ACL 2026 in California: Dates, Deadline, Fees & Registration Steps

64th Annual Meeting of the Association for Computational Linguistics (ACL 2026) will be held in San Diego, California, USA. ACL is recognized as one of the most significant conferences in computational linguistics and natural language processing (NLP), attracting leading researchers, industry professionals, and students worldwide. ACL 2026 is expected to feature high-quality technical papers, workshops, tutorials, system demonstrations, panels, and social events that promote networking and collaboration.

Conference provides an ideal platform to:

• Present research findings and innovations in NLP.
• Learn about state-of-the-art tools, methods, and applications.
• Network with peers, potential collaborators, and industry leaders.
• Attend workshops and tutorials to gain practical knowledge.

Find details about ACL 2026, including key dates, registration deadlines, fee structures, and step-by-step registration instructions. It is designed to help potential attendees plan their participation efficiently.

Key Dates for ACL 2026

Conference Dates and Venue

• Conference Dates: July 2–7, 2026
• Venue: Grand Hyatt Manchester San Diego, 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101

ACL 2026 will feature a rich program including workshops, tutorials, poster sessions, and system demonstrations alongside the main conference. This multi-format approach allows participants to engage in cutting-edge research presentations, interactive discussions, and hands-on learning experiences.

Conference venue, Grand Hyatt Manchester, is strategically located in downtown San Diego, offering convenient access to public transportation, nearby hotels, restaurants, and popular city attractions. San Diego’s pleasant summer climate makes it an ideal destination, encouraging attendees to visit the city and network in informal settings outside conference sessions.

The venue’s modern conference facilities are designed to support large sessions, breakouts, and exhibition spaces, ensuring a comfortable and productive experience for all attendees.

Submission and Commitment Deadlines

ACL 2026 will announce detailed paper submission deadlines on the official website. Based on typical ACL schedules, the following timeline is expected:

• Abstract Submission: March 15, 2026 (tentative)
• Full Paper Submission: March 22, 2026 (tentative)
• Author Notification of Acceptance: May 10, 2026 (tentative)
• Camera-Ready Paper Submission: May 24, 2026 (tentative)
• For more details visit.

All submissions are based on the Anywhere on Earth (AOE) timezone, which is UTC‑12h. This ensures participants worldwide have the same absolute deadline, avoiding confusion due to different time zones.

Tutorial and workshop proposals have separate deadlines:

• Tutorial Proposals: February 1, 2026 (tentative)
• Workshop Proposals: February 15, 2026 (tentative)

Author commitments, including confirming participation and submitting final camera-ready versions, are crucial. Missing these deadlines may result in withdrawal of accepted submissions.

Registration Deadlines

Early registration is highly recommended for cost savings and priority access to accommodations:

• Early Registration Opens: March 1, 2026
• Early Registration Closes: May 31, 2026
• Regular Registration: June 1 – June 30, 2026
• Late Registration (if available): July 1–2, 2026

Early registration ensures discounted rates, guaranteed access to workshops and tutorials, and priority allocation of nearby hotel rooms. Late registration may limit access to popular sessions and increase costs.

Attendees should monitor the official ACL 2026 website and subscribe to mailing lists to stay updated on any changes in registration timelines. International participants should also plan early for visa and travel arrangements.

Cancellation and Withdrawal Deadlines

Cancellation policies will be detailed on the official ACL 2026 registration page:

• Early Cancellation Deadline: June 10, 2026 (partial refund available)
• Final Cancellation/Withdrawal Deadline: June 25, 2026 (no refund typically available)

International attendees should pay special attention to cancellation deadlines to avoid financial loss due to non-refundable travel or accommodation bookings. Planning ahead ensures a smooth experience and avoids last-minute complications.

