Call for Ad Hoc Contributions

Ad hoc sessions at iPRES 2026 are informal submission categories designed for experimental ideas, networking activities, and rapid-fire knowledge sharing.

Types of Ad Hoc Contributions

  • Lightning Talks: These are high-energy, concise presentations covering recent developments, specific themes in digital preservation, or new project ideas.
  • Birds of a Feather (BoF) Discussion Sessions: These are informal gatherings for like-minded individuals to connect as a community (e.g., students, first-time attendees, or specific interest groups) or to discuss niche topics without a rigid agenda. Because BoF sessions are not recorded, they offer a private environment for candid conversations and sensitive topics.
  • Games: We welcome any board, video, or tabletop game that explores, illustrates, or amplifies aspects of digital preservation. While games may still be in the “beta” phase at the time of submission, they must be fully playable by the start of iPRES 2026.
  • Other informal ideas: Do you have a creative format that doesn’t fit the categories above? We are open to unconventional ideas – tell us what you’re thinking!

Why Submit an Ad Hoc?

  • Low Barrier to Entry: Perfect for first-time presenters or early-stage projects.
  • Flexibility: Focus on community engagement rather than formal academic writing.
  • Fast-Track: Share your most recent work without the long lead times of full papers.

How to Submit an Ad Hoc?

We will open the submissions for the Ad Hoc Programme on May 1 and close on June 5. We will be accepting submissions via a simple one page google form. The goal is to understand the idea and we are keen to hear about all your creative formats, whether game, bird of a feather session, lightening talk or something else!