DAC 2026 in California: Dates, Registration Fees, Paper Submission & How to Register

The Design Automation Conference (DAC) is the world’s leading forum for electronic design automation, semiconductor engineering, and system-level innovation. DAC 2026, happening July 25-29, 2026 at Long Beach, California, will be a major event under the theme “Chips to Systems,” covering semiconductor, EDA, hardware, embedded and systems design, verification, and more.

DAC 2026 will be the 63rd ACM/IEEE Design Automation Conference, carrying forward a tradition of cutting-edge research presentations, product exhibitions, and intensive training opportunities. Whether a graduate student seeking feedback on a new algorithm, a hardware engineer scouting next-generation tools, or a company showcasing breakthrough EDA software, DAC 2026 promises unmatched professional value. Below is everything known so far plus what to prepare for.

Event Overview: When & Where

• Dates: July 25-29, 2026. This gives attendees five full days of sessions, workshops, exhibits, and networking.

• Venue: Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California, USA. Given its coastal location, ease of airport access, and capacity, it’s a major convention site well suited for a large event.

• Organizers & Sponsors: DAC 2026 is the 63rd ACM/IEEE Design Automation Conference, jointly sponsored by IEEE and ACM; supported by IEEE’s CEDA (Council on Electronic Design Automation) and ACM’s SIGDA (Special Interest Group on Design Automation).

Theme & Focus Areas of DAC 2026

DAC 2026 will again embrace the banner “Chips to Systems,” reflecting the full technology pipeline from transistor-level design to system-level deployment. Expect deep dives into:

• Electronic Design Automation (EDA): Novel algorithms for physical design, logic synthesis, and design verification.

• VLSI & Semiconductor Hardware: Low-power design strategies, chiplet integration, and advanced packaging.

• Embedded Systems & Hardware/Software Co-Design: Optimizing hardware for AI, automotive safety, and IoT applications.

• Emerging Domains: Quantum computing hardware, photonic interconnects, and security-aware design flows.

The theme encourages cross-disciplinary dialogue—hardware architects can learn from software methodologies, and academic prototypes can connect with industrial-scale manufacturing needs.

Registration: Process, Categories & How to Register

Registration for DAC 2026 will open on the official DAC website in early 2026. A typical process includes:

1. Account Creation: Set up a profile with your professional details, which allows you to track sessions and manage payments.

2. Category Selection: Choose from full-conference passes, one-day passes, exhibits-only badges, student rates, or exhibitor staff registration.

3. Membership Verification: IEEE and ACM members usually receive significant discounts—have your membership ID ready.

4. Add-On Options: Tutorials, special luncheons, and workshops often require separate tickets.

5. Payment & Confirmation: Secure payment by credit card or wire transfer generates a confirmation email and e-badge.

Exhibitors follow a parallel system that includes selecting booth size and ordering electrical, internet, and display services. Past DACs also provided an online dashboard for managing booth staff and shipping paperwork.

Registration Fees & Deadlines

While the final DAC 2026 registration fees will be announced in early 2026, historical data offers a guide:

• Early-Bird Rates: Typically open three to four months before the event and can be 20–30 % cheaper than on-site pricing.

• Standard & On-Site Rates: For last-minute attendees or those awaiting travel approvals.

• Categories: Separate pricing for IEEE/ACM members, non-members, students, exhibits-only participants, and exhibitor staff.

• Refund Policy: Past DACs allowed cancellations up to a month before the event with a modest processing fee.

Monitoring the official website for the early-bird deadline—likely late spring 2026—is crucial for budgeting, especially for research groups and companies sending multiple delegates.

Paper & Poster Submission Guidelines

DAC is renowned for rigorous peer-reviewed content. While the DAC 2026 call for papers will be officially released in late 2025, authors can prepare based on standard DAC requirements:

• Submission Types: Full research papers, Engineering Track papers, poster sessions, special sessions, panels, tutorials, and workshops.

• Format: Usually a six-page limit (excluding references) in PDF, double-blind for review.

• Deadlines: Abstracts typically due in November of the preceding year, with full papers following a week later. Camera-ready versions are required after acceptance.

• Criteria: Originality, technical soundness, and relevance to design automation are critical. Papers must not be under review elsewhere.

Accepted authors must register and present in person for their papers to appear in the official ACM/IEEE proceedings.

Speaker & Presentation Requirements

Authors of accepted papers will submit a final manuscript, a slide deck for the conference archive, and, if requested, a short video for online attendees. Presenters must abide by conflict-of-interest declarations and copyright transfers to ACM/IEEE. Session chairs typically hold rehearsal calls to ensure technical quality and timing.

What to Expect in the Program

The five-day program blends academic rigor and industry insight:

• Keynotes & Plenaries: Visionary talks from global leaders in semiconductors, EDA, and system design.

• Technical Sessions: Multiple parallel tracks on verification, synthesis, security, machine learning for design, and more.

