts reach the editors within six months after the conference.

Conference Format

In addition to the keynote sessions, the program consists of small discussion groups meeting concurrently. Including program participants, session attendance may range from 6 to 60, depending on the time of day and the topic’s popularity, etc. However, the most fruitful discussions often occur among small groups of interested individuals. Most of the economists attending will be on the program, so the format is intended to promote active involvement by all attendees. 

The in-person program will be held June 29 to July 3, with a full day of virtual sessions June 25 via Zoom. There is no hybrid option for concurrent sessions.

Tentative Schedule

Thursday, June 25 -- VIRTUAL DAY!
8:15–10:00 am -- Concurrent Virtual Sessions
10:15 am–12:00 n -- Concurrent Virtual Sessions
12:30 – 2:15 pm  Concurrent Virtual Sessions
2:30 – 4:15 pm  Concurrent Virtual Sessions
4:30 – 6:15 pm  Concurrent Virtual Sessions

Monday, June 29
1:30–8:00 pm  On-site Registration
2:30–4:15 pm  Concurrent Sessions
4:30–6:15 pm  Concurrent Sessions
6:30–8:00 pm  Welcome Reception

Tuesday, June 30
7:30 am–6:30 pm -- On-site Registration 
8:15–10:00 am -- Concurrent Sessions
10:15 am–12:00 n -- Concurrent Sessions
12:30–2:15 pm -- Concurrent Sessions
2:30–4:15 pm -- Concurrent Sessions
4:30–6:15 pm -- Concurrent Sessions

Wednesday, July 1
7:30 am–5:00 pm -- On-site Registration 
8:15–10:00 am -- Concurrent Sessions
10:15 am–12:00 n -- Keynote Address 
12:15–2:15 pm -- Presidential Luncheon and Annual Business Meeting 
2:30–4:15 pm -- Concurrent Sessions
4:30–6:15 pm -- Concurrent Sessions

Thursday, July 2
7:30 am–6:30 pm -- On-site Registration 
8:15–10:00 am -- Concurrent Sessions
10:15 am–12:00 n -- Concurrent Sessions
12:30–2:15 pm -- Concurrent Sessions
2:30–4:15 pm -- Concurrent Sessions
4:30–6:15 pm -- Concurrent Sessions

Friday, July 3
7:30 am–12:00 n -- On-site Registration 
8:15–10:00 am -- Concurrent Sessions
10:15 am–12:00 n -- Concurrent Sessions

Conference Close

Registration 

Early bird rates apply through April 15, so register early and save! Rates are the same whether participating in-person or virtually. Meals are not included with registration.

• Professionals:
  Before April 15 -- Members $195 / Non-members $275
  April 16 to May 15 -- Members $225 / Non-members $305
  After May 15 -- Members $275 / Non-members $355
• Full-time Students / Post Docs:
  Before May 15 -- Members $95 / Non-members $135
  After May 15 -- Members $125 / Non-members $165

Hint: Non-members join or renew your WEAI membership now and save -- plus you'll be entitled to a journal submission fee waiver for your conference paper if submitted to EI or CEP within six months after the conference. It's a win-win!

Non-economist guests: For non-economist guests over 18, registration is $50. Guest registration will open April 1 and is only valid for NON-ECONOMISTS NOT ON THE PROGRAM. Registered guests will be audited regularly and automatically canceled if found to include coauthors and/or professional economists. Questions? registration@weai.org .

Discounts: WEAI Institutional Member affiliates are eligible for a 20% discount on registration fees. For the code to take the discount at checkout, see your designated representative or contact us at 1-714-965-8800 or registration@weai.org.

Benefits: 1) Conference program. 2) Admittance to all general and concurrent sessions; coffee breaks; and Welcome Reception. 3) Waiver of manuscript submission fees for current WEAI members submitting their conference paper to Economic Inquiry or Contemporary Economic Policy by December 31, 2026.

Policies: Program participants must register to remain on the conference program. Everyone over the age of 18 must register, including spouses and adult guests. Badges are required at all conference events, including sessions, coffee breaks, receptions, and special activities. 
   

