We invite you to join us for the 2026 SCMS Conference! Hosted at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park and the Swissotel in Chicago, Illinois, the conference presents a unique platform for scholars, researchers, and industry professionals to delve into discussions and exchange ideas in the realm of cinema and media studies. With a diverse lineup of speakers, engaging panels, and workshops, the conference promises an enriching experience for all attendees. Conference presenters must register by Wednesday, January 14, 2026 (5:00 PM CST). Conference presenters must be active members and registered by this deadline to be included in the final conference program.

SCMS is updating its Code of Conduct for the 2026 conference cycle. The revised version will be posted on our website as soon as it is finalized. By registering for and attending the conference, participants agree to follow SCMS policies and community standards, similar to the professional conduct expectations most people agree to with their employers. The full Code of Conduct will be available for review in advance of the meeting.

Chicago 2026 Registration Rates

Conference Rate: Supporter-$350 USD

The Supporter Level helps SCMS subsidize the student/unsubsidized rate below. By paying this rate, you will support student members, early-career, and precariously employed colleagues attending the conference!

Conference Rate: Standard-$200 USD

Conference Rate: Student or Unsubsidized-$90 USD

Applies to graduate and undergraduate students; or precariously employed professionals who receive no financial support from their institution; and part-time or retired members.

*Conference presenters must join or renew their SCMS membership AND register for the conference to be included in the final printed program.

Accessibility

To request accommodations, please fill out this form. Please make requests no later than one month prior to the meeting, if possible. This gives both SCMS and our contracted facilities time to provide optimal access.

Questions?

Please contact the SCMS office if you have any questions or trouble with registration and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Support Our Mission

Donations to the Society for Cinema and Media Studies play a vital role in supporting its long-standing programs, including the annual conference, grants, and awards. Your generosity also helps advance SCMS initiatives aimed at making the annual conference inclusive and accessible for all members.

To contribute to a prize fund or grant, please visit the SCMS donation page. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization chartered in Michigan, all donations to SCMS are tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers.

Contributors will be personally acknowledged in the annual conference program. If you prefer your gift to remain anonymous, simply contact SCMS to make this request.

Our donation platform accepts both recurring and one-time contributions, and gifts of all levels are deeply appreciated. If you'd like to specify a custom donation, SCMS is happy to assist.

Thank you for your support in helping SCMS continue its mission.

All prices are in USD and can only be paid by credit card. Your credit card provider will automatically convert the USD amount into your local currency.

PLEASE NOTE: Conference attendees who are not members must create a "registration account" to access the conference registration page. Create a registration account here.