79th Annual Midwest Political Science Conference April 7-10, 2022
Hybrid Format: In-Person at the Palmer House Hilton or Online

Welcome to the online platform for the 79th Annual MPSA Conference!

The conference features a hybrid session format. Attendees may choose to participate in-person at the historic Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, IL or online in a virtual format. Since the conference is hybrid, presentations will occur in real time. Panels may consist of individuals participating in-person, online, or a mixture of both.

Session times run an hour and 30 minutes and will be held Thursday through Saturday at 8:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:45 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday 8:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.

Navigating the Online Conference Platform
Regardless of registration participation status (in-person or virtual) all conference registrants have access to this virtual conference platform. Please follow these tips to prepare for virtual participation, test your system, learn how to navigate the platform, add sessions to your personal schedule, and view session details. View helpful tips for using Zoom here.

In-Person Participation and Onsite Details
If you are participating in-person at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, IL, please refer to our onsite details webpage which includes information on registration check-in, audio visual equipment for in-person sessions, accessibility, and other onsite details and resources.

Resources for Presenters and Attendees
As you prepare for the conference, and to assist you in having the best conference experience, please review the following resources for attendees serving on different roles including guidelines for: Authors, Chairs, and Discussants.

View guidelines and FAQs for different session types including: the Junior Scholar Symposium, Lightning Talks, Posters, and Standing ePanels. If you are presenting a poster virtually, learn more about how to create your virtual poster for the online conference poster gallery here.​​​​​

The full hybrid conference guide is available for download here as well as a list of conference FAQs.

Uploading and Accessing Research
As a reminder, please upload your research to the online program. Instructions on how to upload your paper may be found here. Papers that have been uploaded for the conference are accessible through the online conference program. Follow the steps listed here to access and download papers from your sessions. If your session does not have a download button available when logged in, the author(s) have not yet uploaded their research to the session.

You should have also received an email with email addresses for those in your session. Please email your research to your discussant and chair in advance of the conference.

Download the 2022 MPSA Annual Conference Mobile App
The app features the conference program agenda as well as a host of additional features. With the app you can:

  • View the entire program agenda.
  • Set up your personalized schedule.
  • Search sessions by day, section, room location, etc.
  • View the exhibitor list and schedule appointments.
  • Network with fellow attendees.
  • Connect with social networking, and more!
To download the app, search for “MPSA 2022” or “MPSA” in the Apple App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices. You may also access the app by scanning the QR code below. After downloading the app, you must log in with the email address you used to register for the event.

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Conference Policies
Code of Conduct at Events
The Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) is committed to providing a safe, harassment-free, hospitable and productive meeting environment for everyone attending our events, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, religion or belief. All conference participants must agree to abide by the MPSA Code of Conduct at Events as well as the MPSA Streaming and Recording Policy.

MPSA Streaming and Recording Policy
Please be aware that the MPSA will utilize a streaming platform for the hybrid conference sessions.

All sessions will be auto recorded and will be available immediately in the virtual conference platform. Sessions will remain available for conference participants to view thirty-days following the conference.

Conference sessions (with the exception of poster sessions, the Junior Scholar Symposium and networking receptions and events) will be recorded and will remain available on the MPSA website after the conference. Professional Development Roundtables will be recorded and uploaded to the MPSA website.

In-Person Conference Participation and COVID-19 Policies
In-Person Participation. All conference events, including research panels, networking and mentoring receptions, will be held in-person at the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel in Chicago, IL.

COVID-19 Policies. We are looking forward to a safe in-person reunion of the political science community in Chicago. The MPSA will enable social distancing and will follow state and local guidelines requiring masks and vaccination. As of February 28, 2022, the city of Chicago has lifted its indoor mask mandate as well as its proof of vaccination requirement; however many individual businesses may still require proof of vaccination for entry and we highly encourage you to wear a mask and be fully vaccinated. If there are any changes to the guidelines listed below, we will communicate them as they become available. Please see below for the latest regarding COVID-19 transmission reduction efforts in Chicago, per the Choose Chicago website and plan for your in-person participation accordingly:

Latest updates

  • Masks: Chicago has lifted its indoor mask requirement as of February 28, 2022. Masks are still required in certain public locations, such as CPS, health care settings, on public transit, airports, and in other congregate settings.
  • Proof of vaccination: Chicago has lifted its proof of vaccination requirement as of February 28, 2022. Individual businesses and events may still require proof of vaccination for entry.
  • Gatherings: There are currently no limits on social gatherings or events.
  • Domestic Travel: The city of Chicago has issued a travel advisory that advises unvaccinated travelers from certain US states to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result prior to arrival in Chicago or quarantine upon arrival. Travelers are encouraged to delay travel until fully vaccinated.
  • International Travel: All International travelers coming into the United States must be fully vaccinated. There are no bans on travel from specific countries. If traveling by air, all non-U.S. citizens will need proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test. Chicago’s international airports offer the nation’s most comprehensive in-airport COVID-19 testing program. Learn more about airport testing and safety measures.
  • Restaurants: Chicago restaurants and bars are currently open for indoor dining, outdoor dining, delivery, and takeout with no restrictions on capacity or table size. While there are no citywide mask or vaccine requirements, individual businesses may still require masks or proof of vaccination.
  • Attractions and Events: All attractions and events are subject to changes and closures. We strongly recommend confirming the status of attractions and upcoming events by reaching out directly to the attraction, venue, or ticket provider. Chicago attractions, museums, sports arenas, and performance venues are open with no restrictions on capacity limits. Public and private events have resumed with no required capacity limits. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test may be required for entry for attractions and events.

For more information on COVID-19 guidelines regarding travel, restaurants, attractions and events, hotels, health and safety, healthy travel tips, and other resources, please visit: https://www.choosechicago.com/plan-your-trip/covid-19/.

How to Change Your Registration Status (from In-Person to Virtual, or Vice Versa)
Conference participants have the flexibility to change their registration participation status from in-person to virtual (or vice versa) if their travel plans change. If you need to change your status from in-person to virtual (or vice versa), please click here to login to your MPSA account. After logging in, click the ‘Update Registration’ button on the right-hand side of the screen to begin the updating process. Adjustments to registration pricing (based on in-hotel/virtual, out-hotel status) will be processed accordingly. Please note: if a balance is due, your registration will not be updated until the balance is paid in full. Any refunds due to registration status changes will be issued after the conference.