How to Cite a Conference Paper in IEEE Citation Style
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
[#] Author(s), "Paper Title," in Proceedings of Conference Name, Acronym, Conf. Location, Month Date-Date, Year, pp. page range, doi:
Citation Components
Reference Number
Numbered [1], [2], etc.
Author(s)
Initial(s). Last Name format.
Paper Title
In quotation marks. Title Case.
Proceedings Info
in Proceedings of Conference Name, Conf. Location
Date/Pages
Month Date-Date, Year, pp. X-X, doi:
Real-World Example
Example Source
1
P. M. Lewis and S. J. Woodley
Novel approaches to network optimization
International Conference on Networks
ICON
Berlin, Germany
May
12-14
2023
487-494
10.1109/ICON.2023.1234567
Formatted Citation
[1] P. M. Lewis and S. J. Woodley, "Novel Approaches to Network Optimization," in Proceedings of International Conference on Networks, ICON, Conf. Berlin, Germany, May 12–14, 2023, pp. 487–494, doi: 10.1109/ICON.2023.1234567.
In-Text Citation
[1]
[1], [2]
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
[1] Lewis, P. M. & Woodley, S. J. (2023). "Novel Approaches." International Conference on Networks, Berlin, May 2023. Pp. 487-494.
Right:
[1] P. M. Lewis and S. J. Woodley, "Novel Approaches to Network Optimization," in Proceedings of International Conference on Networks, ICON, Conf. Berlin, Germany, May 12–14, 2023, pp. 487–494, doi: 10.1109/ICON.2023.1234567.
Why: Use Initial(s). Last format, full paper title, 'in Proceedings of', include conference acronym and location, and complete dates.
Wrong:
[1]. Lewis and Woodley. Network Optimization Paper. Berlin Conference. May 2023.
Right:
[1] P. M. Lewis and S. J. Woodley, "Novel Approaches to Network Optimization," in Proceedings of International Conference on Networks, ICON, Conf. Berlin, Germany, May 12–14, 2023, pp. 487–494, doi: ...
Why: Use numbered format, author initials, paper title in quotation marks, full conference name, and specific dates with DOI.
Wrong:
[1] Lewis, P. M., et al. 2023. Network Paper. International Networks Conf., Berlin. Pp. 487-494.
Right:
[1] P. M. Lewis and S. J. Woodley, "Novel Approaches to Network Optimization," in Proceedings of International Conference on Networks, ICON, Conf. Berlin, Germany, May 12–14, 2023, pp. 487–494, doi: ...
Why: List actual authors (not 'et al.'), use proper author format, include full paper title, and use proper Proceedings format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use the official conference acronym? ▼
Yes, include the acronym for clarity (e.g., ICON for International Conference on Networks).
What if the paper doesn't have a DOI? ▼
Omit the DOI and add [Online]. Available: URL if it's available online.
How do I abbreviate the conference location? ▼
Use: Conf. City, State/Country format.
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