Registration Fees and Membership Policy for ACL 2026

Overview of Registration Fees

Registration fees for ACL 2026 vary depending on registration type, participant category, and author status. The main distinctions are:

• Registration Type: In-Person or Virtual participation. In-person attendees pay higher fees due to access to the full conference experience, workshops, tutorials, poster sessions, and networking events. Virtual registration provides access to live streams of main sessions and select workshops, ideal for participants unable to travel.

• Participant Category: Academic (faculty and researchers), Industry professionals, and Students. Each category has discounted rates reflecting financial constraints and professional context.

• Author Status: Presenting authors may have a slightly reduced rate compared to general attendees, but they must confirm their paper submission and attendance.

Tentative ACL 2026 registration fees (based on previous ACL conferences and typical adjustments for 2026) are as follows:

Category	Early Bird (USD)	Regular (USD)	Late / On-site (USD)
Academic (In-Person)	$650	$750	$850
Industry (In-Person)	$850	$950	$1,050
Student (In-Person)	$300	$350	$400
Academic (Virtual)	$300	$350	$400
Industry (Virtual)	$400	$450	$500
Student (Virtual)	$150	$175	$200

Attendees should consider additional costs such as travel, accommodation, and ACL membership fees when planning participation. Planning ahead can help avoid last-minute high costs and logistical issues.

Membership Requirement

All ACL 2026 attendees must be members of the Association for Computational Linguistics (ACL) for 2026. Membership ensures access to ACL resources and benefits.

Membership Fees (2026):

• Regular: USD $100
• Student: USD $50

Non-members are required to include membership fees during registration. Membership benefits include:

• Full access to the ACL Anthology and ACL publications.
• Discounts on registration for future ACL conferences.
• Updates on the latest research in computational linguistics.
• Eligibility to submit papers and participate in ACL workshops, tutorials, and special interest groups.

Joining ACL membership ahead of registration can save time and prevent last-minute fees during the registration process.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Final cancellation and refund policy will be published on the ACL 2026 registration page. Based on past ACL practices:

• Early Cancellations: Eligible for partial refunds, often minus a processing fee.
• Late Cancellations or No-Shows: Usually no refund available.
• International Attendees: Strongly recommended to have travel insurance and book refundable hotel options.

Careful attention to cancellation deadlines is crucial to minimize financial losses. International attendees should also consider visa timelines and airline change policies to avoid complications.

Tips to Save on Fees

Attendees can maximize savings and convenience by considering the following strategies:

• Register Early: Early-bird registration provides discounted rates for both in-person and virtual attendees.

• Student Discounts: Students must provide proof of full-time enrollment to qualify for reduced rates. This is a significant saving for graduate or undergraduate participants.

• Virtual Attendance: Consider virtual registration if travel and accommodation costs are high. Virtual access still provides the opportunity to participate in most main sessions and workshops online.

• ACL Membership: Renew or join ACL membership before registration to avoid paying additional fees at the time of registration.

• Official Hotel Booking: Booking within the official ACL conference hotel block can secure discounted room rates, reduce travel time, and ensure proximity to sessions and events.

• Plan Accommodations and Travel Together: Early booking of flights, hotels, and transport ensures lower rates and avoids last-minute price surges.

By carefully planning registration and associated costs, attendees can ensure a smooth and affordable participation experience at ACL 2026.

Step-by-Step Registration Process for ACL 2026

Pre-Registration Preparation

Before starting the registration process, attendees should carefully prepare the following:

1. Verify ACL Membership for 2026:

• Ensure your Association for Computational Linguistics (ACL) membership is active for the year 2026.
• Membership is mandatory for all participants, including authors, students, and industry professionals.
• Non-members will be required to include the membership fee during registration: Regular: USD $100, Student: USD $50.

2. Authors Confirm Acceptance and Commitments:

• If you are presenting a paper, verify that your submission has been accepted and meet the author registration deadlines.
• Failure to register by the deadline may result in your paper being withdrawn from the proceedings, which could impact recognition and publication opportunities.
• Collect the camera-ready version of your paper and any supplementary materials, if required.

