AI4LAM
Fantastic Futures 2026
Conference Information
Fantastic Futures 2026: Conference Information
On-site registration for the conference has reached full capacity, but online registration remains available.
Registration and Preliminary Conference Programme
We kindly encourage you to complete your registration to secure your participation using ConfTool. The preliminary programme of Fantastic Futures 2026 is available on the ConfTool conference website. The programme remains subject to adjustment as session scheduling and event arrangements continue to be refined.
Should you encounter any difficulties or require assistance, please contact the organising team at: ff2026@ai4lam.org. We look forward to welcoming you to Fantastic Futures 2026!
Instructions for Presenters
To ensure the smooth running of the conference and facilitate efficient session management, presenters are kindly requested to prepare their presentation materials in advance and upload them before the conference. Please follow the instructions below regarding file format, naming, submission, publication, and any special presentation requirements.
- Accepted formats: PPT (PowerPoint) or PDF.
- Upload your file to the folder corresponding to the session in which you are presenting. The session folders can be accessed through the shared Google Drive and are accessible to everyone. The conference schedule is available here.
- Ensure that Google links are set to “Anyone with the link can view.”
- File naming: Use the format AI4LAM-FF2026-Surname_Short title of the contribution to ensure consistent identification.
- Publication: All presentations will be published on an open platform. Recorded presentations will also be included in the conference’s on-demand collection, which will be made available after the event.
- Display at the conference: Presenters are kindly asked to communicate any specific requirements or particular aspects of their presentations that need to be taken into account to the Programme Committee or session chairs prior to the start of the session.
- Paper presentations may also be submitted as short recorded presentation (approximately 3 minutes).
- This year, all posters will be presented in digital format only. Printed posters will not be used at the conference venue. Accepted formats: PPT (PowerPoint) or PDF.
- Presenters should prepare a digital poster presentation, which may be displayed on a laptop, screen, or similar device during the poster session.
- Posters may also be submitted as a short recorded presentation (approximately 3 minutes) which they use as demo.
- File naming: Use the format AI4LAM-FF2026-Surname_Short title of the contribution to ensure consistent identification.
Slide layout:
- Maximum 1–3 slides for digital posters.
- Use a 16:9 aspect ratio for optimal display on screens.
- Ensure all text is readable at a minimum font size of 18 pt.
Multimedia:
- Embedded images, charts, and short animations are allowed.
- Audio narration may be included in PPT files.
Recorded presentations:
- Duration: up to 3 minutes.
- Accepted formats: MP4.
- Recordings must include clear audio and legible slides.
Submission:
- Upload your file to the folder corresponding to the session in which you are presenting. The session folders can be accessed through the shared Google Drive folder and are accessible to everyone. The conference schedule is available here.
- Ensure that Google links are set to “Anyone with the link can view.”
Display at the conference:
- Presenters will display their digital posters on their own laptop or device during the poster sessions.
- Please bring your charger and ensure your device is fully updated and functional.
- All presenters are responsible for bringing and operating their own technical equipment and devices.
- Publication: All presentations will be published on an open platform. Recorded presentations will also be included in the conference’s on-demand collection, which will be made available after the event.
Panel chairs are kindly asked to ensure that all speakers are fully informed and well prepared for their panel discussion. This includes:
- Sharing the key questions, themes, and discussion topics well in advance, so that all panellists can prepare their contributions thoughtfully and coherently.
- Coordinating with panelists prior to the event to confirm their participation, clarify expectations, and ensure alignment on the overall direction of the discussion.
- Encouraged to organizing the panel as a round‑table discussion. Panels should focus on dialogue, exchange of perspectives, and collective reflection rather than formal presentations.
- Short introductory presentations are permitted by speakers, but they must be very brief (maximum 3 minutes) and used only to set the context. The primary aim is to encourage an engaging and dynamic debate.
- Chairs should actively facilitate the conversation, ensuring balanced participation, smooth transitions between speakers, and adherence to the allocated time.
- If desired, upload your file to the folder corresponding to the session in which you are presenting. The session folders can be accessed through the shared Google Drive and are accessible to everyone. The conference schedule is available here.
Authors of contributions nominated for the Innovation Awards are invited to submit a video presentation of their work. The video will be provided to the Board of Directors, who will review the nominated contributions and select the Innovation Award recipients. Please send your video to Ines Vodopivec, Secretary General, no later than 10 August.
Submission deadline: 10 August
Submission method: Email your video to scretary-general@ai4lam.org.
This year, we received 166 proposal submissions. Due to the exceptionally high number of submissions, it was not possible to include all proposed presentations in the conference programme.
To provide additional opportunities for sharing valuable work with the conference community, authors whose proposals could not be accommodated in the programme are invited to submit a recorded video presentation.
The submitted videos will be published on AI4LAM platforms as part of the conference’s online video collection, allowing participants to explore additional contributions beyond the conference programme.
Upload your file to the Video Submission Opportunity folder. The shared Google Drive folder is publicly accessible to anyone.
Venue information
Tuesday Sept 15, 2026:
AI4LAM Member Strategic Forum & Fantastic Futures Workshops
National Museum of American Indian
Wednesday Sept 16-17, 2026
AI4LAM Fantastic Futures: Trust in the Loop (Conference Days)
The 2026 AI4LAM Fantastic Futures: Trust in the Loop conference will take place on the 5th floor of the John Adams Building of the Library of Congress. It is located on 2nd Street SE, between Independence Ave and East Capitol Street SE, directly to the east of the Library of Congress Jefferson Building, directly south of the Folger Shakespeare Library.
