How to Cite a Conference Paper in Harvard Referencing
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
Author (Year) 'Paper Title', paper presented at Conference Name, Location, Day-Day Month Year.
Citation Components
Author(s)
Last, First.
Year
Year of conference in parentheses.
Paper Title
In single quotation marks. Sentence case.
Conference Name
Full conference name.
Location
City and country.
Date
Day-Day Month Year or Day Month Year
Real-World Example
Example Source
Kawasaki, Shigeru
2023
Advances in quantum error correction
International Quantum Computing Conference
San Jose, USA
10-12 May 2023
Formatted Citation
Kawasaki, Shigeru (2023) 'Advances in quantum error correction', paper presented at the International Quantum Computing Conference, San Jose, USA, 10-12 May 2023.
In-Text Citation
(Kawasaki 2023)
(Author Year)
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
(Kawasaki, 2023) - using comma
Right:
(Kawasaki 2023) - use space
Why: Harvard uses space between author and year.
Wrong:
Kawasaki, Shigeru. 2023. Advances in Quantum Error Correction. International Quantum Computing Conference, May 10-12, 2023.
Right:
Kawasaki, Shigeru (2023) 'Advances in quantum error correction', paper presented at the International Quantum Computing Conference, San Jose, USA, 10-12 May 2023.
Why: Use (Year), single quotation marks for title, 'paper presented at' phrase, and location/date at end.
Wrong:
Kawasaki, S. 2023. Conference paper on quantum computing. San Jose Conference.
Right:
Kawasaki, Shigeru (2023) 'Advances in quantum error correction', paper presented at the International Quantum Computing Conference, San Jose, USA, 10-12 May 2023.
Why: Include full first name, complete paper title, full conference name, location, and specific dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the conference paper was later published? ▼
If published in proceedings or as an article, cite the published version instead.
Do I need the exact conference dates? ▼
Include them if available. At minimum, include month and year.
Should I include the conference location in in-text citations? ▼
No, just (Author Year). Location is in the full reference only.
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