3. Gather Necessary Documentation:

• Prepare institutional affiliation details, proof of student enrollment (for discounted student registration), and any visa documentation for international travel.
• If reimbursement from your institution or funding agency is expected, collect payment and membership receipts to facilitate claims.

4. Decide on Participation Mode:

• Determine whether you will attend in-person or virtually.
• Consider factors like budget, travel feasibility, schedule, and desired level of engagement. In-person attendance provides full access to workshops, tutorials, social events, and networking opportunities, while virtual participation allows cost savings and flexible access to live sessions.

Online Registration Process

Once prepared, attendees can follow these steps to complete registration online:

1. Visit the Official Registration Page:

• Go to ACL 2026 Registration Page to start the process. The page will provide links to early, regular, and late registration options.

2. Select Registration Type:

• Choose In-Person or Virtual attendance.
• Select your participant category: Academic, Industry, or Student.
• Early registration is strongly recommended for discounted fees, priority workshop slots, and hotel bookings.

3. Specify Author/Attendee Status:

• Indicate whether you are a presenting author or a general attendee.
• Presenting authors may need to provide submission IDs or paper titles to link registration to their accepted papers.

4. Confirm ACL Membership:

• Log in with your existing ACL account or pay the membership fee if you are a new member.
• Membership confirmation is required before completing the registration process.

5. Complete Payment:

• Payment methods typically include credit card, bank transfer, or other secure online payment options.
• Ensure payment is completed before registration deadlines to secure your participation.

6. Save Confirmation:

• After successful registration, save your confirmation email and receipt.
• These documents may be required for visa applications, institutional reimbursement, or on-site check-in.

On-Site Registration and Check-In

For in-person attendees, the on-site process includes:

• Badge Collection: Pick up your official conference badge, which grants access to all sessions, workshops, poster presentations, and social events.

• Conference Kit: Receive materials such as the program schedule, proceedings, and any promotional items.

• Instructions for Sessions and Networking: Learn about room locations, Wi-Fi access, and scheduled networking opportunities.

For virtual attendees:

• Receive login credentials and instructions to access live-streamed sessions, recordings, and networking features.

• Virtual participants should check system requirements, time zone alignment, and session schedules to maximize participation.

Special Considerations

Author Registration Compliance:

• At least one author per accepted paper must register by the specified deadline for inclusion in the conference proceedings.
• Late registration may result in removal of the paper from the program.

Student Verification:

• Students must provide proof of full-time enrollment, such as a student ID or official enrollment letter, to qualify for discounted fees.

Virtual Presenter Readiness:

• Confirm session times, technical requirements, and recording policies ahead of the conference to avoid scheduling conflicts.
• Test devices, software, and internet connectivity in advance for smooth participation.

Travel Planning for In-Person Attendees:

• Book flights and hotels early to secure availability and discounted rates within the official conference block.
• Consider travel insurance to mitigate risks such as cancellations or unforeseen changes.

Additional Practical Considerations for ACL 2026

Accommodation and Travel Logistics

The Grand Hyatt Manchester San Diego is the official conference hotel for ACL 2026. Centrally located, it offers easy access to restaurants, shops, convention centers, and popular city attractions, allowing attendees to combine professional engagement with sightseeing.

• A special hotel room block is reserved for ACL attendees at discounted rates. The cutoff date for booking is June 8, 2026. Early booking is recommended as rooms in the block may sell out quickly due to high demand.

• International attendees should plan flights well in advance, considering layovers, travel time, airport transfers, and potential delays.

• San Diego International Airport (SAN) is only about 10 minutes from the hotel, making taxi, rideshare, and shuttle services convenient and cost-effective.

• Attendees should consider booking airport transfers in advance to avoid long waits or high taxi fares during peak travel times.

Visa and Entry Requirements

All international attendees, including those from India and other countries, will need a valid US visa to attend ACL 2026. Most attendees can apply for a B1/B2 tourist/business visa, while some countries may require conference-specific documentation.

