Frequently Asked Questions

Please check this page periodically, as it will be updated with new information as the conference approaches.

Last updated April 29, 2025.

Participation

Q: What do I do if the information about my presentation or session is wrong, I need to request a time or day change, I want to switch to a remote presentation, or need to withdraw my submission?

A: Request a change to the program here.

Q: How do I contact my session organizer?

A: If you are in an open panel: You will find e-mail addresses for your panel organizers on the conference management platform.

If you are in a panel organized by the Program Committee (with a session ID beginning with 66666 on the preliminary program) contact us at 4sSeattleChairs@gmail.com.

Q: Can I participate in the conference remotely?

A: Yes! 4S 2025 is a face-to-face conference with robust options for online participation. We will be offering a remote platform (more details soon), which will allow participants to attend panels that organizers have decided to stream online. Panel organizers and chairs will be able to log on to their sessions nearer the time, and stream their panel from their meeting room in Seattle using their own devices. Paper presenters may participate in panels remotely with the co-operation of the panel chair or organizer who is attending in person.

Q: Are my co-authors also considered "presenters"?

A: If you are listed as the main presenter, your co-authors will not be subjected to the no-multiple presenter-role-rules per conference guidelines. Co-authors are still considered presenters and would need to register to participate.

Q: Who do I contact about my Making & Doing session?

A: Please contact Yana Boeva or Shiv Issar by writing to the meeting email and titling the query “M&D.”

Registration

Q: What will registration cost?

A:  Registration fees are here. Please keep in mind that in person and online participation fee is exactly the same.

Similar to past years, the registration system in 2025 is equity based. There is a sliding scale of registration fees based on professional status and region of work affiliation.

Q: How do I register if I am not presenting at the conference, but want to attend?

A: At present this rate is not available, but will be reviewed monthly. Keep up to date by returning to this FAQ page for more.

Q: What do I do if my bank flagged my registration?

A: Please contact your bank and as them to pre-approve the transaction. Afterwards we can unblock your transactions in the 4S system so that your transaction goes through.

Location, Travel, and Accommodations

See Travel to Seattle for detailed information about location, travel, and hotels.

Q: Where will the conference be held?

A: The conference will be held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Seattle and the Summit section of the Seattle Convention Center in downtown Seattle.

Q: What hotels should I stay at?

A: We have arranged for discounted rates at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Coast Seattle Downtown, Hotel Max, and Hotel Theodore. See the Travel to Seattle page for information on how to book at discounted rates.

Q: How should I get to the venue?

A: The Travel to Seattle page also has information about local travel options, particularly to and from SeaTac Airport.

Q: Are there discounts for airfare?

A: We have negotiated a discount with Alaska Airlines.  Please see the Travel to Seattle page for details on how to book using this discount. 

Q: Where can I find information about nearby restaurants and other facilities?

A: The Travel to Seattle page has a number of options and links to other lists of local restaurants.

Q: I will be traveling internationally – what should I bear in mind?

A1: Currently in process are preparations for creating networks of support (support pods) for those traveling to Seattle from within and outside of the US. The current aim is to also offer points of support for travelers in early August 2025.

A2: There will be a Preparing to Travel document prepared for all attendees and will be available in early August 2025.

A3: The situation with US border control is currently unpredictable, and will be watching events closely in the coming months to make sure that we are supporting international attendees to the greatest possible extent. Attendees are also encouraged to consult their own countries’ travel advice.

Online and Remote Participation

4S 2025 is a face-to-face conference with robust options for online participation. We will be offering a Zoom Events platform, which will allow participants to attend panels that organizers have decided to stream online. More information will be posted here and on a full page on hybridity in early August 2025.

Contact Us

Q: Who can I contact for help?

A: For all conference-related matters, please e-mail meeting@4sonline.org or 4sSeattleChairs@gmail.com. For other 4S matters contact info@4sonline.org and for technical assistance with the website or conference platform, contact web@4sonlin.org.


General contact by email: [meeting@4sonline.org]