Special Activities

Welcome Reception | Monday, June 29, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Take time to relax, renew old acquaintances, and make new friends at the WEAI Welcome Reception. There will be a cash bar.

Presidential Lunch and Annual Business Meeting | Wednesday, July 1, 12:15 to 2:15 p.m.
Features address by WEAI President Maurice Obstfeld, Peterson Institute for International Economics. Seating will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 250 arrivals. WEAI badges required for entry. Registered, badge-wearing guests are welcome to attend the luncheon as well. 

Colorado Rockies Baseball Game | Wednesday, July 1, 6:40 p.m. game start time
We have a fantastic space reserved. July 1 will be a night to remember watching the Colorado Rockies play the Miami Marlins. Tickets now on sale -- see Registration Add-ons for more info!
   

General Ticket Information

• Children (of all ages) must have a ticket for all special activities.
• Any special activity ticket(s) will be included in the registration packet you will receive on-site.
• Space is limited for special activities.
• Please purchase or reserve all special activity tickets by May 21.
• Cancellations for special activities must be made in writing by May 21 to receive a refund. We are unable to give refunds for late cancellations.

Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel

1550 Court Place, Denver, CO 80202
Tel: +1 303 893 3333 

MAKE A RESERVATION

Conference Group Rate:

• $249 per night single or double, plus applicable taxes. 
• Total hotel tax is currently 15.75% (2.9% state sales tax + 2.1% city sales tax + 10.75% Denver lodger's tax) subject to change without notice.
• Group rates apply June 26 through July 6, 2026, based on availability in contracted block.

Cancellation Policy:

• To avoid a one night's room and tax penalty, reservations must be canceled by 11:59 p.m. three days before scheduled date of arrival.

General Information:

• If making a reservation by phone, be sure to identify yourself as part of the Western Economic Association International conference to receive the reduced group rates.
• Reservations must be made directly with the Sheraton Denver online or by phone at 1-888-627-8405.
• Make your hotel reservations by May 28. The group rate will be available until May 28 or until the WEAI room block is full, whichever comes first. The conference room rates are available to registered participants for a limited time only.
• Check-in is 4:00 p.m. Check-out is 11:00 a.m.

Cancellation & Refund Policies

• Cancellations must be received in writing. Please e-mail registration@weai.org.
• Program participants must advise the participants in their session(s) of their cancellation.
• Refunds for program participants:
  Volunteer abstract submission fees are non-refundable upon accept/reject decision. If a volunteer paper abstract is not accepted for the program, the full registration fee is refundable. For cancellation by a participant on or before April 15, fifty percent (50%) of registration fee is refundable. After April 15, the registration fee is non-refundable due to the high administrative cost of rearranging the affected sessions and participants.
• Refunds for all others, not on the program:
  On or before June 1, the full registration fee is refundable, less $50 handling fee. After June 1, the registration fee is non-refundable.
• Membership dues are non-refundable.
• Refunds will be processed after the conference and are subject to a $50 handling fee.
   

Audio-Visual Equipment

• LCD projectors and screens will be provided in each meeting room.
• LAPTOP COMPUTERS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED, so coordinate with your fellow session participants if you need one available.
• Mac users be sure to bring your Mini Display Port to HDMI and/or VGA adapter for connectivity to the projector.
• There will be VGA and HDMI connections and there will be adapters available. 
• If you have a newer computer we strongly encourage you to bring your own adapters as there are a limited amount of USB-C and thunderbolt adapters on-site.
• If other equipment is required please call 714-965-8800 for prices and availability. Additional equipment is at your own expense.
   

Important Dates

• April 1: Deadline for program participants to register and submit to appear in first program draft.
• April 15: Program participants' cancellation deadline with 50% refund.
• April 15: Early registration discount ends.
• May 15: Final program changes due in order to appear in printed program.
• May 21: Purchase/reserve special activity tickets to ensure your space.
• May 28: Last day to make room reservations at the conference rate, on a space available basis.
• June 1: Paper presenters post/circulate papers to all session participants.
• June 1: Cancellation and refund deadline (for attendees NOT participating on the program, see April 15 above).
   

