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Citing Conference Papers in ACS Style: Complete Guide

By ACS Citation Team
conferences
presentations
posters
intermediate guide

Conference papers and presentations are valuable sources of cutting-edge research. This guide will show you how to properly cite these materials in ACS style, ensuring your academic work maintains proper attribution and allows readers to locate your sources.

Basic Format for Conference Citations

Published Conference Proceedings

Author(s). Title of Paper. In Title of Conference Proceedings; Editor(s); Publisher: Place of Publication, Year; Pages.

Unpublished Conference Presentation

Author(s). Title of Presentation. Conference Name, Location, Date of Presentation.

Types of Conference Materials

1. Published Conference Papers

Example:

Smith, J. R.; Johnson, M. B. Advanced Catalysis Methods. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Chemistry; Brown, A. L., Ed.; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2024; pp 123-135.

Key Elements:

  • Author names
  • Paper title
  • Conference proceedings title
  • Editor information
  • Publication details
  • Page numbers

2. Oral Presentations

Example:

Williams, K. L. Novel Approaches to Green Chemistry. Presented at the 268th ACS National Meeting & Exposition, San Francisco, CA, August 21-25, 2024.

Include:

  • Presenter name
  • Presentation title
  • Conference name
  • Location
  • Date

3. Poster Presentations

Example:

Zhang, R.; Liu, Y. Sustainable Synthesis Methods. Poster Presented at the European Chemistry Congress, Berlin, Germany, September 15-18, 2024.

Required Information:

  • Specify "Poster Presented"
  • Include all presenters
  • Full conference details

Digital Conference Materials

1. Virtual Conference Presentations

Author(s). Title of Presentation. Presented at Conference Name [Online], Date.

2. Recorded Sessions

Author(s). Title of Presentation [Video]. Conference Name [Online], URL (accessed Month Day, Year).

3. Conference Websites

Conference Name. Organization. URL (accessed Month Day, Year).

Special Cases

1. Symposium Series

Author(s). Title of Paper. In Symposium Title; Series Title; Publisher: Place, Year; Volume, Pages.

2. Workshop Materials

Author(s). Workshop Title. Presented at Conference Name, Location, Date.

3. Panel Discussions

Panel Title. Moderator Name, Moderator. Conference Name, Location, Date.

Best Practices for Conference Citations

1. Accuracy

  • Verify conference names
  • Check dates and locations
  • Confirm presentation titles

2. Completeness

  • Include all authors
  • Provide full conference details
  • Note specific sessions

3. Format Consistency

  • Follow ACS style
  • Use standard abbreviations
  • Maintain punctuation

Common Citation Mistakes

1. Missing Information

  • Incomplete conference names
  • Missing dates
  • Omitted locations

2. Format Errors

  • Wrong punctuation
  • Incorrect italicization
  • Improper abbreviations

3. Content Issues

  • Wrong presentation type
  • Incorrect author order
  • Missing session details

Digital Considerations

1. Online Proceedings

  • Include DOIs when available
  • Note digital formats
  • Add access dates

2. Virtual Events

  • Specify online format
  • Include time zones
  • Note platform if relevant

3. Supplementary Materials

  • Cite slide decks
  • Reference handouts
  • Include supporting data

Tools and Resources

1. Citation Management

  • Use citation software
  • Keep detailed records
  • Save conference programs

2. Online Tools

Advanced Tips

1. Multiple Presentations

  • Cite each separately
  • Cross-reference related work
  • Note session connections

2. Series Conferences

  • Include series information
  • Note conference number
  • Add series history

3. International Conferences

  • Use English translations
  • Include original names
  • Note language if relevant

Practical Examples

1. Full Conference Paper

Author(s). Paper Title. In Conference Title, Location, Date; Publisher: Place, Year; Pages.

2. Abstract Only

Author(s). Abstract Title [Abstract]. Conference Name, Abstract Number, Location, Date.

3. Keynote Address

Speaker Name. Keynote Title. Keynote Presentation at Conference Name, Location, Date.

Conclusion

Proper citation of conference materials is crucial for:

  • Academic integrity
  • Source verification
  • Research documentation

Remember these key points:

  • Include all necessary details
  • Follow format guidelines
  • Be consistent
  • Verify information

Need help with conference citations? Use our ACS Citation Generator, which handles all types of conference materials and ensures proper ACS formatting.