International Steinbeck Conference
Call For Papers
2026 Steinbeck Conference: 鈥淪teinbeck in Times of Crisis鈥�
March 11-13th, 2026
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
The International Society of Steinbeck Scholars invites proposals related to the ways in which John Steinbeck鈥檚 work offers insights into human experience during moments of crisis鈥攊ncluding personal, social, cultural, political, or ecological. We seek contributions that broaden understanding of how Steinbeck's writing addresses such themes as conflict, collaboration, resolution, resilience, and survival, and how these resonate in today's world.
We welcome submissions from various disciplines, including literary studies, film and media, history, philosophy, environmental studies, public humanities, gender and ethnic studies, and political science, as well as interdisciplinary approaches and others that explore Steinbeck鈥檚 work more generally.
Potential themes:
鈼� Steinbeck on thinking and perspective taking
鈼� Borderlands, frontiers, and contested spaces
鈼� Steinbeck and writing as craft
鈼� Steinbeck鈥檚 relevance to understanding our past/history and the future
鈼� Steinbeck in times of war/conflict (past and present)
鈼� Steinbeck on ecological crises
鈼� Steinbeck and identity
Submission Guidelines:
For traditional presentations, please submit your abstract of up to 300 words, as well as a short bio (up to 200 words) to the .
There will be no "hybrid" panels (mix of in-person and remote presenters). In-person presenters will be placed on in-person panels; remote presenters will be placed on remote panels. Please note in your submission if you plan to attend in person or present remotely.
Notices of acceptance to the conference will be sent out on a rolling basis in order to support scholars who are seeking funding from their home institution. And the final deadline for proposals is 11:59PM (midnight) on December 1, 2025.
Conference Registration
In person attendee $200.00
Graduate student attendee $125.00
Remote Attendee (Thursday 3/12/26 only) $125.00
Conference Hotel
Accommodations are available at the special conference rate of $229 until February 9, 2026 at:
(0.6 miles to Conference location)
225 E Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281
Travel Guide
See the for additional nearby lodging, food, and entertainment options.
Previous Conferences
2019 Conference 鈥� Steinbeck and the Twenty-First Century: Identity, Influence, and Impact [pdf]
2016 Conference 鈥� Steinbeck as an International Writer [pdf]
2013 Conference 鈥� Steinbeck and the Politics of Crisis [pdf]
