How to Cite a Conference Paper in Chicago Manual of Style (Notes-Bibliography)
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
Author. "Paper Title." Paper presented at Conference Name, Location, Month Day, Year.
Citation Components
Author(s)
First Last format.
Paper Title
In quotation marks.
Conference Name
Full conference name.
Location
City and state/country.
Date
Month Day, Year format.
Real-World Example
Example Source
David Lee
Advances in renewable energy technology
International Sustainable Energy Conference
Copenhagen, Denmark
June 15, 2023
Formatted Citation
1. David Lee, "Advances in Renewable Energy Technology," paper presented at the International Sustainable Energy Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, June 15, 2023.
In-Text Citation
1
Superscript numeral
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
Lee, D. (2023, June 15). Advances in renewable energy technology. Paper presented at International Sustainable Energy Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Right:
1. David Lee, "Advances in Renewable Energy Technology," paper presented at the International Sustainable Energy Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, June 15, 2023.
Why: Use First Last format, quotation marks for title, 'paper presented at' phrase, and Month Day, Year date format.
Wrong:
1. Lee, David. Renewable Energy Technology. International Conference, 2023.
Right:
1. David Lee, "Advances in Renewable Energy Technology," paper presented at the International Sustainable Energy Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, June 15, 2023.
Why: Include full paper title in quotation marks, full conference name, location, and complete date.
Wrong:
1. David Lee presented "Renewable Energy" at a conference in Denmark on 6/15/2023.
Right:
1. David Lee, "Advances in Renewable Energy Technology," paper presented at the International Sustainable Energy Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, June 15, 2023.
Why: Use proper citation format with standardized date format (Month Day, Year), not abbreviated numerical dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include the conference date if I don't know the exact day? ▼
Include the month and year at minimum: June 2023.
How do I format a shortened note? ▼
Lee, "Advances in Renewable Energy."
What if the conference paper was later published? ▼
If published, cite the published version instead of the conference paper.
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