Required documents generally include:

• Conference registration confirmation (email or receipt).
• Hotel booking confirmation within the official conference block.
• Complete travel itinerary including flight and accommodation details.
• Proof of financial means to cover travel, accommodation, and conference fees.

Visa applications should be initiated as early as possible, preferably 3–4 months in advance, to allow for potential delays in processing, interviews, or document verification. Attendees are advised to check US consulate websites for the latest information on visa processing times and appointment availability.

Health and Safety

Attendees should monitor US and California health regulations, especially for infectious disease policies such as COVID-19, influenza, or other travel advisories that may impact attendance.

• Travel insurance covering health emergencies, medical evacuation, or trip cancellation is highly recommended, particularly for international participants.

• Bring any necessary medications with appropriate prescriptions and ensure they comply with US customs regulations.

• Review the CDC and local San Diego health guidelines for vaccination or testing requirements before traveling.

Networking, Workshops, and Social Events

ACL 2026 offers a variety of interactive sessions in addition to the main conference program, including:

• Tutorials and Workshops: These provide in-depth knowledge on specialized topics and practical, hands-on learning. Prioritize sessions based on your research interests and career goals.

• Poster Sessions: Ideal for networking, sharing your work, and engaging in detailed discussions with other attendees.

• Social Dinners and Networking Events: These informal settings are excellent for meeting collaborators, industry partners, and mentors.

• Attendees should plan ahead using the preliminary program to schedule sessions, workshops, and events efficiently, ensuring they do not miss key networking opportunities.

FAQs

Q1. How can I submit a poster or demonstration proposal for ACL 2026?

Poster and demo submissions usually have separate deadlines from main paper submissions. Authors should check the ACL 2026 website for submission guidelines, format requirements, and review criteria. Accepted posters and demos will be showcased during designated sessions.

Q2. Will ACL 2026 offer scholarships or financial aid for students?

Many ACL conferences provide travel grants or financial assistance for students and participants from low-income countries. Information about eligibility, application deadlines, and funding amounts will be available on the official website.

Q3. Can non-authors attend tutorials and workshops?

Yes, tutorials and workshops are generally open to all registered attendees. Participation may require separate registration or additional fees in some cases. Early registration ensures access to popular sessions.

Q4. Are recordings of sessions available after the conference?

ACL often provides recorded sessions for registered participants, particularly virtual attendees. Availability and duration of access may vary, so it is recommended to confirm during registration.

Q5. What are the accommodation options besides the conference hotel?

While the Grand Hyatt Manchester San Diego is the primary hotel, nearby alternatives include boutique hotels, Airbnb, and budget accommodations. Early booking is recommended, as San Diego is a popular tourist city in July.

Q6. How can I volunteer at ACL 2026?

Volunteering opportunities may include helping with registration, session coordination, or technical support. Interested participants should check the official ACL 2026 site for volunteer applications, eligibility, and benefits such as waived registration fees.

Q7. Are there any networking events for early-career researchers?

ACL 2026 typically organizes specific networking events, mentoring sessions, and social gatherings for early-career researchers, PhD students, and postdocs. These sessions provide a platform to meet senior researchers and potential collaborators.

Q8. Can I attend only specific days of the conference?

Partial attendance may be possible for both in-person and virtual participants. Attendees should check registration options and fees for single-day or partial-day participation.

Q9. What COVID-19 or health protocols will be in place at ACL 2026?

Protocols may include vaccination requirements, mask policies, or social distancing depending on local regulations at the time of the conference. Attendees should monitor updates on the ACL website closer to the event.

Q10. How can I stay updated on last-minute changes or announcements for ACL 2026?

Attendees should subscribe to the official ACL mailing list, follow ACL’s social media channels, and regularly check the conference website for updates regarding deadlines, session schedules, or changes in registration policies.