97th Annual Conference

We all love Portland and the funky vibe that keeps it weird -- not to mention that it's the actual birthplace of WEAI with the 1922 inaugural meeting of the Pacific Association of Collegiate Schools of Business and Departments of Economics!

As is the case in a lot of our favorite cities around the world, the past many months have brought protest and tumult to downtown areas including Portland -- read/see Portland's response to concerns about safety. 

Safety is our first priority when convening a WEAI conference, so our plan to meet in person again in 2022 of course hinges on continued progress fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Our expectation is that all participants attending the conference in-person will be vaccinated. If you are not vaccinated, we welcome your participation on the virtual program. We've all become accustomed to social distancing and mask wearing, so we are confident that it's time to get back to the face-to-face meetings we've all missed so badly. Virtual works, but it's just not the same!

Can't make it to Portland? No worries. We will have a fully virtual track for sessions on the program in addition to the in-person sessions. A handful of featured sessions including the Keynote Address and Presidential Address will be held hybrid, allowing for participation either in-person or virtually.

Present a Volunteer Paper | Deadline December 15, 2021

We will be having in-person as well as fully virtual tracks for volunteer sessions, which you will select at the time of registration/abstract submission. There is a small chance that in-person presenters may be placed in a virtual session depending upon the other papers received in the same field.

Individuals are invited to submit their latest research for possible placement in a volunteer session. Abstracts will be blind reviewed by a screening committee member and decision emails will be sent in early February. All paper presenters will be expected to provide comments on the other papers in their session to ensure that everyone receives constructive feedback on their research. 

Information needed for abstract review committee:

• Paper presenter's name, professional affiliation, title, and e-mail address; same information for coauthors.
• Paper title and paper topic area (three appropriate codes from the JEL Classification System).
• Abstract of 350 words or less including a statement of the research or policy question and the contribution made by the paper; as well as method(s), model(s) and, if applicable, relevant data including time frame and geographical scope

Payment of paper submission ($75 for WEAI members, $100 for non-members) and registration fees are required before your abstract will be sent for review by the Program Committee (see Registration tab for applicable fees). Hint: 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! 

Only research at the graduate level and above will be considered for volunteer sessions. Alternatively, undergraduates are welcome to coordinate with an advisor to organize a session featuring undergrad research papers.

Upload of your complete paper will be required by June 1 for circulation to your fellow session participants prior to the conference. Just before the conference, presenters will be invited to upload presentation slides for sharing on the conference platform.

Discounts: WEAI Institutional Member affiliates are eligible for a 20% discount on submission and registration fees. For the code to take the discount at checkout, ask your designated representative or contact us at 1-714-965-8800 or [email protected].

Questions? Contact [email protected].

Get started! REGISTER TODAY | SUBMIT TODAY 
Papers will be forwarded for review by the Program Committee after receipt of submission and registration payment. 

Discuss a Paper or Chair a Session | Deadline March 1, 2022

Discuss a paper and give others the benefits of your expertise. Discussants are needed in all topic areas. Chair a session and foster the exchange of ideas. If you are interested in serving as a discussant or chair, but are not presenting a volunteer paper, please email [email protected].

Organize a Session | Deadline February 15, 2022

We will be having in-person as well as fully virtual tracks for organized sessions.  

Organize your own session and take charge of all the details! Sessions in all areas of economics 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. 

Starting new this year, paper presenters in organized sessions will be able to submit and maintain control over their own paper information in the conference system. 

Please notify us of your intent to organize a session as soon as possible! Email [email protected].

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.
• One JEL topic area code.
• 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, 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 [email protected].

NEW THIS YEAR! Once you receive notification of acceptance by the Program Committee, invite your session participants to submit their abstracts and register for the conference. Papers will be added to your session as they are received into the conference system and passed by the Program Committee. This is a new step for presenters, so they may need encouragement from you to comply. 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 asked 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. Organized session participants may register at the member rate even if they are nonmembers, but are cordially invited to join the Association. Registration fees are the same whether in-person or virtual.

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

Invite Your Presenters to Get Started

REGISTER TODAY | SUBMIT TODAY 
Submitted papers will only be available for placement on the program after receipt of submission and registration payment. 

Dates to Remember

• February 15: Session information is due to WEAI.
• April 1: Deadline for program participants to register in order to be included in first program draft.
• May 15: Deadline to take advantage of early registration discount.
• 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.

Registration

• US$185 for members (increases to $230 after May 15, 2022)
• US$265 for non-members (increases to $310 after May 15, 2022)
• US$95 for student members (increases to $140 after May 15, 2022)
• US$130 for student non-members (increases to $175 after May 15, 2022)
• US$50 for non-economist guests over 18 years of age

Rates are the same whether participating in-person or virtual sessions.

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 [email protected].

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, 2022.

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 | Wednesday, 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 Luncheon and Annual Business Meeting | Friday, July 1, 12:15 to 2:15 p.m.
Features an address by WEAI President Christina Romer, University of California, Berkeley.
Tickets are required and seating will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registrants will receive an email when tickets become available. Reservation deadline is June 1. Vegetarian meals are available upon request. Registered guests are welcome to attend the luncheon as well, provided a seat has been reserved ahead of time.

General Ticket Information

• Children (of all ages) must have a ticket for all special activities.
• Luncheon ticket(s) and 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 June 1.
• Cancellations for special activities must be made in writing by June 1 to receive a refund. We are unable to give refunds for late cancellations.

Cancellation & Refund Policies

• Cancellations must be received in writing. Please e-mail [email protected].
• 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 $25 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 $25 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 15: Program participants' cancellation deadline with 50% refund.
May 15: $45 early registration discount ends.
May 31: Last day to make room reservations at the conference rate, on a space available basis.
June 1: Deadline to purchase/reserve special activity tickets.
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, email [email protected].

Wednesday, June 29

12:00–8:00 pm  Registration Open
12:30–2:15 pm  Concurrent Sessions
2:30–4:15 pm  Concurrent Sessions
4:30–6:15 pm  Concurrent Sessions
6:30–8:00 pm  Welcome Reception

Thursday, June 30

7:30 am–6:30 pm -- Registration Open
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 1

8:00 am–6:30 pm -- Registration Open
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, Christina Romer, University of California, Berkeley
2:30–4:15 pm -- Concurrent Sessions
4:30–6:15 pm -- Concurrent Sessions

Saturday, July 2

8:00 am–6:30 pm -- Registration Open
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

Sunday, July 3

8:00 am–12:00 n -- Registration Open
8:15–10:00 am -- Concurrent Sessions
10:15 am–12:00 n -- Concurrent Sessions

Conference Close

Hilton Portland Downtown & The Duniway

921 SW Sixth Avenue, Portland, OR 97204 USA
Tel: 1-503-226-1611 | Fax: 1-503-220-2565

Online Reservations

Phone Reservations: 1-800-HILTONS (reference group code WEA)

Conference Group Rate:

• $199 per night single or double (Hilton Portland Downtown) and $229 per night single or double (The Duniway). First night's deposit will be charged at the time of booking.
• Taxes and fees are currently 16% per room per night (subject to change without notice).
• Group rates apply June 27 through July 4, 2022, based on availability in contracted block.

Cancellation Policy:

• To avoid a one night's room and tax penalty, reservations must be cancelled at least 72 hours before scheduled check-in.

General Information:

• If making a reservation by phone, be sure to identify yourself as part of the WEAI conference to receive the reduced group rates.
• Reservations must be made directly with the Hilton online or by phone.
• Make your hotel reservations by June 3. The group rate will be available until June 3 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 12:00 n.