About
First Time at AMCIS? Start Here.
AMCIS 2026 is your opportunity to connect with the information systems community, discover new research, meet colleagues with shared interests, and find your place within AIS.
What to Expect
AMCIS brings together information systems scholars, doctoral students, educators, and professionals for research, learning, networking, and community engagement.
Research & Learning
Attend Mid-Career Faculty Consortium or Early-Career Faculty Consortium, paper sessions, panels, Professional Development Symposia, workshops, TREO Talks, and the Insights on Digital Transformation in the Age of AI session. (If a session is sold out, plan to attend next year!)
Networking & Community
Meet colleagues through sessions, Member Connect, receptions, AIS Special Interest Groups, Chapters, Colleges, and informal conversations throughout the conference.
Professional Growth
Discover ways to become more involved in AIS, strengthen your research network, and identify future opportunities for collaboration, service, and leadership.
Before You Arrive
A little preparation can make your first AMCIS experience easier, more productive, and more enjoyable.
Understanding the Program
AMCIS includes many different session types. First-time attendees are encouraged to try a mix of formal presentations, interactive sessions, and networking events.
Research Sessions
Hear completed and emerging research presented by IS scholars and doctoral students.
TREO Talks
Explore short presentations that introduce research ideas, teaching innovations, or emerging issues.
Panels
Listen to multiple perspectives on timely topics, field developments, and issues affecting the IS community.
Workshops
Participate in focused learning opportunities that may include discussion, skill-building, or collaborative activities.
Professional Development Symposia
Engage with content designed to support career development, teaching, research, service, and professional growth.
Insights on Digital Transformation in the Age of AI
Join leaders from venture capital, startup ecosystems, and AI entrepreneurship for a timely discussion on how AI is reshaping innovation, investment, venture growth, and the partnerships driving the next wave of digital transformation.
Teaching Inside the Thread: An AI-Centered Pedagogy
Explore an AI-centered approach to teaching through a hands-on workshop that introduces a pedagogical framework, live AI companion tool, and behind-the-scenes design process for faculty interested in adapting AI for IS education.
Your First-Time Attendee Pathway
Use this simple pathway to make the most of your time at AMCIS without overloading your schedule.
Get Oriented
- Attend a welcome reception.
- Visit sessions related to your research interests.
- Introduce yourself to people seated near you.
- Attend Member Connect or another networking event.
- Take advantage of SIG/Ancillary Meetings and Workshops.
Engage More Deeply
- Attend a session outside your normal research area.
- Attend a panel, PDS, Insights on Digital Transformation in the Age of AI session.
- Visit a SIG, Chapter, or College meeting.
- Connect with someone whose work interests you.
Build Momentum
- Follow up with new contacts before leaving Reno.
- Make notes about research ideas or collaboration opportunities.
- Identify ways to stay involved with AIS.
- Plan your next conference submission or volunteer step.
- Attend the Social Event.
Start With Member Connect
Member Connect is one of the best places for first-time attendees to begin. This informal event helps you meet leaders from AIS Special Interest Groups, Chapters, and Colleges while learning how to become more involved in the AIS community.
Small group conversations make it easier to meet colleagues with shared research interests, professional goals, and community involvement opportunities.
- Meet AIS community leaders.
- Learn about SIGs, Chapters, and Colleges.
- Find people with shared research interests.
- Ask questions in a low-pressure setting.
- Discover ways to stay connected after AMCIS.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
These simple strategies can help you feel more confident and connected throughout the conference.
If You Are Attending Alone
- Choose one networking event before you arrive.
- Sit near others instead of sitting alone in the back of the room.
- Introduce yourself with your name, institution, and research interest.
- Ask presenters a question after sessions when their work interests you.
If You Are Presenting
- Arrive early to your session room.
- Keep your presentation within the assigned time.
- Prepare a short summary of your work for informal conversations.
- Stay for the full session and support the other presenters.
If You Want to Network
- Attend Member Connect and SIG, Chapter, or College activities.
- Use breaks as opportunities for brief conversations.
- Follow up with new contacts within one week after AMCIS.
- Look for volunteer or review opportunities after the conference.
If You Feel Overwhelmed
- Do not try to attend every session.
- Build in time for breaks, meals, and informal conversations.
- Choose a few priority sessions each day.
- Remember that many attendees are also meeting people for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
New to AMCIS? These answers can help you feel more prepared before you arrive.
Do I need to know anyone before attending AMCIS?
No. Many attendees come to AMCIS looking to meet new colleagues, expand their research network, and become more involved in AIS.
Which sessions should I attend?
Start with sessions related to your research interests. Then choose at least one session outside your usual area to broaden your perspective and meet new colleagues.
Should I attend SIG, Chapter, or College meetings?
Yes. These meetings are a great way to find people with shared interests and learn how to become more involved in the AIS community.
What should I do if I am attending alone?
Attend Member Connect, introduce yourself to people near you in sessions, and participate in informal networking opportunities. AMCIS is designed to help attendees connect.
Is AMCIS only for senior scholars?
No. AMCIS welcomes doctoral students, early-career scholars, senior faculty, educators, professionals, and AIS community members at many career stages.
How do I stay connected after AMCIS?
Follow up with people you met, join AIS communities, participate in SIG activities, and watch for future conference, service, and volunteer opportunities.
Make Your First AMCIS Count
Start with the sessions, stay for the community, and use AMCIS 2026 as an opportunity to build lasting connections across AIS.