Conference 2024 FAQs
REGISTRATION
2026 Conference Registration Pricing
through January 31, 2026 | February 1 - March 4, 2026 | March 4 - March 22, 2026 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(includes Awards Gala ticket) | (no Awards Gala ticket) | (includes Awards Gala ticket) | (no Awards Gala ticket) | (includes Awards Gala ticket) | (no Awards Gala ticket) | |
| CELA Members | ||||||
| Non-Members | ||||||
| Students (non-faculty, must be enrolled at time of conference) | ||||||
| Non-Industry Guest/Spouse (may not be used for presenters/speakers) | ||||||
| Emeritus / Retired | ||||||
- President’s Reception
- Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Breakfast, Lunch, and refreshment breaks
- Awards Dinner and Reception – if you select the option that includes an Award Gala ticket
- Education sessions presented by experts in the field (unless noted as a separate ticket)
- Networking with colleagues from around the world
Online registration ends March 4, 2026. Registrations after March 4, 2026 will need to take place onsite.
Yes, onsite registration is available. Registration desk hours coming soon.
To foster engagement and meaningful interactions, the CELA Conference will only offer in-person attendance and presenting options. Virtual attendance, presentations and participation by virtual panelists will not be permitted. We value the richness of in-person dialogue and collaboration, and this policy ensures a consistent experience for all attendees. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to making this event a success.
Until January 31, 2026: Full refund, minus $100 administrative fee February 1 - 28, 2026: 50% refund March 1, 2026 and after: Substitutions only
*No refunds or credits will be given to “no shows”.
*This policy applies to all conference registrations, additional workshops, field sessions, and other registration items. Please note: All cancellations must be made in writing and submitted to staff@thecela.org.
Refunds will be processed within 4-6 weeks of the cancellation date.
Substitutions must be made for the same conference and may be subject to additional fees.
Conference registrations can only be cancelled by submitting a request via email to staff@thecela.org
Substitutions are encouraged and must be submitted in writing.
Everyone participating (i.e. attending) the annual conference must purchase a registration. You may purchase a guest registration, which includes meals and entry to the conference.
We do not offer one day or per function tickets. Guest registrations can not be used for presenters or speakers – guest registrants will not be listed in conference proceedings or any other conference material.
All cancellations and transfers must be made in writing and submitted to staff@thecela.org. Until January 31, 2026: Full refund, minus $100 administrative fee February 1 - 28, 2026: 50% refund March 1, 2026 and after: Substitutions only
*No refunds or credits will be given to “no shows”.
*This policy applies to all conference registrations, additional workshops, field sessions, and other registration items. Please note: All cancellations must be made in writing and submitted to staff@thecela.org.
Refunds will be processed within 4-6 weeks of the cancellation date.
Substitutions must be made for the same conference and may be subject to additional fees.
Students must register using a school issued email address (.edu), to receive the student rate, and be currently enrolled as a student with a valid transcript at the time of the conference. A copy of the Student Transcript will be requested prior to the start of the meeting which you can submit here.
Once you have registered for the conference. Submit a written request to CELA at staff@thecela.org. Please include your accepted abstract number. After confirming and verifying the information, you will receive a visa letter via email.
VENUE
The Hyatt Regency Cincinnati, 151 West Fifth Street, Cincinnati, OH, 45202.
Parking is not included in the room rate. The hotel offers valet parking which is currently $46/night.
The conference is being held at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati. We have reserved a block of rooms for CELA conference attendees. Rooms start at $199 a night. This rate will be available through February 23, 2026 and is first come, first served. We do not guarantee a reservation within our room block. Please utilize the reservation link below as soon as possible as space is limited: CELA Reservations
SCHEDULE
March 18-21, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati – Cincinnati, OH. Meeting space will be marked for attendees.
In addition to the main conference program, attendees can also participate in pre-conference workshops and field excursions for an extra cost.
The conference schedule can be found here. Coming soon
NETWORKING
Engage in discussions and introduce yourself to other participants during the session and meals. Attending the conference poster sessions that allows you to interact with presenters and learn about their research in a more informal setting. We will also have a Presidents Welcome reception and awards ceremony with cocktail hour that is great for socializing.
CONFERENCE PRESENTERS
To foster engagement and meaningful interactions, the CELA Conference requires all presentations to be conducted in person. Virtual presentations and participation by virtual panelists will not be permitted. We value the richness of in-person dialogue and collaboration, and this policy ensures a consistent experience for all attendees. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to making this event a success.
A laptop and various cables will be provided in each breakout room. You are not required to bring your laptop (but are more than welcome to), we do ask that you bring a thumb or flash drive with your presentation loaded into it, so that it can be added quickly to the laptop in the room.
Details for Presenters coming soon.
Details for Presenters coming soon.
All those attending the conference in person must register. Guest registration types can not be used for any presenter or speaker. If you are an author on an oral abstract the first author or presenting author must register. If you are on a panel, the first four panelists need to register and attend the conference.
The printed poster should be 30x40 in. using either landscape or portrait orientation.
The Conference Proceedings are the Abstracts of presented papers. In order to be published in the Proceedings, you must 1) be registered for the Conference (guest registrations may not be used), 2) attend the 2026 CELA Conference and 3) present your abstract in person.
OTHER
The dress code for the conference is business casual.
For questions about payments or registration questions, contact staff@thecela.org or 919-674-4185.
For questions about logistics or the event, contact Ryley Bowen, The CELA Conference Manager, at conference@thecela.org.
Each session that offers CEU credit will be noted on the schedule. You have the opportunity to earn CEUs by signing into each session that denotes it offers credit. No CEU credit is given to poster session attendees.