The Sport Marketing Association welcomes the submission of abstracts for its 23rd SMA Conference, to be held in Baltimore, MD.

Abstract Categories

Authors may submit abstracts for one of the following categories:

  1. Oral presentation (25 minutes, including questions)

  2. Panel discussion, symposium, or roundtable (75 minutes)

  3. Poster presentation

Author Categories

Authors should submit abstract(s) under one of two categories:

  1. Professional

  2. Student (All authors must be current students; professionals can only be on paper as advisor; only one advisor per paper)

Submissions can be conceptual or empirical in nature, and do not need to be completed at the time of submission. However, for any work in progress, there needs to be assurances that the research will be completed in time for the conference presentation, should it be accepted.

To be considered for the prestigious SMA Conference Best Professional Paper, studies will need to be completed at the time of submission. Further, to be considered for the SMA Conference Best Student Paper award, abstracts must feature only one student author and can include up to one professional author who must be clearly identified as the sole advisor.

Important Dates

Authors should be mindful of the following key dates when preparing and submitting their abstracts (please note that official submissions are effective as of this announcement provided authors abide by the guidelines provided:

  1. Submission Portal Opens: March 7, 2026 (11:59 PM PST)

  2. Submission Deadline: May 7, 2026 (11:59 PM PST)

  3. Notice of Acceptance: June 15, 2026 (11:59 PM PST)

Abstract Submissions

Submissions must conform to the format instructions. Please keep a copy for future reference. Submissions will be subjected to a double-blind peer review. Authors will be notified of acceptance, rejection, or suggested modifications as soon as the review process has been completed.

AUTHOR NOTE: Within the submission portal, authors will be asked to upload their abstract as a Microsoft Word document (.docx). Please ensure that within the abstract you include the abstract title but exclude personal identifiers; the abstract body should not include author name(s) and/or affiliation(s). Below are bulleted instructions detailing the correct format for abstract files:

  • Each abstract should be no longer than 1000 words, excluding references. 

  • Times New Roman; 12-point font

  • 8.5 x 11-inch page size; 1-inch margins on all sides

  • Include text only; figures and tables not acceptable

  • APA Style (latest edition)

  • Files should be named using the name of the first author such that the abstract is named LAST_FIRST_ABSTRACT.docx. In the event a first author is submitting more than one abstract, additional files for further submission should be attached and named as follows: LAST_FIRST_ABSTRACT 2.docx. 

As you prepare your submission, be prepared to have the following on hand:

  1. Abstract document (adhering to the above instructions)

  2. Presentation title; presentation type (i.e., oral, poster, panel, etc.); author status (professional or student); presentation keywords; author information for submission purposes (names, affiliations, and emails for all authors)

Number of Submissions

There is a strict limit of two presentations per listed author regardless of co-authorship or type of presentation. An exception to this limit will be granted to advisors to current students, in which case only one advisor must be clearly designated in the author section of the submission. Please note that, in order to submit two abstracts, authors will have to enter the online submission portal two separate times (the portal will only allow for one submission at a time).

Reviewing Submissions

Abstract reviewers for the SMA Conference will judge abstract submissions on the basis of their contributions to the development and advancement of theory or practice in the field of sport marketing. All submissions will undergo a double-blind review and will be judged on their overall quality and contribution to the SMA Annual Conference.

Abstracts should not be submitted for consideration to another conference and should not have been previously presented at any other conference. In addition, research submitted for presentation at SMA should not be published, or in press, prior to the abstract submission deadline (May 7, 2026, 11:59 PM, PST).

AI Statement

Authors are accountable for the originality and integrity of their submissions and therefore should avoid the inappropriate use of Generative AI tools in the development of abstracts. 

Conference Information

This year’ s SMA conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor. Click here to learn more about the Inner Harbor and local attractions. Click here to make your reservation at the SMA conference attendee rate.

Questions/Comments

Questions and/or comments about the abstract submission process should be emailed to Dr. Liz Gregg, VP of Academic Affairs for SMA (liz.gregg@unf.edu).