Featured Speakers

David Card
David Card
Cecilia Rouse
Cecilia Rouse
Pauline Grosjean
Pauline Grosjean
A. Abigail Payne
A. Abigail Payne
Lisa Cameron
Lisa Cameron
Jeff Borland
Jeff Borland
  • We invite you to browse the photos of the in-person conference in Melbourne!

    Melbourne Photos

  • The program is now available!

    Visit the conference platform to browse the sessions and start planning your agenda. We will be updating the program continuously so check back often.

    View Conference Platform

    Preview Print Program

    Session Instructions for Program Participants

    Please read in its entirety the Session Instructions and Information for Program Participants

    Presenters mark your calendars to upload your complete papers by March 15 to give your fellow session participants adequate time to prepare a fruitful discussion of your research. Login to the conference platform, visit MY ACCOUNT > ALL where you can access your submission(s) in round "Accepted Papers for Program Placement" and upload your complete paper and slides. 

    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.

    Email addresses for participants are not posted on the online program for privacy reasons. Session organizers will facilitate the discussion amongst their participants. WEAI will coordinate communications for volunteer session participants.

    Paper Presenters in Organized Sessions

    INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRESENTERSREGISTER TODAY | SUBMIT TODAY 
    If your paper is not appearing on the program as expected, chances are good that either your abstract or registration has not been completed. Paper abstracts in organized sessions need to be submitted by presenters through the conference portal, and will only be available for placement on the program after the presenter is registered for the conference. If your records indicate both steps have been completed but your paper is not appearing as expected, please let us know.

    Zoom Links for Virtual Sessions

    Links to Zoom meetings for virtual sessions will appear on the PROGRAM SCHEDULE the first week of April. Make sure that you are able to login on the conference platform prior to your session (more info on login). Use the same login that was used when you registered for the conference -- test your login here. If you need assistance, please let us know.

    Dates to Remember

    • February 15: Deadline to take advantage of early registration discount.
    • March 1: Last chance for program changes to be included in printed program.
    • March 15: Complete papers due for upload by presenters.
  • Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research

    Melbourne Business School

    The University of Melbourne Department of Economics

    Contemporary Economic Policy Series Organizer

    • Jack Hou, California State University, Long Beach

    Session Organizers

    • Hannah Altman, Queensland University of Technology
    • Morris Altman, University of Dundee
    • John Asker, University of California, Los Angeles
    • Mallory Avery, Monash University
    • Yu Bai, Minzu University of China
    • Yunli Bai, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    • Ayushi Bajaj, Monash University
    • Cynthia Bansak, St. Lawrence University
    • Victoria Baranov, The University of Melbourne
    • Eugene Beaulieu, University of Calgary
    • David Berri, Southern Utah University
    • Robert Breunig, The Australian National University
    • C. Mónica Capra, Claremont Graduate University
    • Stefano Carattini, Georgia State University
    • Santiago Carbo-Valverde, University of Valencia and Funcas
    • Tony Cavoli, University of South Australia
    • Gang Chen, Monash University
    • Silvio Contessi, Monash University
    • Mei Dong, The University of Melbourne
    • Kai Du, University of Queensland
    • Eva Dziadula, University of Notre Dame
    • Balazs Egert, OECD
    • Rachael Goodhue, University of California, Davis
    • Matthew Greenwood-Nimmo, The University of Melbourne
    • Philip Grossman, Monash University
    • Lucas Herrenbrueck, Simon Fraser University
    • Lingyu Kong, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law
    • Nathan La, Department of Treasury and Finance, Victoria, Australia
    • James Lake, University of Tennessee
    • Andreas Leibbrandt, Monash University
    • Gordon Leslie, Monash University
    • Chengfang Liu, Peking University
    • Teresa Lloyd-Braga, Universidade Catolica Portuguesa
    • Sakib Mahmud, University of Wisconsin -- Superior
    • Leonor Modesto, Universidade Catolica Portuguesa
    • Alaz Munzur, Simon Fraser University
    • Ilke Onur, Flinders University
    • Steven Payson, University of Maryland, College Park
    • Xiujian Peng, Centre of Policy Studies, Victoria University
    • Florian Ploeckl, The University of Adelaide
    • Francisco Rodriguez-Fernandez, University of Granada and Funcas
    • Joseph Sabia, San Diego State University and IZA
    • Andres Shahidinejad, Northeastern University
    • Mughees Shaukat, Fingel Global Inc, Canada
    • Robert Simmons, Lancaster University
    • Susan Stone, University of South Australia
    • Yuxin Su, SKEMA Business School
    • Lawrence Uren, The University of Melbourne
    • Rebecca Valenzuela, Department of Treasury and Finance, Victoria, Australia
    • Jordan van Rijn, University of Wisconsin -- Madison
    • Liang Wang, University of Hawai'i at Manoa
    • Ching Hin (Jeffrey) Wong, Department of Treasury and Finance, Victoria, Australia
    • Valentin Zelenyuk, University of Queensland
    • Jane Zhang, University of New South Wales
    • Xiaojian Zhao, Monash University
  • In-person Conference Registration

