98th Annual Conference

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.

A full day of virtual sessions will be held July 1 via Zoom, with the in-person program beginning July 2. All days/times are listed in Pacific Daylight Time (GMT -7). Virtual program participants will also be able to view keynote address and Presidential Address July 4 via Zoom.

The only hybrid sessions will be the keynote and Presidential Address.  There is no hybrid option for concurrent sessions -- all concurrent sessions are either virtual (July 1 on Zoom) or in-person (July 2-6 in San Diego).

Tentative Schedule

Saturday, July 1 | VIRTUAL SESSIONS ONLY IN PDT (GMT -7)
8:30 – 10:15 am  Concurrent Virtual Sessions
10:30 – 12:15 pm  Concurrent Virtual Sessions
12:45 – 2:30 pm  Concurrent Virtual Sessions
2:45 – 4:30 pm  Concurrent Virtual Sessions
4:45 – 6:30 pm  Concurrent Virtual Sessions

Sunday, July 2
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

Monday, July 3
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

Tuesday, July 4
7:30 am–6:30 pm -- On-site Registration 
8:15–10:00 am -- Concurrent Sessions
10:15 am–12:00 n -- Keynote Address by Caroline Hoxby, Stanford University 
12:15–2:15 pm -- Presidential Luncheon and Annual Business Meeting, Dora Costa, University of California, Los Angeles
2:30–4:15 pm -- Concurrent Sessions
4:30–6:15 pm -- Concurrent Sessions
7:00–10:00 pm -- Rooftop dinner and fireworks (tickets will go on sale in February)

Wednesday, July 5
7:30 am–4:30 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
5:30–8:00 pm -- Special Activity (maybe Padres baseball game!)

Thursday, July 6
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

Organize a Session | Deadline February 15, 2023

This year we will have one day of virtual sessions on July 1, followed by in-person sessions July 2-6. 

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! 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].

Once you receive notification of acceptance by the Program Committee, invite your session participants to submit their abstracts and register for the conference before April 1 (more info). Papers will be added to your session as they are received into the conference system and passed by the Program Committee. This is a relatively 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

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRESENTERS | REGISTER TODAY | SUBMIT TODAY
Papers submitted for organized sessions will only be available for placement on the program after receipt of registration payment. 

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.
• May 15: Deadline to take advantage of early registration discount.
• 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.

Registration 

• US$195 for members (increases to $240 after May 15, 2023)
• US$275 for non-members (increases to $320 after May 15, 2023)
• US$95 for student members (increases to $140 after May 15, 2023)
• US$130 for student non-members (increases to $175 after May 15, 2023)
• US$50 for non-economist guests over 18 years of age

Rates are the same whether participating in 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, 2023.

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 | Sunday, July 2, 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 | Tuesday, July 4, 12:15 to 2:15 p.m.
Features an address by WEAI President Dora Costa, University of California, Los Angeles.
Seating will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 200 arrivals. WEAI badges required for entry. Registered, badge-wearing guests are welcome to attend the luncheon as well.  

July 4th BBQ and Fireworks | Tuesday, July 4, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Come and soak up some sun, enjoy some music, play some games, and relax with friends old and new. WEAI invites you to take a front row seat to California’s largest fireworks show with viewing from a terrace rooftop at the Marriott Marquis! Join us for a July 4^th BBQ including grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, pulled pork, cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, and dessert. Ticket includes lemonade, iced tea, and two drink tickets for domestic beer or wine (plus a cash bar). At 9:00pm, the Big Bay Boom fireworks show consists of some of the most technically advanced fireworks launched from four barges in San Diego Bay. Tickets are $125 for adults. Kids three to 10 are half-priced (no drink tickets included). Two and under are free.

Angels vs. Padres Baseball at Petco Park | Wednesday, July 5, 5:40 to 10:00 p.m.
Enjoy America's Favorite Pastime for an evening of Major League Baseball watching the Los Angeles Angels take on the San Diego Padres! Our private party location on the “Pacifico Porch” is located behind Section 124 with open seating for 82 people in a shaded area and a spectacular view down the third base line. The buffet will be served from 90 minutes before the first pitch to one hour after the first pitch. There will be pulled chicken and pulled pork sliders, hot dogs, three cheese mac and cheese, chipotle potato salad, kettle chips, and roasted peanuts. Beverages will be served 90 minutes prior to the first pitch through the bottom of the 7th inning and will include Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, bottled water, Budweiser, Bud Light, Swingin’ Friar Ale, Karl Straus Aurora Hoppyalis, and Ballast Point Sculpin. Tickets are $142 per person.

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 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.

