Lnguistic Society of America pilot introduces hybrid model for 2026 annual meeting in New Orleans
The Linguistic Society of America (LSA) is introducing a new quasi-hybrid registration option for its 2026 Annual Meeting, set to take place from January 8 to 11 in New Orleans. This initiative aims to provide greater accessibility by enabling those unable to attend in person to participate remotely. Virtual registrants will have access to all plenary talks alongside four concurrent session rooms featuring a continuous schedule of sessions that represent the full array of disciplinary subfields. Attendees participating online will be able to see the speakers, hear live questions from the audience, and submit their own questions, fostering an interactive experience despite physical absence.
This pilot programme reflects LSA’s efforts to develop a cost-effective hybrid model, with the potential to expand the number of hybrid-enabled rooms in future meetings if the initial trial proves successful. Access to the sessions will be facilitated via the meeting’s dedicated app, which will be available for download upon registration. The society encourages international colleagues and those hesitant to travel for any reason to consider this virtual option, broadening inclusivity and participation at the event.
In parallel, the Society for the Study of the Indigenous Languages of the Americas (SSILA) will be holding its 2026 Annual Meetings as a joint event with the LSA meeting in New Orleans. SSILA members registering for in-person attendance will benefit from the LSA member rate, while online participation will remain free, with virtual sessions hosted via Zoom following the in-person conference dates. The SSILA also encourages donations to offset costs related to virtual meeting infrastructure, including technical support and language translation services, ensuring a supported and accessible experience for all attendees. This approach acknowledges ongoing travel uncertainties and seeks to provide flexible options to maintain member engagement.
The hybrid model adopted by LSA and SSILA aligns with wider trends in academic and professional conferences striving for inclusivity and adaptability. For instance, other associations such as the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the Latin American Studies Association (LASA) have successfully implemented hybrid formats in recent years, offering both in-person and online participation with live sessions and digital content. These models emphasise enhancing reach and engagement by balancing the benefits of face-to-face interaction with the convenience and safety of virtual attendance.
The increasing adoption of hybrid conferences also addresses accessibility concerns, enabling those constrained by geographic, financial, or health-related barriers to contribute meaningfully. However, challenges remain in creating seamless, interactive experiences that equate virtually with physical presence. Pilot initiatives like LSA’s quasi-hybrid registration option provide valuable insights into cost-effective and participatory solutions, potentially setting new standards for how scholarly communities convene in the future.
As academic and professional associations continue adapting to evolving circumstances and member needs, hybrid meetings are likely to become a staple, encouraging broader attendance and fostering diverse dialogues across disciplines. The LSA’s 2026 Annual Meeting represents a significant step towards integrating such innovative practices in linguistic scholarship, offering a template other organisations may look to as they navigate the complexities of post-pandemic conference planning.