    All prices increase $50 after February 15, 2023.

    • US$290 for members
    • US$360 for non-members
    • US$135 for students, includes a one-year membership to be awarded after the conference
    • US$100 for non-economist guests over 18 years of age

    Virtual Conference Registration

    All prices increase $50 after February 15, 2023.

    • US$130 for members 
    • US$190 for non-members 
    • US$75 for students, includes a one-year membership to be awarded after the conference

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

    In-person Registration Benefits: 1) Conference program and complimentary conference bag. 2) Admittance to all featured keynote, roundtable, and concurrent sessions (virtual and in-person); 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 October 31, 2023.

    Virtual Registration Benefits: 1) Admittance to featured keynote, roundtable, and concurrent virtual sessions; 2) Waiver of manuscript submission fees for current WEAI members submitting their conference paper to Economic Inquiry or Contemporary Economic Policy by October 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. Early registration closes on February 15, after which fees increase $50. 

    Special Activities


    Welcome Reception | Wednesday, April 12 @ 6:45-8:00 p.m. | Melbourne Business School
    Take time to relax, renew old acquaintances, and make new friends at the Welcome Reception. First drink hosted by the Melbourne Business School (for those who want more beverages, there will be a cash bar).

    Participants' Dinner & Keynote Address | Friday, April 14 @ 6:45-10:00 pm | Melbourne Museum
    Enjoy dinner and drinks with your colleagues at the Melbourne Museum, a natural and cultural history museum located in the Carlton Gardens. Keynote address by A. Abigail Payne, Director of the Melbourne Institute. Tickets are US$80 per person and include drinks, canapes, dinner and dessert. Ticket purchase now closed.

    Yarra Valley Wine Tour & Dinner  | Saturday, April 15 @ 12:30-8:30 pm
    Yarra Valley is a world-class wine region that reflects the dedication of generations of vignerons in the pioneering region that kick-started Victoria's wine industry in 1838. With cool-climate chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon less than one hour’s drive from Melbourne, you'll enjoy tastings at St Huberts Cellar Door, Soumah of Yarra Valley, and Hanrahan Vineyards finishing with dinner at Innocent Bystander. Tickets are US$135 per person and include roundtrip bus transport, tasting fees, and dinner. Ticket purchase now closed.

    Healesville Sanctuary & Dinner  | Saturday, April 15 @ 12:30-8:30 pm
    Healesville Sanctuary, in the heart of the Yarra Valley, is world-renowned as the best place to see Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. The Sanctuary offers a place for people and animals to reconnect with nature from creek to canopy, and plays a critical role in saving some of the world's most endangered animals. You will have a few hours free time to spend exploring the 70 acre bushland haven and experience close-up encounters with some of Australia's unique and endearing wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, dingoes, birds of prey and platypus. Finish the day with dinner with your colleagues at Innocent Bystander. Tickets are US$135 per person and include roundtrip bus transport, general admission entry fee (animal encounters available at additional cost), and dinner. Ticket purchase now closed.

    Special Activity General Information:

    • Children (of all ages) must have a ticket for all special activities.
    • 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 March 15.
    • Special acitivity ticket cancellations must be made in writing by March 15 to receive a refund. We are unable to give refunds for late cancellations.
  • Conference Venues

    The bulk of concurrent sessions including the April 12th opening keynote address by David Card will be held at the University of Melbourne, The Spot (Building 110), 198 Berkeley Street, on the corner at Pelham Street.

    The April 12th Welcome Reception (and two MBS-sponsored sessions) will be located around the corner at the Melbourne Business School at 200 Leicester Street. [The Spot to MBS map]

    The Participants' Dinner and Address will be held at the Melbourne Museum located at 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton. Advance ticket purchase required. [The Spot to Melbourne Museum map]

    Travel Visas

    Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home. 