Travel Visas

• Requirements vary depending on your country of citizenship, so please read carefully and apply for your visa allowing ample lead time for processing. 
• Review the latest visa information from the U.S. Department of State.
• To request a letter of invitation after you've completed your conference registration, use the link embedded in your registration confirmation email. If you have trouble locating the email, let us know.

Committee Chairs

• Caroline Hoxby, Stanford University
• Wade Martin, California State University, Long Beach

CEP Session Series Organizer

• Jack W. Hou, California State University, Long Beach

Volunteer Individual Session Coordinators

• Kairon Garcia, California State University, Long Beach
• Pascal Ghazalian, University of Lethbridge
• Kirsten Jaeger, International University
• Nathalie Janson, NOEMA Business School
• Thomas Murray, Fairfield University
• Yanling Qi, California State University, Long Beach
• Matthew Webb, Carleton University
• Xin Xie, East Tennessee State University

Session Organizers

• Mahmut Akarsu, University of Warsaw

• Samuel Amponsah, Tokyo International University

• D. Mark Anderson, Montana State University Bozeman

• Michele Angerstein-Gaines, Economic Consulting

• Joshua Bedi, Texas Woman's University

• Neil Bennett, U.S. Census Bureau

• David Berri, Southern Utah University

• Jane Binner, University of Birmingham

• John Charles Bradbury, Kennesaw State University

• C. Monica Capra, Claremont Graduate University

• Noah Carney, West Virginia University

• Chun-Ping Chang, Shih Chien University, Taiwan

• Erin Cottle Hunt, Reed College

• Anca Cristea, University of Oregon

• Darwyyn Deyo, San Jose State University

• Michael Duncan, West Virginia University

• Zadia M. Feliciano, Queens College, CUNY

• James Flynn, Miami University, Ohio

• H. E. Frech III, University of California, Santa Barbara

• Roman Garagulagian, Forensic Economic Services

• Emilia Garcia-Appendini, University of St. Gallen

• Gregory Gilpin, Montana State University Bozeman

• Shaun Gilyard, Coastal Carolina University

• Sun Go, Chung-Ang University

• Xin Gu, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

• Alfred Guender, University of Canterbury

• Galina Hale, University of California, Santa Cruz

• Shawkat Hammoudeh, Drexel University

• Michael Haupert, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse

• Jun He, Southern Utah University

• Joshua Hess, University of South Carolina, Columbia

• Alex Hill, Arizona State University

• Nathalie Hilmi, Centre Scientifique de Monaco

• Jr-Tsung Huang, National Chengchi University, Taiwan

• Timothy P. Hubbard, Colby College

• Jung Hur, Sogang University

• John Ifcher, Santa Clara University

• Sarah John, Institute for Defense Analyses

• Logan Kelly, University of Wisconsin – River Falls

• Jin-Hyuk Kim, University of Colorado Boulder

• Kyungmin Kim, Emory University and KAEA

• Michael Kofoed, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville

• Young Hoon Lee, Sogang University

• Fernando Lozano, Pomona College

• Lauren Malone, CNA

• Xi Mao, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

• Molly McIntosh, RAND Corporation

• Diego Mendez-Carbajo, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

• Sheena Murray, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

• Samuel Myers, Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota

• Noelwah Netusil, Reed College

• David Neumark, University of California, Irvine

• Rui Ota, Meiji University

• Anita Alves Pena, Colorado State University, Fort Collins

• Ellen Pint, RAND Corporation

• Jane E. Ruseski, West Virginia University

• Kevin Schnepel, Simon Fraser University

• Scott Schuh, West Virginia University

• Bhavya Sinha, University of Denver

• Mate Szurop, University of Colorado Boulder

• Benjamin M. Tabak, Getulio Vargas Foundation

• Kashi Nath Tiwari, KNT's Academic Financial Research

• Lars Vilhuber, Cornell University

• Bhavneet Walia, Syracuse University

• Marc Weinstein, National Association of Forensic Economics

• Thomas Willett, Claremont Graduate University

• James Wilson, Russell Sage Foundation

• Kyle Wilson, Pomona College

• Travis Wiseman, Mississippi State University

• Zheng Isabel Zeng, Bowling Green State University