How to Cite a Conference Paper in ACS (3rd Edition)

This guide explains how to format a conference paper citation in ACS (3rd Edition). Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a conference paper in ACS (3rd Edition):

Template

Author, A. A. Title of Paper. Presented at Conference Name, Location, Date.

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

⁵ (superscript number)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

Okonkwo, F. A. Novel Polymer Electrolytes for Solid-State Batteries. Presented at the 265th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 20--24, 2023.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
List the author(s)
Use standard ACS author format with semicolons between authors.
2
Write the paper title
Use headline-style capitalization. Do not italicize. End with a period.
3
Add the conference details
Write "Presented at" followed by the full conference name, location (City, State/Country), and date range.
4
Include proceedings if published
If published in proceedings, cite as a book chapter: Author. Title. In *Proceedings Title*; Editor, Ed.; Publisher: Place, Year; pp Pages.
5
Add DOI if available
If the presentation or proceedings paper has a DOI, include it at the end.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing unpublished presentations with published proceedings (published proceedings are cited as book chapters or journal articles).
Omitting the conference location.
Not providing the full date range of the conference.
Using abbreviations for the conference name without defining them.
Forgetting to include "Presented at" before the conference name.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite an ACS symposium series paper?

Cite it as a book chapter: Author. Chapter Title. In *ACS Symposium Series Title*; Editor, Ed.; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, Year; pp Pages.

Should I cite unpublished presentations?

Yes, unpublished conference presentations can be cited. Use the "Presented at" format and include as much identifying information as possible.

How do I cite a poster presentation?

Use the same format as an oral presentation: Author. Title. Poster presented at Conference Name, Location, Date.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your conference paper:

Author(s)
Year of presentation
Title of paper
Conference name
Location
Date(s) of conference
Publisher of proceedings (if published)
Page range (if in proceedings)
DOI or URL

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Step-by-Step Guide

List the author(s)

Use standard ACS author format with semicolons between authors.

Write the paper title

Use headline-style capitalization. Do not italicize. End with a period.

Add the conference details

Write "Presented at" followed by the full conference name, location (City, State/Country), and date range.

Include proceedings if published

If published in proceedings, cite as a book chapter: Author. Title. In *Proceedings Title*; Editor, Ed.; Publisher: Place, Year; pp Pages.

Add DOI if available

If the presentation or proceedings paper has a DOI, include it at the end.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing unpublished presentations with published proceedings (published proceedings are cited as book chapters or journal articles).

Omitting the conference location.

Not providing the full date range of the conference.

Using abbreviations for the conference name without defining them.

Forgetting to include "Presented at" before the conference name.