• Tutorials & Workshops: Half-day or full-day sessions on specialized tools and methodologies, ideal for skill building.

• Exhibit Hall: Major vendors will showcase state-of-the-art EDA software, silicon IP, testing equipment, and hardware demos.

• Student & Career Programs: Job fairs, mentoring sessions, and networking receptions that connect students with industry recruiters.

This mix ensures that every participant—from senior researcher to first-year graduate student—finds content tailored to their interests.

Eligibility and Participation Criteria

Attendance at DAC 2026 is open to anyone involved in electronics, computer engineering, or related fields. Key points:

• Students: Full-time student status verification is required for discounted rates and travel scholarships.

• Age & Conduct: Attendees must generally be 18 or older. All participants must follow DAC’s code of conduct and professional ethics.

• Authors: Papers must be original, not under review elsewhere, and free from plagiarism or self-plagiarism.

Benefits of Attending or Presenting

Participation in DAC 2026 offers numerous advantages:

• Networking Opportunities: Interact with global researchers, tool vendors, and hiring managers in a collaborative environment.

• Professional Development: Tutorials and workshops provide practical skills in areas such as low-power design or AI hardware.

• Career Growth: Recruiters from leading semiconductor companies frequently attend to identify top talent.

• Global Visibility: Accepted papers are archived in the ACM Digital Library and IEEE Xplore, increasing citations and career recognition.

• Hands-On Exposure: Exhibit hall demonstrations allow attendees to evaluate tools and hardware before adopting them in their own work.

Exhibitor Information & Logistics

Organizations showcasing products should monitor DAC announcements for the Exhibitor Manual, which will detail:

• Booth sizes, layout options, and pricing tiers.
• Shipping instructions, labor rules, and safety guidelines.
• Deadlines for ordering electrical power, internet, and audio-visual equipment.
• Staff badge registration requirements and setup/teardown schedules.

Securing a booth early not only ensures prime floor space but also maximizes pre-event publicity through DAC’s exhibitor marketing channels.

Travel, Accommodation & Visa Support

DAC traditionally partners with local hotels to offer discounted blocks near the convention center. Booking early is strongly advised to avoid peak-season price surges. International visitors can request an invitation letter once registered to facilitate U.S. visa applications, and should check visa wait times well in advance. Long Beach’s light-rail system and proximity to Los Angeles make it easy to explore Southern California before or after the conference.

Important Dates & Summary Table

A reference timeline (to be updated when official dates are released):

Milestone	Expected Timeframe*
Call for Papers Announced	Autumn 2025
Abstract Submission Deadline	November 2025 (estimate)
Full Paper Submission Deadline	Late November 2025 (estimate)
Author Notification	March 2026 (estimate)
Early-Bird Registration Opens	Spring 2026
DAC 2026 Conference	July 25 – 29, 2026

*Actual dates will be confirmed on the official DAC website.

FAQs

1. When and where is DAC 2026 being held?

DAC 2026 will take place July 25–29, 2026 at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, California, USA.

2. What is the official theme or focus of DAC 2026?

The theme is “Chips to Systems,” covering everything from semiconductor design and EDA tools to system-level integration, embedded systems, and emerging hardware technologies.

3. How can I register for DAC 2026?

Registration opens on the official DAC website. Participants can register as full conference attendees, students, exhibitors, or for exhibit-only passes. Payment confirmation generates your digital badge.

4. What are the registration fees for DAC 2026?

Final fees are yet to be announced, but expect tiered rates: early-bird, standard, student, IEEE/ACM member discounts, and exhibitor passes. Early registration typically offers substantial savings.

5. How can I submit a paper or poster for DAC 2026?

DAC 2026 will accept submissions including full research papers, engineering track papers, posters, tutorials, and workshops. Submit abstracts first, then follow up with full papers using the official template and undergo a double-blind review process.

6. What are the key deadlines for paper submissions and registration?

Abstract submissions usually open in late 2025, with full paper submissions shortly after. Camera-ready papers are due by March 2026. Early-bird registration generally closes in spring 2026. Check the official website for confirmed dates.

7. Who can attend or submit work to DAC 2026?

DAC 2026 is open to academics, industry professionals, and students in electronics, computer engineering, or related fields. Students may need proof of full-time enrollment for discounted registration.

8. Who are the keynote speakers and session leaders?

Keynote speakers and session chairs will be announced closer to the conference. DAC traditionally features leaders from top semiconductor companies, universities, and emerging technology startups.

9. What are the main benefits of attending DAC 2026?

Attendees gain access to cutting-edge research, workshops, tutorials, networking opportunities, exhibit halls, and career development sessions. Presenters also get visibility through ACM/IEEE digital archives.

10. Are there exhibitor resources and travel arrangements available?

Yes, DAC provides an Exhibitor Manual detailing booth layouts, shipping, AV, and setup instructions. Official hotel blocks, discounted rates, and visa support letters for international attendees are also available.