Frequently Asked Questions
Presenters
My paper has been accepted, what do I do next?
Congratulations on having your paper accepted into the programme. You now need to register and pay for your place by going to our registration page.
You need to book by Monday, 12 January 2026. We will be strictly enforcing this deadline. If you have not registered by this date, your paper will be withdrawn from the programme.
What day and time is my presentation?
Your acceptance email will tell you the day and time of your presentation.
Alternatively, you can log in to MyBSA and go to Abstract Submission Details.
Any changes to your presentation day or time will be sent to you by email.
Will co-authors be listed in the programme?
Co-authors will not be listed in the programme grid due to space availability but they will be listed in the abstract book. Co-authors that wish to attend and/or present will need to register for the conference.
Please note only the person who submits the abstract will receive communications regarding the abstract, any co-authors will not receive these communications.
How long is my presentation?
Your acceptance email will tell you the mode of presentation and the stream you have been allocated. Please note, this may be different to those you selected on submission.
Here are the guidelines for each presentation mode:
Oral
- A 20-minute paper presentation, consisting of 15 minutes presentation and 5 minutes for questions and comments
- There will be a laptop/computer and screen in every room for you to present from
- A Chairperson will be allocated to each session
Poster
- Posters should be A1 landscape (594mm x 841mm)
- We will provide a board for you to display your poster
- We will provide Velcro strips for you to attach your poster to the board
- It should be in place 1 hour before the start of the dedicated poster presentation session (Wednesday 8 April 2026 at 6.15pm) and then remain in place for the duration of the conference
- You are responsible for printing and displaying your poster and removing it after the conference
Roundtable
- There will be up to 4 papers at each roundtable
- Your paper will be allocated a 20-minute slot; 15 minutes for presentation and 5 minutes for questions
- Each table will have a Chairperson
- There is no AV or electronic equipment for roundtables
Special Events
- Special Events are 90 minutes
- There will be a laptop/computer and screen in every room for you to present from
- You need to organise a Chairperson for your session
I have been put on the Reserve list. When will I know if my paper is accepted into the programme?
Slots become available on the reserve list as people withdraw their papers for various reasons, and after the booking deadline has passed.
As the programme is constantly changing due to these reasons, we are unable to give you a timescale but we anticipate this being before the end of February 2026.
If you reach a point where you would no longer be able to attend the conference, please withdraw your paper as below.
I can no longer attend the conference, what do I need to do?
You can withdraw your paper by logging in to MyBSA and go to Abstract Submission Details. Or, you can email us.
If you have already made your booking and need to cancel, go to Booking Summary and cancel your booking. Booking Terms & Conditions can be found on our website
Where can I find a copy of the conference programme?
The programme grid is on our website. Please note that the programme will be updated periodically and the final version will be sent out by email in the final weeks before the conference.
Any changes to your presentation day or time will be sent to you by email.
The conference Abstract Book will be available on the website, and emailed to you in the final weeks before the conference.
There will be no printed copies available at the conference.
Is the conference abstract book published or indexed?
There will be a PDF version of the abstract book available on the BSA website. After the conference, the pdf will be archived.
Please note, the BSA Annual Conference is not indexed by SCOPUS or other citation databases, as their indexing systems are for journals and conference proceedings.
The Abstract Book is not a Conference Proceeding, and we do not publish them, therefore they are not eligible for indexing.
Booking and Payment
How much is my conference registration?
Full details of registration and fees are on our website.
The most cost-effective way to register for the conference is by being a member of the BSA.
We have reciprocal agreements for members of The Australian Sociological Association, British Society of Criminology, Social Policy Association, Sociological Association of Aotearoa (New Zealand). Please contact the BSA Events Team to register at the reciprocal agreement rate.
Is there any funding available to help me attend?
In 2026, we are making available 100 free places to help BSA members who may find it difficult to obtain funding for attendance at our Annual Conference (20 of these places are kindly supported by the main conference sponsor, SAGE).
These places will include registration and daytime catering at the conference. Travel and/or accommodation costs are not covered. Applications are open until 5pm GMT on Friday, 5 December 2025.
Further information is available on our website.
There are no fee waivers, discounts or bursaries available outside of the funded places process.
What does my conference registration include?
Your conference registration includes access to all of the academic conference sessions, conference programme, and refreshments including lunch.
You need to book your own travel and accommodation.
We’re in the process of negotiating discounted rates at a range of hotels near the University of Manchester, and full details will be available on our website shortly.
Information on social activities will be sent to you by email.
Are there any evening activities?
Yes!
On Wednesday, 8 April we have our Publisher’s Reception and Poster Presentations from 18.15-19.45 at University Place. You’ll be able to meet our exhibitors and poster presenters in a relaxed, social setting and enjoy a complimentary drink. This is open to everyone attending the conference and no-pre booking is required.
On Thursday, 9 April, we invite you to join us at Whitworth Hall at 19.00 for a celebration of our 75th anniversary, including drinks, hot canapés, music and the presentation of our Distinguished Service Award and PAM Prize awards.
This year we are moving away from a formal sit-down conference dinner and have chosen a more informal format, to offer a more inclusive event for our conference delegates.
Tickets for Thursday, 9 April are £25 and advanced booking is required.
My institution is paying by invoice, how do I make my booking?
Your institution or organisation need to send a purchase order for the full amount of your booking including your name to the BSA Events Team.
I need to apply for a visa, what do I need to do?
You can contact your local government office or website for information on travel and visas to the UK. If you need a letter of acceptance to assist with your visa application, please email the BSA Events Team and we will send one to you.
As of 8 January 2025, the United Kingdom requires visitors from previously visa-exempt countries - including the United States, Canada, and Australia - to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short stays up to six months. European Union citizens will need an ETA starting 2 April 2025. Please ensure you secure an approved ETA before traveling to the UK to attend the conference.
Venue
All of the conference venue information including, address, directions and accessibility is on our website.
Publishers and Press
Our main conference sponsor is Sage. Sage is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement. They have also supported funding for 20 of our funded places at the conference.
Can publishers attend?
We have a number of exhibition opportunities at the conference. Please contact Anna-Marie McGlanaghey for information.
Can press attend?
The BSA extends an invitation to the world press.
The admission of representatives of the press, from anywhere in the world, to the BSA Annual Conference is free of charge. Please note that Press Accreditation is required in order to obtain access to the presentations and admission will only be allowed after presentation of a valid, certified press card or a certification of your editorial department.
For further information, please contact the BSA Events Team.