1. Who can attend the conference? 

Anyone with a keen interest in Indian arts and culture, including music, dance or other forms of traditional arts, are welcome to attend the conference.

2. Is prior knowledge of Indian classical music/dance required to attend? 

No prior knowledge or formal training is required to attend the conference. However, presenters are expected to have relevant experience or active involvement in traditional Indian performing arts.

3. Are there parallel sessions, or is it a single-track event? 

The conference will follow a single-track format, with no parallel sessions.

B. Registration & Fees 

4. How do I register for the conference? 

You can register for the conference using the registration link on the website. The link will be provided soon.

5. What does the registration fee include? 

The registration fee provides access to all conference sessions across the three days, including concert performances, and includes a ticket to the gala dinner.

6. Are travel grants or student discounts available? 

Student discounts may be offered. Travel grants may be available through the University Park Allocations Committee (UPAC) for eligible participants, subject to terms and conditions.

7. What is the cancellation and refund policy?  

Refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis. A detailed cancellation and refund schedule, including applicable deadlines, will be announced soon.

8. Is there an "Early Bird" registration discount, and what is the deadline?

Yes, the conference will offer early bird registration with multiple pricing tiers. Details regarding deadlines and fee structure will be announced around October.

9. Can I register on-site, or is pre-registration mandatory?

Presenters are required to complete registration by the end of January 2027. Attendees may register on-site, subject to availability, at a higher fee than early registration.

10. Are there different fee structures for international vs. domestic participants?

The conference registration fee is uniform for all participants and does not vary based on domestic or international status. 

C. Abstract Submission & Proposals

11. What is the deadline for abstract/proposal submission?  

Abstract submissions will be accepted until early to mid-September 2026. The exact deadline will be announced in due course.

12. Is there a separate link for submitting abstracts?
    There is a dedicated link for abstract submission on the website. Please use the same to complete the submission.

13. Are there broad themes/topics for abstract submissions? 

Any ideas or themes related to traditional South Asian performing arts are welcome. This includes any avenues in music, dance or other art forms. 

14. Is there a word or character limit for the abstract? 

Please try to keep the abstract length within 300 words.

15. Is there a sample abstract template that I can use to prepare my submission? 

There is no strict template that you need to follow. However, please include the following main points: Topic, name(s) of author(s), affiliation(s) of author(s), name of the presenting author, abstract text, keywords. 

16. Are interdisciplinary topics (Classical music + tech, AI, pedagogy, etc.) encouraged?

Interdisciplinary topics are encouraged, as long as they maintain a strong connection to traditional Indian performing arts. These submissions will be considered alongside others and will not be evaluated under a separate category.

17. Can I submit multiple abstracts (e.g., both a talk and a performance)? 

Yes, you may submit multiple abstracts. However, to ensure broader participation, it is generally unlikely that more than one submission from the same individual will be selected.

18. What is the selection process? Do you have an abstract scoring rubric to refer to? 

All submissions will be reviewed by an Expert Review Committee, which will evaluate proposals based on relevance, quality, and alignment with the conference themes. While the review process is rigorous, detailed scoring rubrics will not be publicly shared.

19. When will I hear back about the acceptance of my abstract?  

Applicants will be notified of the acceptance decision within approximately two months of the abstract submission deadline, tentatively by mid-November 2026.

D. Participation (Presenters, Performers & Students)

20. What happens if I need to withdraw my abstract after acceptance? 

You may withdraw your abstract after acceptance, provided that you have not yet registered for the conference. 

E. Presentation & Technical Details

21. What is the expected format for presentations (solo/duet/group, talk, lecture-demonstration, workshop)? 

We welcome a variety of presentation formats, including solo, duet, and group presentations, as well as talks, lecture-demonstrations, and workshops.

22. How long are the presentation slots? 

Presentation slots will be approximately 20 minutes in total. Presenters are encouraged to plan for a 15-minute presentation, followed by 5 minutes for questions and discussion.

23. What presentation formats are supported (PowerPoint, PDF, video, live demo)? 

A range of presentation formats is supported, including PowerPoint, PDF, video, and live demonstrations. Pre-recorded material may also be used, provided that the talk itself is delivered live.

24. Can I request specific equipment? Will accompaniment (mridangam, tabla, violin, etc.) be provided, or should performers arrange their own? 

Requests for specific equipment or accompaniment may be considered upon advance request and discussion with the organizers.

25. Are sound systems, microphones, and technical support available?

A general audiovisual setup, including sound systems and microphones, will be available. Basic technical support will also be provided.

F. Venue, Accommodation & Transportation

26. Is accommodation provided for conference attendees? Are there recommended hotels or on-campus housing options nearby? 

Accommodation is not provided for conference attendees. Additional accommodation options in the area may be found through the Happy Valley accommodations directory: https://happyvalley.com/ 

27. Is transportation provided between the accommodation and the venue? 

Transportation is not provided between the accommodation and the venue. Uber is the best option if not staying close to the venue. Free Blue Loop, White Loop, and Red Link bus services are available if staying close to the Penn State Campus.

28. How do I reach the HUB-Roberson Center from the airport? 

You may do an Uber/Lyft to reach the venue or your accommodation from the airport. 

29. Do I have parking options available near the conference venue if I bring my own vehicle? 

The closest parking option is the Hub deck, which is adjacent to the venue. Other options are East Deck, Nittany Deck, West Deck, and Eisenhower Deck on campus, which are within 20 minutes of walking or connected by free bus services. One can also use parking options downtown, also connected by free bus services.

G. Media, Access & Virtual Participation

30. Will the sessions be recorded or live-streamed? (Recorded, but dk about live streaming)

The sessions will be recorded and made available to registered conference participants. Live streaming will not be offered.

31. Are sessions accessible for presenters with disabilities?

Yes, the venue is accessible and equipped with features such as elevators and ramps to support participants with disabilities.

32. Will there be options for virtual participation? What platform will be used for virtual sessions? 

The conference will be conducted strictly in person, and there will be no options for virtual participation.

H. Academic & Conference Output

33. Will there be proceedings or publications associated with the conference?  

No, there will be no formal proceedings or publications associated with the conference.

I. International Participants (Visa Information)

34. Are visa fees provided for attending or presenting at the conference? 

Visa fees will not be provided for attending or presenting at the conference.  

35. Does the conference provide an official "Letter of Invitation" for visa purposes? 

The conference committee will provide an official letter of invitation to the registered participants for visa purposes.

36. How long does it take to receive the invitation letter after registration?

The invitation letter will be emailed to your registered email id within one week of receiving the request.

J. Contact & Support