Call for papers
Please find our call for papers below. Six sessions are currently calling for papers:
- "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give" Social value and public benefit in archaeology
- Disconnected by design? (Or how do we design projects to connect with diverse stakeholders?)
- Women in commercial archaeology: Digital connection, safeguarding, representation, and practical pathways for change
- Future-proofing archaeological data: Lesson learned, innovation and better practice
- Disseminating the results of archaeological research in the 21st century
- Intangible cultural heritage: Shifting perspectives in UK and international practice
Registration
Delegate & exhibitor registration is now open!
Delegate registration
Delegate registration is now open!
Book your place
| | Early bird
(before 23 February) | Late
(from 23 February) |
|---|
CIfA member
One day | £125 | £130 |
|---|
CIfA member
Two days | £250 | £260 |
|---|
Student member
One day | £65 | £65 |
|---|
Student member
Two days | £120 | £120 |
|---|
Non-member
One day | £200 | £210 |
|---|
Non-member
Two days | £380 | £400 |
|---|
Sponsor or exhibit
Exhibitor registration is now open! Please find our exhibitor brochure below and feel free to contact us with any questions.
Book your booth
If you wish to book a sponsorship package, please contact conference@archaeologists.net
Industry profile - The work performed by UK development-led archaeology sector is valued at £309 million in 2022-23*
- 4,850 people work in UK development-led archaeology*
- Residential development was the largest market for development-led archaeology in 2022-23, followed by energy and transport projects*
- Those three areas make up 75% of the work for development-led archaeology*
*State of the Archaeological Market 2023, FAME | CIfA conference attendee profile - Annual conference attracts 300-350 attendees over the course of two days
- A third of attendees are senior within their individual firms
- Over 80% of attendees are mid to late career archaeologists
- 72% of conference attendees spend time with our exhibitors
- The conference consistently attracts decision makers for the largest archaeology projects and firms in the UK
|
The conference provides a great platform for networking—not just in the exhibition and catering hall, but at our social events. Make sure you check out the evening events on offer when you book your place to maximise your networking time.
Programme
Find theme and programme highlights below. We will publish the draft session descriptions shortly.
Theme
CIfA2026's theme is Building connections.
The objective of CIfA's annual conference is to showcase archaeological practice and innovation, providing a place for discussion and learning from each other's experiences to create a stronger, more resilient archaeological community.
Social programme
We have two confirmed social events to accompany the conference programme. On Monday evening before conference there will be a public engagement pop up at Augustine United Church from 20:30. Drinks and nibbles will be provided; registration is requested.
On Tuesday evening after the day's sessions, there will be an optional conference dinner. Book to join us at Edinburgh Street Food from 18:30 for an evening of food and networking.
We are finalising possible excursions for the Monday afternoon before conference begins, please keep an eye open for more information! Excursions will be booked separate from conference registration, so please do not wait to book for conference.
Logistics
Conference venue
CIfA2026 will be held at the John McIntyre Conference Centre at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Sessions will be held over 28 and 29 April between the Conference Centre and the South Hall Complex.
The entire conference complex is part of the Pollock Estate at the foot of Arthur's Seat, just 2.5 miles from both Waverley and Haymarket Stations.
From the University of Edinburgh events team
Inspired by the past, built for the future. Located at the foot of Edinburgh’s iconic extinct volcano, Arthur’s Seat, the John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC) offers flexible state-of-the-art facilities to make sure your conference or event is successful and inspiring.
Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are committed to providing our delegates with delicious and nutritious food that is produced with the environment and social responsibility in mind.
Accommodation
CIfA has partnered with Delegate Hotels to create a conference accommodation booking portal. The accommodation booking portal shows a number of accommodation options from participating hotels in Edinburgh. The prices shown are the most up-to-date based on current availability.
Additionally, the University of Edinburgh have provided us with a discount code to book accommodation directly with their in-house hotels. Delegates can use the code “EVENT” when booking accommodation via https://www.uoecollection.com/ for up to 15% off within The Scholar Hotel or the KM Hotels & Apartments or up to 10% off within The Scott Hotel (all subject to availability).
Please note that the above booking portal does not include all accommodation options. Budget options (Premier Inn, Travelodge, hostels, independent bed and breakfasts) often do not participate in these schemes.
Kindly note that Edinburgh is a popular destination with a limited capacity in the city centre. We encourage you to book your accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment.
Conference accessibility
CIfA aims to be as accessible and inclusive as possible - see our event accessibility policy as well as our event harassment policy.
The University of Edinburgh has worked with AccessAble to provide accessibility guides for their various venues. You can find the guides for our conferencing spaces linked below:
We will have access to quiet space at conference; please liaise directly with the events team for further information. If you have any requests or suggestions for how we can make the conference more accessible for you, please do get in touch at conference@archaeologists.net.
