Alternating Format

The 2026 conference will be held fully in person.

Beginning in 2023, HPAC moved to an alternating conference schedule, meeting online only for digiHPAC in odd-numbered years and meeting only in person for HPAC@CHC in even-numbered years. The HPAC Board chose this model to reflect changes in academic landscapes and in the Potter fandom. The alternating schedule also increases the conference’s accessibility to better include those unable to come to Chestnut Hill College. To carry the community spirit throughout the year, HPAC has a Slack workspace perfect for connecting with other attendees, sharing ideas, and more.

The Harry Potter Academic Conference always takes place on a Friday and Saturday in mid-October, whether it’s an in-person or online-only year. Programming often goes all day both days (9 AM to 5 PM). Two sessions run concurrently, except for special sessions like the plenary lecture. Breaks are built in to support community connections (via Slack in online years). The conference, based in Philadelphia, PA, USA, takes place in Eastern Time (UTC-4), even in online-only years.

Create Magical Connections

The friendships and scholarly connections formed at the Harry Potter Academic Conference over the last 15 years are truly magical. To continue the conversation beyond the conference, you can request to join our informal Slack workspace and opt into our email list, which we use to send important announcements like Calls for Papers and submission portal deadlines.