How to Write a Call for Papers: 7 Essential Elements

Call for papers guide

A call for papers needs seven elements: full conference name, dates and venue, organizing bodies, topics, submission requirements, key dates, and contacts. Publish it on a dedicated CFP page on the conference website and keep that page as the single source of truth.

Published: 2026-11-04 · AllConfs Knowledge Base

The seven-element checklist

Check against each item—anything missing sends authors elsewhere for information:

(1) full name (CN/EN, edition number); (2) dates and venue (city, site); (3) organizers and supporters; (4) topics with keywords; (5) submission requirements (template, length, format, language); (6) key dates (abstract / full paper / notification / registration); (7) secretariat contact.

How to set key dates

A common sequence: abstract deadline → full-paper deadline → notification → early-bird registration deadline → conference dates. Leave enough time between review and notification for revisions and registration.

Write dates as year-month-day; keep them identical across website, CFP and emails; when a deadline extends, show the new date beside the old one instead of overwriting it.

What to put in submission requirements

Cover five points: template (download link and version), length limits, format (PDF/Word, layout, anonymity), language, and process (submission portal, plagiarism and duplicate-submission policy, how results are announced).

Tip: place the submission portal and template download where they are visible on one screen—this reduces pre-submission inquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the CFP be edited after publication?

Yes. Edit the CFP page from the dashboard; changes are live immediately. Keep a change note when key dates move.

Is a submission system sold separately?

Abstract and full-text submission is included in the Universal plan and above, within the same dashboard.