Sparks is a brand-new session format for AMCIS and for AIS conferences. Inspired by the idea of an “unconference” and contrary to other more formal sessions, Sparks serves not as a traditional conference with a set program and a recitation of past or ongoing research, but as a place to dynamically co-create a program at the start of the session based on participant needs and interests, generate future research ideas and connect with future collaborators. Sparks is a pop-up, participant driven session where attendees create agendas, discuss topics, brainstorm and/or ideate on future research in a low-stress environment and based on the interest of the hour. Upon arriving, participants propose (and vote on) a set of agenda topics, then organize themselves into sub-sessions around the different topics, iteratively discuss ideas, frame problems, answer the age-old research question: “so what?” and conclude with emergent presentations and affirmations. Sparks is open to all conference attendees, but PhD students, junior and mid-career faculty especially will benefit from the open sharing of ideas and the establishment of real research collaborations beyond mere networking. Participation in Sparks is free with conference registration, but space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis, so sign up now!

Requirements

Be an AMCIS 2026 registered conference attendee; PhD students, junior and mid-career faculty will especially find it helpful.

Select Sparks session when registering for the conference. (free along with conference registration). If you have already registered for the conference, you may go back and add it to your existing registration, pending availability.

Limited capacity!