Call for Papers: SMPTE Media Technology Summit 2026

SMPTE®, the global authority on motion-imaging technology and standards, invites technical paper submissions for the SMPTE 2026 Media Technology Summit, November 16–19, 2026, at the Pasadena Convention Center.

SMPTE invites original, unpublished submissions for peer review between February 18 and May 31, 2026.

Submissions must demonstrate originality, technical rigor, and relevance to emerging media and entertainment technologies. Previous published or commercial papers will not be considered. Student submissions are encouraged.

Accepted authors will be invited to present at the SMPTE 2026 Media Technology Summit.

General Programming Track

Abstract and Paper Length: Abstract (300–400 words) and Paper Outline (800-1,000 words) - Clearly describe the originality of the work and include at least preliminary research results.

Deadline: May 31, 2026

Proposed Paper Examples: include research or theoretical papers, new technological approaches, case studies, tutorials, or proposals aimed at advancing the industry.
Target Audience: The audience most likely to benefit from the session.
Submission Timeline: Draft manuscripts may be submitted between February 18 and May 31, 2026.

Submissions should demonstrate originality and present essential research findings, including at least preliminary results. Topics must address technical theory, research, innovation, application, or practice relevant to the evolving technologies in the media and entertainment industry.

Abstracts with a commercial, promotional, or product-specific focus will not be considered. Student papers are strongly encouraged as part of our commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the field.

Authors of accepted general programming track will be invited to present their work at MTS2026. Peer-review decisions will be made by June 30, 2026. Draft manuscripts and presentation materials are due in mid-September, with final materials required by mid-October.

Journal Track Submission

Full, publication-ready manuscript (between 3,000 and 5,000 words) submitted as complete manuscripts for full peer review and direct consideration for publication in the SMPTE Motion Imaging Journal. These manuscripts should be submitted via the main Journal submission

Deadline:May 31, 2026

Journal Track submissions should report complete, original work and include full technical detail, results, and analysis appropriate for immediate peer review and potential publication.
Submissions received between June 1 and August 12 will proceed directly into the Journal’s formal peer-review process. Authors will be notified of review decisions by August 15, 2026.
Accepted Journal Track authors will present their papers at the MTS2026, with PowerPoint presentation materials due by October 15, 2026.

Accepted papers will be published in the peer-reviewed SMPTE Motion Imaging Journal. Authors of accepted papers will receive an automatic 30-minute presentation slot at MTS2026.

Additional information:

Instructions on how to write a technical manuscript with resources, such as the Style Guide, Guidelines for References, Manuscript Template, and others, can be found on the SMPTE website.
For an example of a well-submitted abstract, please visit here.
An example of a fully completed manuscript is available here.

Milestone	Dates
Call for Paper opens	February 18, 2026
Conference track submission deadline	May 31, 2026
Journal draft manuscripts deadline	May 31, 2026
Peer-review descisions	June 30, 2026
Draft manuscripts and presentations deadline	September 15, 2026
Final materials deadline	October 16, 2026

Call for 2026 Technical Papers

We invite papers on the topics listed below , though submissions are not limited to these topics