Harry Potter Conference

The Harry Potter Academic Conference (HPAC) is an annual interdisciplinary event hosted by Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, United States. As a non-profit conference, it invites a diverse audience ranging from curious fans to established scholars to engage in scholarly discussions regarding the Potterverse. HPAC aims to foster a sense of community among participants while exploring the wide-ranging impacts of J.K. Rowling's work. The conference has its roots in a small forum that began in October 2012, designed for students at Chestnut Hill College to share their insights and research on the Harry Potter series. Over the years, HPAC has significantly expanded in both size and scope, breaking away from the conventions of traditional academic conferences to create an inclusive and stimulating environment for lively discussions and critical analyses.HPAC 2026 marks the continuation of this beloved tradition, taking place fully on campus at Chestnut Hill College. The event follows an alternating schedule, with in-person conferences occurring in even-numbered years and online-only versions, known as digiHPAC, in odd-numbered years. This format allows for broad participation and engagement, making it accessible to individuals across the globe. As a platform for sharing scholarly work, participants are encouraged to submit a 250-word abstract describing their presentations, contributing to the rich tapestry of academic discourse surrounding the Harry Potter universe. Importantly, the Harry Potter Academic Conference operates independently from any commercial affiliations, ensuring that its focus remains on scholarship and community building.