Call for Abstract Submissions: 2026 Annual Conference

The Society for Benefit-Cost Analysis (SBCA) is now accepting proposals for the 2026 Annual Conference, taking place March 12-13, 2026, at The George Washington University Student Center in Washington, DC. Proposals received after October 15, 2025, are not guaranteed consideration.

You can submit either an individual research presentation or organize a full session in one of three formats:

1. Research Presentations: Four individual presentations, or three presentations and a discussant.
2. Roundtable or Panel Discussion: A chair and up to six speakers.
3. Innovative Session: The format is determined by the organizer. *

Submission Guidelines:

• Each presenter may submit only one abstract, but can be listed as a co-author on an unlimited number of other presentations.
• You may submit two abstracts only if one is for an individual presentation and the other is part of an organized or innovative session, addressing distinctly different topics.
• Submission is considered a firm commitment to participate if accepted. 

How to Submit: To submit your abstract via our online form, you’ll need to provide:

• Session Type: Additional details will vary based on the session type.

  • For individual presentations: List any co-authors.
  • For research sessions: Provide contact details for the chair, presenters, and discussant (if applicable).
  • For roundtables/panels: Provide contact details for the chair and speakers, noting confirmed and tentative participants.
  • For innovative sessions: Submit a detailed description for the Program Committee’s review.

• Title: Maximum 80 characters, including spaces.

• Abstract: Maximum 300 words. Where relevant, include a problem statement, methodology, results, and conclusions. Consider addressing these questions:

  1. What research question(s) are you exploring?
  2. Does the paper present new data or analyze existing data in a new way?
  3. What is novel about your research?
  4. What did you find?

• Keywords: Choose from a list to help the Program Committee organize the conference schedule. Options include:

  • Crosscutting Theory and Methods
  • Distribution and Equity
  • Education, Training, Labor Force
  • Energy, Natural Resources, Environment, Water
  • Finance, Financial Markets, International Trade
  • Food, Nutrition, Agriculture
  • Health Care System, Health Insurance, Medical Care, Public Health
  • International Development
  • Policing, Military, Homeland Security
  • Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Other (please specify if selected)

Student Opportunities: Graduate students can apply for the Jerry Ellig Award, a $1,000 prize for the best student paper that applies economic, law, political science, policy analysis, or public administration concepts to real policy challenges. The winner will be announced in the SBCA newsletter and on the Society's website. Learn more about the award here.

Financial Support: Limited funding is available for students and residents of lower- and middle-income countries who are accepted to present but require financial support to attend. Please indicate this need when submitting your abstract.

Submit Your Abstract>>

* Innovative Sessions are interactive or unconventional formats designed to spark conversation, experimentation, or skill-building. They are organized sessions (with structure and a designated organizer), but they are not research paper sessions or traditional panels. Instead, they might take the form of:

• Mini-workshops with hands-on activities.
• Informal conversations with leaders in the field.
• Meet-the-author dialogues around new books or major contributions.
• Thematic roundtables where participants exchange experiences.
• Methodological clinics that blend teaching with live application.