Harvard Conference Papers

    Learn to cite academic conferences, research presentations, and scholarly meetings using the Harvard referencing style.

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    Published: September 15, 2025

    Basic Conference Paper Format

    Harvard style uses author-date format for conference papers. Include comprehensive presentation details, conference information, and publication context.

    Standard Format:

    Author, A.A. (Year) 'Title of presentation', Paper presented at Conference Name, Location, Date.

    Academic Research Presentations

    International Academic Conference:

    Johnson, M.K., Smith, A.R. and Wilson, P.J. (2023) 'Innovation in higher education: technology-enhanced learning approaches', Paper presented at the International Conference on Education Research, London, UK, 15-17 March.

    In-text citation: Educational technology continues to transform learning environments (Johnson, Smith and Wilson 2023).

    Discipline-Specific Conference:

    Rodriguez, C.A. and Thompson, L.K. (2023) 'Sustainable development and environmental policy: a comparative analysis', Paper presented at the European Association of Environmental Studies Annual Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, 8-10 June.

    In-text citation: Environmental policy frameworks vary significantly across regions (Rodriguez and Thompson 2023).

    Multidisciplinary Research Conference:

    Chen, L., Anderson, P.J., Brown, K.E. and Davis, S.R. (2023) 'Interdisciplinary approaches to climate change research: integrating social and natural sciences', Paper presented at the World Conference on Sustainability Research, Vancouver, Canada, 20-22 September.

    In-text citation: Interdisciplinary collaboration enhances research outcomes (Chen et al. 2023).

    Discipline-Specific Examples

    Business and Economics:

    Miller, J.D. and Foster, E.M. (2023) 'Digital transformation in small and medium enterprises: challenges and opportunities', Paper presented at the Academy of Management Annual Meeting, Boston, USA, 4-8 August.

    Psychology and Social Sciences:

    Williams, S.K., Lee, J.H. and Taylor, M.N. (2023) 'Cognitive behavioral interventions in digital mental health platforms', Paper presented at the International Congress of Applied Psychology, Paris, France, 17-21 July.

    Science and Technology:

    Parker, B.J., Clarke, D.N. and Martinez, A.G. (2023) 'Artificial intelligence applications in renewable energy optimization', Paper presented at the IEEE International Conference on Smart Grid Technologies, Melbourne, Australia, 28-30 November.

    Abstract and Poster Presentations

    Conference Abstract:

    Roberts, K.L. and Harrison, T.R. (2023) 'Machine learning approaches to data analysis in educational research' [Abstract], Paper presented at the British Educational Research Association Annual Conference, York, UK, 12-14 September, Abstract 156.

    Research Poster:

    Thompson, E.K., Wilson, R.J. and Davis, M.N. (2023) 'Community engagement strategies in participatory research design' [Poster], Paper presented at the International Association for Community Development Conference, Dublin, Ireland, 25-27 October, Poster P-234.

    Workshop and Symposium Presentations

    Academic Workshop:

    Lopez, C.M. and Taylor, S.J. (2023) 'Advanced qualitative research methods: innovative data collection techniques', Paper presented at the Qualitative Research Methods Workshop, Oxford, UK, 5-7 April.

    Research Symposium:

    Anderson, K.L., Foster, J.P. and Richardson, M.K. (2023) 'Early career researcher experiences: navigating academic career pathways', Paper presented at the Graduate Research Symposium, Cambridge, UK, 16-17 May.

    Virtual and Online Conferences

    Virtual Academic Conference:

    Morris, B.L. and Hughes, T.N. (2023) 'Remote learning effectiveness: longitudinal study of student outcomes', Paper presented at the Virtual Conference on Higher Education Innovation, 14-16 June, Online.

    International Online Symposium:

    Global Research Collaborative (2023) 'Cross-cultural research methodologies: challenges and best practices', Paper presented at the International Online Research Methods Symposium, 22-24 November, Online.

    Published Conference Proceedings

    Peer-Reviewed Conference Paper:

    Johnson, A.B., Smith, C.D. and Wilson, E.F. (2023) 'Data visualization techniques for complex datasets', in Proceedings of the International Conference on Data Science, Berlin: Springer, pp. 145-162.

    Conference Proceedings with DOI:

    Martinez, G.H., Lopez, I.J. and Garcia, K.L. (2023) 'Sustainable urban planning: integrating green infrastructure', in Proceedings of the World Urban Planning Conference, London: Routledge, pp. 78-94. doi:10.1080/12345678.2023.1234567

    Harvard Conference Citation Guidelines

    Presentation Details:

    Include complete presentation information: full conference name, precise dates, and specific location. Use official conference titles and standard location formats.

    Author Attribution:

    Follow Harvard author guidelines for multiple authors. Use 'and' for connecting authors, and 'et al.' for more than three authors in in-text citations.

    Presentation Types:

    Clearly distinguish between different presentation formats: papers, posters, abstracts, workshops, and keynotes. Include relevant identifying information.

    Academic Conference Hierarchy:

    Consider the academic standing when selecting conference sources:

    • International conferences with peer-reviewed proceedings
    • Professional association annual meetings
    • Specialized academic society conferences
    • Regional and national research conferences
    • Graduate student and early career researcher symposiums

    Preliminary Research Considerations:

    Remember that conference presentations often represent work in progress. Consider the preliminary nature of findings and potential for later publication in revised form.

    Accessibility and Permission:

    Ensure appropriate permission to cite unpublished conference presentations. Some presenters may prefer citations to wait until formal publication.