Attend ICWSM 2026

Information about attending the conference in Los Angeles.

Welcome from the General Chairs

The ICWSM-26 Program Committee welcomes you to Los Angeles!

Welcome to Los Angeles and ICWSM 2026. We are delighted to have you here! Much like the complex social systems we study, Los Angeles is a sprawling, vibrant network of diverse perspectives and constant evolution.

As our community continues to tackle the most pressing challenges in social computing and data science, this gathering serves as a vital hub for connection. In an era where meaningful collaboration is essential to scientific progress, your presence here is incredibly impactful. We look forward to the discoveries and insights that will emerge as we work together over the coming days.

Enjoy the conference and everything Southern California has to offer!

— Luca, Kristina, and Fred
General Chairs, ICWSM 2026

Table of Contents

Venue & Dates

Conference Dates

Main Conference: Wednesday, May 27 – Friday, May 29, 2026

Workshops & Tutorials: Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Main Conference Venue

Hotel Information

Los Angeles Airport Marriott

Conveniently located near Los Angeles International Airport, providing easy access for international and domestic attendees.

Please use the "Reserve Your Room" button to the right to reserve your room at the group rate.

Hotel Reservations

Conference Rate: $169.00 USD per night

Cutoff Date: May 6, 2026

Reserve Your Room

Book through our group link to receive the conference rate and help us meet our room block commitment.

Workshops & Tutorials Venue

USC Information Sciences Institute

An excellent opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and connect with fellow researchers before the main conference begins.

Registration Information

We are excited to welcome everyone to Los Angeles, California for ICWSM-26 this year!

Please note that all accepted papers to the technical program must be presented by one of its authors in person at the conference.

We will offer a limited virtual attendee experience via Zoom exclusively for participants who currently reside in developing countries (please see the list of eligible countries here). Participants will be able to follow the ICWSM Technical Program, with the ability to interact via the Zoom chat. Please complete our application form by May 15, 2026, should you wish to apply for complementary virtual participation.

AAAI ICWSM-26 registration site

Register at the following link: https://aaai.getregistered.net/icwsm-26

The ICWSM-26 technical conference registration fee includes admission to the Workshop/Tutorial Day, all technical sessions, and access to the electronic version of the ICWSM-26 Conference Proceedings.

ICWSM-26 Registration Fees

Standard Registration - Technical Program

Early Registration | Deadline: April 10, 2026

  • $625 AAAI Member
  • $360 AAAI Student Member
  • $735 Non-member
  • $420 Non-member Student

After April 10, 2026

  • $725 AAAI Member
  • $410 AAAI Student Member
  • $835 Non-member
  • $500 Non-member Student

Silver Registration - Technical Program

Includes discounted conference registration, plus a one-year online new or renewed membership in AAAI.

  • $724 Silver Regular
  • $409 Silver Student
After April 10

  • $824 Silver Regular
  • $459 Silver Student

Workshop / Tutorials

ICWSM-26 workshops and tutorials will be held on Tuesday, May 26th, just prior to the technical conference at USC Information Sciences Institute. Technical conference registrants may sign up for any combination of workshops and/or tutorials on May 26th as part of their technical conference registration. For those wishing to attend only the Workshop/Tutorial Day, a Workshop/Tutorial Day Only registration is offered. PARTICIPANTS SHOULD NOT SIGN UP FOR CONCURRENT EVENTS, so please consult the schedule carefully before making your selections.

In-Person Workshop/Tutorial Day Only:

  • $150 Regular
  • $75 Student

Registration / Proof of Student Status

Students will be required to submit proof of student status during the registration process.

Refund Requests

The deadline for refund requests is April 10, 2026. All refund requests must be made in writing to AAAI at icwsm@aaai.org. A $100 processing fee will be assessed for all refunds.

Visa Information

AAAI recognizes that many authors and attendees will travel internationally to attend ICWSM-26 and will need to acquire a travel visa. As a reminder, at least one author is required to present an accepted paper in person and must be registered at the in-person rate.

For international attendees, you may use the following resource maintained by the United States Department of State–Bureau of Consular Services which provides information on the visa application process and estimated appointment wait times: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html. AAAI has no influence or control over the issuance of a visa.

AAAI will provide personalized invitation letters ONLY for paid conference registrants of ICWSM-26. You may request this letter via the online request link in your registration confirmation email. Please allow 24-48 hours to receive your letter via email. It is recommended to print the document to present to the consulate during your visa appointment.