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

333 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, California 92101 USA
Tel: 1-619-234-1500 | Fax: 1-619-234-8678

Online Reservations

Phone Reservations: 1-877-622-3056 

Conference Group Rate:

• $235 per night single or double, plus applicable taxes. 
• Taxes and fees are currently 12.50% Hotel per room per night and $0.77 California fee per room per night (subject to change without notice).
• Group rates apply June 29 through July 9, 2023, 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 Marriott online or by phone.
• Make your hotel reservations by June 8. The group rate will be available until June 8 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.

Child Care 

KiddieCorp has been contracted to provide child care during the conference onsite at the Marriott. For complete information and to sign up, visit KiddieCorp.

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 1: Deadline for program participants to register and submit to appear in first program draft.
April 15: Program participants' cancellation deadline with 50% refund.
May 15: $45 early registration discount ends.
May 15: Final program changes due in order to appear in printed program.
May 31: Last day to make room reservations at the conference rate, on a space available basis.
June 1: Purchase/reserve special activity tickets to ensure your space.
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).
June 15: Pre-registration closes. Only on-site registration available for in-person participants beginning June 29.
 

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, complete a request using our online form. 

Designed to help students prepare for the highly-competitive job market, this program offers selected Ph.D. candidates hands-on experience in job-market paper presentation skills and interview techniques. Since 2009 the workshop has been held in conjunction with WEAI’s Annual Conference, which in 2023 will be July 2-6, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina in California. 

Learn more...

2023 GSW Selected Students and Workshop Groups

Group #1 - Health, Education, and Social Media
Advisor: Jane Ruseski, West Virginia University 

• Addison (Spencer) Perry, Arizona State University - Department of Economics
  Dynamic (In)efficiencies in Public Insurance Provision: Evidence from the Medicaid Expansion
• Kairon Garcia, Washington State University - School of Economic Sciences
  The Impacts of COVID-19 School Closures on High School Completion and College Attendance
• Rachel Nesbit, University of Maryland at College Park - Department of Economics 
  Mental Health in the Criminal Justice System:  the Effect of Mandated Therapy for Convicted Individuals
• Xhulio Uruci, University of California, Santa Barbara - Department of Economics
  Social Media Exacerbates Discrimination: Evidence from Twitter in the Early Weeks of COVID-19

Group #2 - Empirical Political Economy
Advisor: Justin Cook, Tulane University

• Pierre Biscaye, University of California, Berkeley - Agricultural and Resource Economics
  Agricultural shocks and conflict in the short- and long-term: Evidence from desert locust swarms
• Ernesto Tiburcio Manon, Tufts University - Economics Department and The Fletcher School
  The Effects of Mexican Migration to the US
• Reem Zaiour, University of California, Davis - Department of Economics
  Spillover Effect of Violence in Mexico on the Assimilation of Mexican Immigrants in the US
• Sakina Shibuya, University of Wisconsin - Madison - Agricultural and Applied Economics
  Understanding the Costs of Hiring Women in Pakistan

Group #3 - Topics in Applied Microeconomics
Advisor: D. Mark Anderson, Montana State University

• Tanner Eastmond, University of California, San Diego - Department of Economics
  How Does Where You Live Change What You Think? Evidence From Volunteer Missionaries
• Eli Kochersberger, West Virginia University - Department of Economics
  Quantifying the Effects of Fentanyl Exposure Misinformation on First Responder Behavior
• Jhih-Yun Liu, University of Minnesota - Department of Applied Economics
  The Dust Bowl and Occupational Persistence in Agriculture
• Fabiola Alba-Vivar, Columbia University, Teachers College - Department of Education Policy and Social Analysis
  Opportunity Bound: Transport and Access to Higher Education in a Megacity

Group #4 - Group Name Microeconomic Analyses and Public Policy
Advisor: Lawrence J. White, New York University

• Pearl Li, Stanford University - Department of Economics
  Value Pricing or Lexus Lanes? Winners and Losers from Dynamic Toll Pricing
• Philip Economides, University of Oregon - Department of Economics 
  Unconventional Protectionism in Containerized Shipping
• C. Adam Pfander, University of Colorado, Boulder - Department of Economics
  The Supply and Demand for Transport: How the Market Structure in the Transportation Industry Affects Regional Trade Outcomes
• Nayul Kim, Ohio State University - Department of Economics
  Dynamic Evaluation of Preference Program in Public Procurement Market

WEAI conferences bring together economists from around the world offering you the opportunity to meet your best prospects for whatever you offer in economics and related fields. Check out the sponsorship and exhibitor options for the 2023 conference! 

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Contract