99th Annual Conference

Present a Volunteer Paper | Deadline December 15, 2023

For volunteer sessions, we will have an in-person track (June 29 to July 3) and a virtual track (June 27 only). You will select in-person versus virtual at the time of registration and abstract submission. 

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. 

STEP 1
Payment of paper submission ($95 for WEAI members, $125 for non-members) and registration fees are required before you can submit your abstract details for review by the Program Committee. See Registration tab for applicable fees, and note that registration is fully refundable if paper is NOT accepted. 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! 

Register to Attend

STEP 2
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.

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.

Submit a Volunteer PAPER Abstract

Upload of your complete paper is requested by June 1 for circulation to your fellow session participants. 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]. 

Discuss a Paper or Chair a Session | Deadline March 1, 2024

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, 2024

In 2024, we will have in-person sessions June 29-July 3, and one day of virtual sessions on June 27. 

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.
• 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, 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 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 (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.

instructions for organized session presenters

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.

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.

Registration 

Through April 15, early bird rates apply. Prices increase April 16 and May 16, so register early! Rates are the same whether participating in in-person or virtual sessions.

* 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! 

For non-economist guests over 18, registration is $50. Please email [email protected] to register a guest.

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, 2024.

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 | Saturday, 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 | Monday, July 1, 12:15 to 2:15 p.m.
Features an address by WEAI President Janet Currie, Princeton University. 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.  

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.

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.

The in-person program will be held June 29 to July 3, with a full day of virtual sessions June 27 via Zoom. All days/times are listed in Pacific Daylight Time (GMT -7). There is no hybrid option for concurrent sessions.

Tentative Schedule

Thursday, June 27 -- 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

Saturday, 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

Sunday, 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

Monday, July 1
7:30 am–6:30 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

Tuesday, 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

Wednesday, 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

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 $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: $80 early registration discount ends.
• May 15: Final program changes due in order to appear in printed program.
• 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 7: Last day to make room reservations at the conference rate, on a space available basis.
• 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, use the link embedded in your registration confirmation email (search [email protected] in your inbox). If you have trouble locating the email, let us know.

Hyatt Regency Seattle

818 Howell Street, Seattle, WA 98101 USA
Tel: +1 206 973 1234 | Fax: +1 206 859 6519

Online Reservations 
(Please ignore the message about a destination fee being applied to your reservation. No destination fees apply to rooms within the WEAI room block.)

Phone Reservations: +1 800 233 1234 or +1 402 501 9864 
(Provide the full group name or use code G-WEA3 to receive our group rate.)

Conference Group Rate:

• $239 per night single or double, plus applicable taxes. 
• Taxes and fees are currently 15.7% hotel tax plus $4 per room per night surcharge (subject to change without notice).
• Group rates apply June 27 through July 5, 2024, based on availability in contracted block.

Cancellation Policy:

• To avoid a one night's room and tax penalty, reservations must be cancelled by 6:00pm on the scheduled date of arrival.

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 Hyatt Regency Seattle online or by phone.
• Make your hotel reservations by June 7. The group rate will be available until June 7 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.

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 2024 will be June 29-July 3, at the Hyattt Regency Seattle, Washington. 

Learn more...

Undergraduate Student Research Program

WEAI is offering this exciting new opportunity exclusively to Institutional Member universities!

To give outstanding undergraduate economists a glimpse into a potential future of graduate studies and a career as an economist, WEAI invites submissions of undergraduate student research proposals for a special session at the 99th Annual Conference, to be held June 29-July 3, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Seattle, Washington.

LEARN MORE

Not an Institutional Member? Join or renew today to take advantage of all the benefits Institutional Member has to offer.

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 2024 conference! 

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Contract