Library of Congress John Adams Building
Enter the Ground Floor off 2nd Street SE (Washington DC 20540), go through security, take elevators up to the 5th floor.
Tracked sessions will be in the Madison Building of the LIbrary of Congress, all buildings are connected via tunnels. Volunteers and signage will help attendees find their way.
Library of Congress Maps & Floor Plans: https://www.loc.gov/visit/maps-and-floor-plans/.
Entering Library of Congress Buildings
- SECURITY: All visitors and attendees must navigate “airport-like” security to enter the Library of Congress. We encourage you to limit the number of personal belongings and bags you bring into our facilities as they will be subject to a thorough search. Limiting the items you bring will increase your speed through security checkpoints.
- PERSONAL BELONGINGS: There is a coat check station available on the Ground Floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building. Backpacks, bags, coats, strollers, and other personal items may be checked at no cost to the visitor.
- PROHIBITED ITEMS AT LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ENTRY: Ammunition, Animals (other than service animals) Aerosol containers, Bags (larger than 18” x 14” x 8.5”), Balloons, Bicycles, Ballistic items, Chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear substances, Chemicals (or other damaging liquids) Destructive devices, Disabling chemicals, Drones, Firearms, Handcuffs (or any items that can be used as restraints), Impact weapons (such as batons blackjacks or clubs laser pointers), Mace or pepper spray, Noise amplification devices, Knives or sharp pointed objects, Realistic replicas of explosives or firearms, Sealed envelopes and packages, Signs or structures that support signs, Tasers / Stun guns, any other weapon designated a hazard by USCP.
- ALLOWED ITEMS: Battery operated electronic devices, Bottles/cans; Creams, lotions or perfumes (no larger than 3.4 oz.), Containers (open, empty and clear/translucent) Food or beverage (in original packaging).
Directions to the Library of Congress
- Closest Metro stop to the Library of Congress: Capitol South (Orange/Blue/Silver Lines)
- Exit station using main exit, walk approximately two blocks north on First Street SE, then one block east to Second Street SE to the Adams building.
- Alternative Stop: Union Station (Red Line) – 5 miles walk (10-15 mins)
- Exit Union station, cut southeast across entrance plaza with fountain, follow Massachusetts Ave SE, walk south on 2nd St SE, pass the Senate buildings, pass the US Supreme Court, arrive at the Adams building.
- View Campus Map
- Visit the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) web site for additional information.
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) – 4.4 miles, closest to the Library
- Shuttle service or taxi (~$30)
- Subway (Metro) – blue and yellow lines (~$5)
Dulles International Airport (IAD) – 31.2 miles, most flight options
- Shuttle service or taxi ($70-$100)
- Subway (Metro) – silver line (~$8)
Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) – 32.4 miles
- Shuttle service or taxi ($70-$100)
- Amtrak train to Union Station (~$20)
- Maryland Commuter Rail (MARC) to Union Station (~$8)
Map with Local Information
Consult this map for an overview of key locations for FF2026 developed by the AI4LAM DC Chapter.
Entering the United States
If traveling from outside the United States, you must obtain authorization to enter the country. You may be eligible to apply for an electronic travel authorization. Visit the Electronic System Travel Authorization website to submit travel documents. The application process takes about 30 mins and the approval process can take up to 72 hours. If you need a U.S. point of contact, please reach out the following email address: LC-Labs@loc.gov.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Please note these FAQs will be updated as we continue to finalise the conference programme and arrangements.
Almost all sessions and talks of the main event will be livestreamed for registered participants. Livestream links will be sent in advance to all registered attendees. Recordings will also be made available on AI4LAM’s YouTube channel following the conference. Please note that advance registration is required to access the livestream.
Participants can register for guided tours and workshops through ConfTool system. Workshops are only available to full ticket holders.
Official social events include Wednesday AI4LAM Conference Reception and Innovation Awards and Thursday Evening Event: Live @ the Library Reception. Booking is required and will be available at the same time general registration opens in ConfTool. For more information please see the program: Fantastic Futures 2026 – ConfTool Pro – BrowseSessions.
We are also looking into sharing information about restaurants and other venues for self-organised dinners etc.
Information on Wi‑Fi access will be provided at the conference venue on the day of the event.
Unfortunately, as much as we’d like to, we can’t offer travel bursaries or registration fee discounts for presenters.
Lunch will be provided each day, along with catered tea and coffee breaks. Please specify any dietary restrictions in advance during registration in ConfTool.
Once registered on the ConfTool system you will be able to download a letter of invitation, and following the conference attendees can download a certificate of attendance.
The event hashtag is #FF2026 on whichever platforms you use. You are welcome to tag us on our social media channels: Linkedin, Mastadon, Slask, YouTube.
On LinkedIn:
@AI4LAM – Artificial Intelligence for Libraries, Archives and Museums
@Library of Congress
@Smithsonian Institution
@National Gallery of Art
On Mastadon:
@AI4LAM@glammr.us
Staying in touch
We would be delighted to stay in touch with you. If you have any questions, need assistance, or would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at ff2026@ai4lam.org. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sponsors
Our conference is also supported by our sponsors. We sincerely appreciate their valuable support, partnership, and commitment, which contribute significantly to the successful organization of this event. Their contribution is an important part of our efforts to create a meaningful and impactful conference experience:
