SAMLA uses a two-tier submission process. We are currently in Round 1.

Like MLA, SAMLA hosts an internal CFP page to connect panel organizers and scholars. In Round 1, participants can either 1) serve as organizer by proposing and chairing their own panel, or can 2) serve as scholar by submitting a proposal to an open panel on the internal CFP page.

By July 16, 2026, we will begin Round 2, an open call for papers. In Round 2, scholars can 1) submit an abstract presentation proposal to any open panel on the internal Ballast CFP page, or they can 2) submit to our open call for papers by navigating to the General Call for Abstracts page in Ballast. Papers submitted to the general call will be read by SAMLA staff (rather than panel chairs), who will match submissions to currently existing panels or will create new panels based on similar proposal topics.

Detailed instructions for submission for Round 1 are below.

Instructions for Submission (Round 1)

Click “Start Submission.” You will be directed to login or create an account on Ballast Academic, our conference management system. If you haven’t logged in for a while, please take time to update your contact info.

To propose your own panel:

1. Click “Propose a Session” on the Ballast home page splash screen or on the Ballast navigation toolbar (fifth item).
2. Enter the title of your session in standard MLA format. Do not bold.
3. Most panels will fall under “Special Session.” If your panel has run at SAMLA for four consecutive years and has received approval, you may fall into the “Regular Session” category. If you are a member of an affiliated group, please select “Affiliated Session.”
4. Select your panel type as traditional, roundtable, etc. Select at least one subject area your panel falls into. Include a co-chair, if applicable. Click “Continue.”
5. On the next page, write your abstract and description, including any additional comments. Please note this will be public-facing. Click “Continue.”
6. On the last page, verify your information and click “Submit.”

To submit your paper to an existing panel:

1. Click “CFPs” on the Ballast home page splash screen or on the Ballast navigation toolbar (second item).
2. Review the list of open panels and their descriptions. You can click on an item in the list to read the full description.
3. Identify a panel you would like to submit to. Open the full description page and click “Submit Abstract” in the top right corner.
4. Include your paper’s title and abstract. Please use standard MLA formatting. Do not bold. Also include a description and brief bio. Identify audio-visual needs and include a co-presenter, if applicable.
5. Click “Submit.”