This Letter of Invitation is to be used for the purpose of securing a visa to attend ICWSM-26. Attendees' registration, travel, lodging, and any other expenses incurred to attend this meeting will not be covered or waived by AAAI. Please note that AAAI cannot guarantee or intervene with the obtaining of any visas or other travel documentation required for entry into the United States.

Call for Student Volunteers: ICWSM-2026 Registration Waiver Program

Support the success of the International Conference on Web and Social Media (ICWSM-2026) while gaining full access to the event! We are seeking a dedicated group of student volunteers to assist with conference operations, ranging from tutorial and workshop support to main session logistics. In exchange for 12–15 hours of service, selected volunteers will receive a full waiver of their conference registration fee. We especially encourage applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented groups in the field, including women, non-binary researchers, and scholars from minoritized ethnic backgrounds or underrepresented geographic regions. Please note that slots are limited and require an active AAAI membership to be eligible.

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026. Interested students should submit their details via the ICWSM-26 Volunteer & Registration Waiver Application. We look forward to your applications and to seeing you at ICWSM-2026!

ICWSM 2026 Visitor Guide

Welcome to Los Angeles for ICWSM 2026! To help you navigate your stay, find the best local eats, and experience the vast diversity of Southern California, we have put together this guide with useful tips and recommendations.

Getting Around LA

Los Angeles is heavily car-centric, and getting around requires some planning.

  • Renting a Car: Renting your own vehicle is often the preferred option. It gives you the freedom to easily explore different neighborhoods, beaches, and food hubs on your own schedule. You can find rental options at the LAX Rental Car Center.
  • Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are widely available, but be aware that relying on them for all your travel can quickly become very expensive due to distance and LA traffic.
  • Public Transit: LA has a growing Metro system, most notably the Metro E Line which connects Downtown Santa Monica to Downtown LA and the USC main campus. However, the public transit network is not as extensive or fast as in other major global cities, so check routes ahead of time via the LA Metro website.

Getting to ISI (Information Sciences Institute)

Address: 4676 Admiralty Way, Suite 1001, Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (Google Maps).

ISI is located in the South Tower of the twin Marina towers overlooking the water.

  • USC Campus Shuttle: If you are traveling between the USC University Park Campus (UPC) and ISI, you can take the free USC Marina del Rey Shuttle. View current departure times and routes on the USC Transportation Bus Map & Schedules page.
  • Visitor Parking: If driving, park in the attached parking structure or the lot directly behind the building. For full directions, visit the USC/ISI Contact & Locations page. Important: Onsite building parking is $29/day per vehicle. We will not be validating parking for guests.
  • Workshop & Tutorial Parking – Suggested Marina Lots ($8/day):
    • Lot 77 – 13560 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey
    • Lot 8 – 13477 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey

Diverse Food Hubs & LA Classics

Los Angeles is one of the best food cities in the world. We highly recommend traveling outside the immediate conference area to explore these famous culinary hubs and classic LA staples:

World-Class Mexican Food

Los Angeles has arguably the best Mexican food outside of Mexico, ranging from Michelin-recognized seafood to legendary street food.

  • Holbox: A multi-award-winning, Michelin-recognized spot in Historic South Central serving incredible Yucatan-style seafood. Visit Holbox.
  • Sonoratown: Famous for their northern Mexican style and incredible handmade flour tortillas. Visit Sonoratown.
  • Guisados: Known for their homestyle braises served on handmade corn tortillas, with several locations around LA. Visit Guisados.
  • Taco Trucks & Stands: Look out for food trucks and pop-up street stands serving fresh Al Pastor right off the spit. Leo's Tacos Truck and Mariscos Jalisco are absolute must-visits.

Famous Neighborhood Hubs

  • Little Ethiopia & The Fairfax District: Located just south of LACMA, a vibrant stretch of Fairfax Avenue features fantastic Ethiopian dining (try Meals by Genet or Lalibela). As you move north up Fairfax, you will find excellent halal street food and restaurant options, as well as Badmaash - Fairfax for a fantastic Indian gastropub experience.
  • Thai Town (East Hollywood): LA has the best Thai food outside of Thailand. Do not miss Jitlada for incredibly spicy Southern Thai, Sapp Coffee Shop for boat noodles, or Night+Market WeHo for a modern, loud street food vibe.
  • Koreatown (K-Town): The epicenter for late-night eats and legendary Korean BBQ. Check out Park's BBQ or Sun Nong Dan for their famous braised short rib stew.
  • Sawtelle Japantown: Located on the Westside, this is the go-to neighborhood for incredible ramen and sushi. Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle is world-famous for its tsukemen (dipping ramen).
  • San Gabriel Valley (SGV): Located east of downtown, the SGV offers world-class Chinese cuisine, including unbeatable dim sum at Sea Harbour or the original US locations of Din Tai Fung.
  • Little Saigon (Garden Grove / Westminster): Slightly south in Orange County, this area is home to phenomenal Vietnamese food, including the James Beard Award-winning Pho 79.

