CALL FOR PAPERS: 15th Annual Harry Potter Academic Conference (HPAC) at Chestnut Hill College

Friday and Saturday, October 23–24, 2026 (Eastern Time)

In person at Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Deadline for proposals: April 10, 2026

ABOUT: The Harry Potter Academic Conference (HPAC) returns for its landmark 15th annual gathering, which will be held in person at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA. HPAC is a non-profit, interdisciplinary conference that provides a forum for scholarly inquiry surrounding the Harry Potter novels and related cultural phenomenon. Open to scholars of any experience level, from established academic researchers to community members and students, this is a space curated to be inclusive and welcoming to all.

PRESENTATIONS: HPAC presentations are presented in 30-minute windows (20 minutes for presentations and 10 minutes for Q&A). Panel discussions, teaching sessions, or other alternative proposals may request a longer presentation time. Topics can include, but are not limited to, close textual criticism, diversity and inclusion, psychology, philosophy, political science, and film, music, religious, and fandom studies. Past presentations have been accepted on the Harry Potter book and film series, the Fantastic Beasts film series, and the Potterverse in dialogue with other works. More information about HPAC can be found at harrypotterconference.com.

PROPOSALS: Please submit abstracts of 150–250 words describing your proposal at harrypotterconference.com/submit. Multiple abstracts may be submitted but will be evaluated individually. Submission deadline is April 10, 2026, and acceptance notifications will be sent by mid-May 2026.

QUESTIONS? Please email Patrick McCauley (mccauleyp@chc.edu) and copy the HPAC email (harrypotterconference@gmail.com).

Please see our website for HPAC’s statement on our commitment to maintaining an LGBTQIA2S+ inclusive space in the fandom.