How to Cite a Conference Paper in MLA 9th Edition
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
Author. "Paper Title." Conference Name, Day Month Year, Location.
Citation Components
Author(s)
Last, First. Multiple authors: Last, First, and First Last.
Paper Title
In quotation marks. Capitalize major words (title case).
Conference Name
Full name of conference. Italicized.
Date
Day Month Year format (e.g., 15 June 2023).
Location
City and country/state where conference was held.
Real-World Example
Example Source
Martinez, Carlos
AI in healthcare diagnostics
International Medical Technology Summit
10 Aug. 2023
Toronto, Canada
Formatted Citation
Martinez, Carlos. "AI in Healthcare Diagnostics." International Medical Technology Summit, 10 Aug. 2023, Toronto, Canada.
In-Text Citation
(Martinez)
(Author)
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
Martinez, C. (2023, August 10). AI in healthcare diagnostics. Paper presented at the International Medical Technology Summit, Toronto.
Right:
Martinez, Carlos. "AI in Healthcare Diagnostics." International Medical Technology Summit, 10 Aug. 2023, Toronto, Canada.
Why: MLA uses full names, quotation marks for titles, italicized conference names, and Day Month Year format without parentheses.
Wrong:
Martinez, Carlos. AI in Healthcare Diagnostics. International Medical Technology Summit. August 2023.
Right:
Martinez, Carlos. "AI in Healthcare Diagnostics." International Medical Technology Summit, 10 Aug. 2023, Toronto, Canada.
Why: Title must be in quotation marks. Conference name must be italicized. Include complete date (Day Month Year) and location.
Wrong:
Martinez, C. "AI paper." Tech Summit, 8/10/2023, Toronto, Canada.
Right:
Martinez, Carlos. "AI in Healthcare Diagnostics." International Medical Technology Summit, 10 Aug. 2023, Toronto, Canada.
Why: Use full first name. Include full paper title. Use 'Day Month Year' format, not abbreviated numerical format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm citing a conference paper that was published in the conference proceedings? ▼
If it's published in proceedings, cite as a book chapter with the conference as the publisher.
Do I need to include the conference organizer or institute? ▼
Only if it's part of the official conference name. Otherwise, location is sufficient.
How specific should the location be? ▼
Include at least the city and country/state. Hotel or venue name is not necessary in MLA format.
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