How to Cite Conference Proceedings

Learn how to create citations for papers published in conference proceedings, both in print and online formats.

Basic Format

Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of paper. In A. Editor & B. Editor (Eds.), Proceedings of Conference Name (pp. xxx-xxx). Publisher. DOI/URL

Note: Include DOI when available, otherwise use URL. Omit both if the proceedings are in print format only.

Examples with Explanations

Published Conference Paper

Smith, J., & Johnson, M. (2023). Machine learning applications in climate science. In R. Wilson & L. Chen (Eds.), Proceedings of the International Conference on Climate Technology (pp. 234-245). Springer. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx
  • • List all authors in order
  • • Include editors of proceedings
  • • Add page range
  • • Include publisher name

Online Conference Proceedings

Lee, S. (2023). Advances in quantum computing. In 2023 IEEE Quantum Computing Conference Proceedings (pp. 45-52). IEEE. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/xxxxx
  • • Include conference year in title if part of proceedings name
  • • Use organization name as publisher
  • • Add direct URL to paper

Proceedings in Book Series

Park, H., & Kim, D. (2023). Neural networks in robotics. In Lecture Notes in Computer Science: Vol. 12345. Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (pp. 123-135). Springer. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx
  • • Include series title and volume number
  • • Add specific proceedings title
  • • Use DOI when available

Special Cases

Proceedings Published as Journal Issue

Chen, R. (2023). Data privacy in cloud computing. In M. Thompson (Ed.), Journal of Computing, 45(Special Issue: Cloud Security Conference), 78-89. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx

Format as a journal article when proceedings are published as a special issue.

Regularly Published Proceedings

Martinez, A. (2023). Sustainable energy solutions. Annual Proceedings of Environmental Technology, 12, 156-170.

Format similar to a journal when proceedings are published regularly.

Important Elements

Required Information

  • Authors of the paper
  • Year of conference/publication
  • Title of paper
  • Conference name
  • Page numbers
  • Publisher information

Optional Elements

  • Editors (if known)
  • Conference location
  • Series information
  • DOI or URL
  • Conference dates

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't confuse conference date with publication date
  • Don't omit page numbers for published proceedings
  • Don't include conference location unless part of proceedings title
  • Don't forget to italicize proceedings title
  • Don't include paper numbers instead of page numbers