LA Classics & Seafood

  • In-N-Out Burger: A California institution. The Double-Double and "Animal Style" fries are mandatory for first-time visitors. View their menu and locations.
  • Philippe The Original: Located near Union Station in Downtown LA, this historic spot claims to have invented the French Dip sandwich in 1918. Learn more at Philippe's.
  • Providence: If you want a Michelin-starred, high-end seafood experience in Hollywood, this is the pinnacle of LA fine dining. Reservations required at Providence LA.
  • San Pedro Fish Market: For a more casual, massive, and chaotic seafood feast down by the harbor. Check out the San Pedro Fish Market.

Fun Activities & Attractions

Whether you are looking for beaches, nightlife, or culture, LA has an overwhelming amount to offer.

Nightlife & Live Entertainment

  • West Hollywood (WeHo): The heart of LA's LGBTQ+ community and features energetic nightlife. Check out The Abbey for a massive indoor/outdoor party, or rooftop spots like the Skybar at the Mondrian.
  • Electronic Dance Music (EDM) & Clubs: LA has a massive electronic music scene. Catch top-tier DJs at Exchange LA in Downtown or the more intimate underground vibe at Sound Nightclub in Hollywood.
  • Stand-Up Comedy & Live Music: Catch a headliner at the legendary Troubadour on the Sunset Strip, or watch massive comedy stars drop in for surprise sets at The Comedy Store.

Hidden Gems, Architecture & Local Favorites

  • Downtown LA (DTLA) Architecture: Skip the Hollywood Walk of Fame and explore DTLA. Visit the breathtaking atrium of the LA Central Library, ride the historic Angels Flight Railway, and photograph the gorgeous interior of the Bradbury Building.
  • Grand Central Market: A historic downtown food hall dating back to 1917, packed with diverse vendors and a great local energy. Visit Grand Central Market.
  • The Arts District: A highly walkable neighborhood in East LA full of massive street art murals, former warehouses turned into breweries, and great coffee shops.

Neighborhoods, Shopping & Outdoors

  • Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive: Walk the world-famous luxury shopping district and view beautiful estates. Explore Beverly Hills.
  • The Grove & Original Farmers Market: A popular outdoor shopping and entertainment complex paired with a historic food market featuring dozens of food stalls. Visit The Grove.
  • Hiking LA: For iconic views, hike the trails at Griffith Park up to the Griffith Observatory or the Hollywood Sign. For a quick, popular urban hike with great city views, try Runyon Canyon in Hollywood.

Museums, Arts & Culture

  • Walt Disney Concert Hall: Located in Downtown LA, this striking architectural masterpiece by Frank Gehry is the home of the LA Phil and the premier destination for classical music and contemporary performances. Visit the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
  • Exposition Park (Expo Park): Located right across from the USC main campus, housing the California Science Center (home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour) and the Natural History Museum.
  • Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: Dive into the history, science, and cultural impact of the Oscars and the film industry. Visit the Academy Museum.
  • Petersen Automotive Museum: One of the world's largest and most impressive car museums, featuring iconic Hollywood vehicles and classic designs. Visit the Petersen.
  • The Getty Center: Stunning architecture, a massive art collection, and panoramic views of the entire LA basin. Visit The Getty.
  • LACMA: The largest art museum in the west, famous for its outdoor "Urban Light" installation. Visit LACMA.
  • The Broad: A spectacular contemporary art museum located in Downtown LA. Advance tickets are required. Visit The Broad.

World-Famous Beaches

  • Venice Beach: Known for its eclectic boardwalk, street performers, and Muscle Beach. Do not miss the highly photogenic and peaceful Venice Canals.
  • Santa Monica: Famous for the Santa Monica Pier, the Ferris wheel, and the 3rd Street Promenade.
  • Malibu: Head north up the Pacific Coast Highway for rugged coastlines and iconic surf spots like Surfrider Beach and Zuma. Explore Malibu.

Theme Parks

  • Disneyland Park: The original Disney theme park in Anaheim. Visit Disneyland.
  • Universal Studios Hollywood: A massive theme park and working movie studio, featuring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Visit Universal Studios.