The Winter Conference on Applications of Computer Vision (WACV 2026) is set to be one of the most influential gatherings in the field of computer vision and artificial intelligence this year. Organized jointly by the IEEE Computer Society and The Computer Vision Foundation (CVF), WACV 2026 brings together leading researchers, industry experts, and students from around the globe to share cutting-edge research, technological innovations, and practical applications in computer vision.

This conference serves as a vital platform for networking, collaboration, and professional development in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

What Is WACV 2026? — An In-Depth Introduction

WACV has established itself as a flagship event for computer vision researchers and practitioners worldwide. The conference is highly regarded for bridging academic research with industry applications, offering a space for presenting peer-reviewed papers, innovative projects, and breakthrough technologies. WACV 2026 will feature contributions across areas such as image processing, deep learning, autonomous systems, video analysis, facial recognition, and AI-driven medical imaging.

The conference attracts a diverse audience: established researchers, graduate students, industry professionals, and tech innovators. This combination ensures that discussions range from theoretical foundations to practical implementations, promoting meaningful collaboration across sectors. By attending WACV, participants gain exposure to state-of-the-art research, emerging trends, and networking opportunities with leaders in the field.

WACV 2026 Location and Venue — Tucson, Arizona

The 2026 edition of WACV will be held in Tucson, Arizona, USA, a city known for its desert landscapes, cultural richness, and growing technology ecosystem. The conference venue, JW Marriott Starpass Resort & Spa, offers world-class facilities designed to support both academic presentations and interactive professional engagement. Attendees can enjoy modern conference halls, dedicated breakout rooms, exhibition spaces, and luxurious accommodations, ensuring a comfortable and productive conference experience.

Accessibility is a key consideration: Tucson International Airport (TUS) is the closest airport, providing domestic and limited international connections. Shuttle services, taxis, and rideshares facilitate easy transfers to the venue. For international participants, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is an alternative option with broader flight availability, approximately a 2.5–3 hour drive from Tucson. The pleasant climate in early March enhances attendee comfort and provides opportunities for outdoor networking events.

WACV 2026 Dates — Full Conference Schedule

The conference is scheduled from March 6 to March 10, 2026, spanning five full days of technical sessions, workshops, and interactive events. Pre-conference workshops and tutorials will take place on March 6, offering deep dives into specialized topics, including cutting-edge computer vision algorithms, AI ethics, and industry applications.

Key dates to note include abstract submission deadlines, full paper submissions, and early-bird registration cutoffs. Planning in advance ensures participants can maximize the benefits of WACV 2026, from attending workshops to networking with experts. Early registration and submission are particularly crucial for authors seeking to present their research at this highly competitive event. For more details visit.

WACV 2026 Program Highlights — What to Expect

Winter Conference on Applications of Computer Vision (WACV 2026) will feature a diverse and comprehensive program:

WACV 2026 Submission Deadline — Author Guidelines

For researchers seeking to present their work, adhering to submission deadlines is essential. The final paper submission deadline must be met, following strict IEEE/CVF formatting and quality requirements. Submissions should be original, clearly articulated, and demonstrate significant contributions to the field.

Pre-submission recommendations include preparing abstracts early, gathering supporting materials such as datasets or code, and reviewing previous conference papers to ensure relevance and quality. Early submission allows sufficient time for peer feedback and revisions, increasing the chances of acceptance in this prestigious event.

WACV 2026 Paper Registration Deadlines — Requirements for Authors

Authors of accepted papers are required to complete paper registration by the specified deadlines. Registration involves confirming attendance, paying registration fees, and submitting the final camera-ready version of the paper. Failure to register on time may result in withdrawal of the paper from conference proceedings, emphasizing the importance of timely compliance.

Timely registration not only secures presentation opportunities but also allows participation in workshops, panel discussions, and networking events. Authors are encouraged to finalize travel and accommodation arrangements early to ensure a smooth experience.

WACV 2026 Registration Fees — Cost Breakdown

Winter Conference on Applications of Computer Vision (WACV 2026) registration fees are structured to accommodate a range of attendees:

Attending WACV 2026 in person offers invaluable opportunities for networking, professional growth, and direct interaction with leading researchers, making it an essential event for anyone in the computer vision community.

FAQs

1. What is the acceptance rate for papers at WACV?

WACV usually accepts around 35–45% of submitted papers, making the conference competitive but accessible. Authors need to focus on originality, clarity, and significance to increase their chances of acceptance.

2. How does the two-round submission process work?

Authors first submit their papers in Round 1, receive peer feedback, and then revise for Round 2. This process allows researchers to improve their work based on reviewer comments, increasing the likelihood of acceptance.

3. Can WACV papers be considered for journal special issues?

Yes. The conference invites selected papers for publication in special issues of reputable journals like Machine Vision and Applications, giving authors broader visibility and higher research impact.

4. Does WACV have separate tracks for different types of research?

Yes. WACV organizes papers into Applications (system-level innovation, real-world use cases) and Algorithms (core methodological advances) tracks, allowing reviewers to evaluate submissions based on their specific focus.

5. Can I submit both workshop and main conference papers?

Yes. Authors can submit to workshops and the main conference separately. Workshops focus on specialized topics and may have independent review processes and acceptance criteria.

6. What benefits do authors gain by presenting at WACV?

Authors gain exposure, receive feedback from leading experts, and connect with potential collaborators. Presenting at WACV can also enhance research impact, citations, and professional networking opportunities.

7. Does WACV 2026 have a Doctoral Consortium?

Yes. WACV hosts a Doctoral Consortium, where PhD students present early-stage research and receive mentorship from senior researchers. The program helps students refine their ideas and expand their academic network.

8. Are code and dataset submissions required?

WACV encourages authors to submit supplementary code and datasets to support reproducibility. Authors must anonymize these materials during review to maintain the double-blind process.

9. What happens if an accepted author cannot attend the conference?

WACV requires at least one author to present in person. If no author attends, the conference may remove the paper from the proceedings, and it may not appear in indexed publications like IEEE Xplore.

10. Does WACV offer travel grants or funding support?

Yes. WACV and affiliated organizations offer travel grants, student awards, and sponsorships for eligible participants, particularly students and researchers from underrepresented regions or institutions.