The PDP conference features multiple tracks, including a main track that covers all conference topics, alongside specialized tracks known as “Special Sessions“ that focus on interdisciplinary aspects within parallel and distributed computing.
Special sessions are proposed upon request by a Session Organizing Committee, which operates autonomously with its own Chairs and Program Committee. Papers presented in Special Sessions are included in the IEEE volume alongside the main track proceedings (IEEE Conference proceedings format – IEEEtran, double-column, 10pt) and must therefore adhere to the conference rules, including paper acceptance rates set in agreement with the general chairs.
Special Sessions may have a later submission deadline compared to the main track, provided that organizers can complete article reviews in time for the final camera-ready copy deadline (estimated January 25, 2026). Each Special Session must have one of its chair registered at PDP 2026 in order to coordinate activities related to that session.
Important Dates
- Special Session proposals:
August 31st, 2025September 15th, 2025 (extended) - Paper submission: To be managed as a track in the same Multi-track EasyChair installation as the main conference. Special Session Chairs will be assigned there in Track Chair roles.
- Author notification: Defined by the Special Session Chairs
- Camera ready for all tracks: January 25th, 2026 (estimate)
Special Session Proposal Submission Guidelines
Special Sessions proposals should include the following information:
- A brief description of the specific issues that the special session will address;
- Contact information of the Special Session chairs, and their competence in the proposed topic(s);
- A tentative list of Program Committee members;
- A draft of the Session-specific Call for Papers including tentative calendar;
- An estimate of the number of expected submissions. For returning Special Sessions, please indicate the number of submissions received in the previous iteration of the session;
- How the Session is planned to be advertised to receive the expected number of submissions.
Proposals should be sent until 15th September to pdp2026@cs.ubbcluj.ro with subject [Special session proposal].
Download Call for Special Sessions file (PDF)