    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 and investigate which visa option is best for your situation with the Australia Government Department of Home Affairs.

    To request a letter of invitation after you've completed your conference registration, complete a request using our online form

    Weather

    Autumn in Melbourne (March to May) sees cooler weather with average temperatures ranging from 10.9 – 20.3°C (51.6 - 68.5°F). Morning fog usually clears to welcome fine, sunny days, however toward the end of the season there can be extended periods of light winds.

    Important Dates

    October 22, 2022: Volunteer paper abstract submission deadline.
    December 15, 2022: Organized session submission deadline.
    January 15, 2023: Deadline for program participants to register/submit to appear in first program draft.
    February 15, 2023: Program participants' cancellation deadline with 50% refund.
    February 15, 2023: Registration fees increase $50.
    March 1, 2023: Final program changes due in order to appear in printed program.
    March 15, 2023: Paper presenters upload/circulate papers to all session participants.
    March 15, 2023: Cancellation and refund deadline for attendees NOT participating on the program.
    March 15, 2023: Purchase/reserve special activity tickets to ensure your space.

    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 February 15, fifty percent (50%) of registration fee is refundable. After February 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 March 15, the full registration fee is refundable, less $25 handling fee. After March 15, 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.
       
  • 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 of three to four papers each 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 April 11 via Zoom, with the in-person program beginning April 12. All days/times are listed in Melbourne's Australian Eastern Standard Time (GMT +10). Virtual program participants will also be able to view keynote addresses April 12, 13, and 14, and closing roundtable panel April 15 via Zoom.

    The only hybrid sessions will be keynotes and the closing roundtable panel.  There is no hybrid option for concurrent sessions -- all concurrent sessions are either virtual (April 11 on Zoom) or in-person (April 12-15 in Melbourne).

    Tentative Schedule

    Tuesday, April 11 | VIRTUAL SESSIONS ONLY IN AEST (GMT +10)
    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

    Wednesday, April 12
    12:00 – 6:30 pm  Registration Open
    1:00 – 2:30 pm  Welcome and Opening Address by David Card, University of California, Berkeley 
    2:30 – 2:45 pm  Coffee/tea break
    2:45 – 4:30 pm  Concurrent Sessions
    4:45 – 6:30 pm  Concurrent Sessions
    6:45 – 8:00 pm  Welcome Reception at the Melbourne Business School

    Thursday, April 13
    8:00 am – 6:30 pm  Registration Open
    8:30 – 10:15 am  Concurrent Sessions
    10:15 – 10:30 am  Coffee/tea break
    10:30 – 12:00 pm  Keynote Address by Cecilia Rouse, Princeton University
    12:00 – 12:45 pm  Lunch
    12:45 – 2:30 pm  Concurrent Sessions
    2:45 – 4:30 pm  Concurrent Sessions
    4:30 – 4:45 pm  Coffee/tea break
    4:45 – 6:30 pm  Concurrent Sessions

    Friday, April 14
    8:00 am – 6:30 pm  Registration Open
    8:30– 10:15 am  Concurrent Sessions
    10:15 – 10:30 am  Coffee/tea break
    10:30 – 12:00 pm  Keynote Address by Pauline Grosjean, University of New South Wales
    12:00 – 12:45 pm  Lunch
    12:45 – 2:30 pm  Concurrent Sessions
    2:45 – 4:30 pm  Concurrent Sessions
    4:30 – 4:45 pm  Coffee/tea break
    4:45 – 6:30 pm  Concurrent Sessions
    6:45 – 10:00 pm  Participants' Dinner at the Melbourne Museum (advance ticket purchase required)

    Saturday, April 15
    8:00 am – 12:30 pm  Registration Open
    8:30 – 10:15 am  Concurrent Sessions
    10:15 – 10:30 am  Coffee/tea break
    10:30 am – 12:00 pm  Roundtable Discussion with Rouse, Grosjean, Cameron and Borland
    12:30 pm – 8:00 pm Half-day Special Activities (advance ticket purchase required)

    Conference Close

     

  • 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 USD | AUD

Participating Allied Societies

WEAI Conferences regularly include participation by Allied Societies. Allied Societies organize anywhere from just a few sessions to an entire conference including membership and board meetings. Whether your group is long-established or part of an emerging specialty, WEAI can help bring your members together and increase your visibility within the discipline.

Questions? Call 714-965-8800 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

Sponsors