Navigating the Landscape of Academic Conferences: The Case of ICAH

The term 'academic conference' evokes images of rigorous scholarly exchanges, detailed evaluations, and meaningful academic contributions. However, the rise of fraudulent and exploitative conference organizers has cast a shadow over this reputable domain. Among these dubious entities is the International Conference on Arts and Humanities (ICAH), a conference that deserves scrutiny.

Is ICAH a Genuine Academic Conference?

It is not uncommon to encounter suspected imposters in the academic conference landscape. The creation of phony conferences has become a lucrative business, characterized by high registration fees, hasty paper acceptance in exchange for payment, and zero necessity for actual presenters. These conferences offer the false promise of "publishing" papers that are often automatically accepted and then posted in the proceedings without much scholarly review.

Red Flags for Reputable Conferences

Ascertaining the validity of an academic conference can be a challenging task. One of the critical red flags is the promise of a quick, albeit superficial, paper evaluation process. For instance, ICAH claims to accept or reject papers within six days of submission. This speed can be a telltale sign that a conference lacks the rigorous and thoughtful review process necessary for a genuine academic event. Serious paper evaluations by competent conference committees typically require significantly longer periods due to the depth of scholarly scrutiny involved.

Realistic and Potentially Troubling Aspects of ICAH

While the ICAH may have certain qualities that align with the dictionary definition of academic conferences, particularly in education and scholarship, the structure and fairness of its operations remain questionable. Many scholarly conferences indeed attract both academics and other professionals yet often impose strict criteria for participation. ICAH, however, is notable for its lack of such criteria, potentially inviting registrants based on mere financial capability and self-funded accommodation.

A further concern is the lack of a tangible history. By failing to provide a history of previous conferences or detailed information about past events, ICAH leaves significant gaps in its credibility. This absence of historical context can be a red flag for potential attendees and scholars, as it raises doubts about the organization's long-term commitment and reliability.

Concluding Thoughts and Resources

Academics and scholars must be vigilant to ensure that they invest their time and resources in genuine and reputable academic endeavors. To help navigate this landscape, attendees can take the following steps:

Research Thoroughly: Before registering, visit the conference website and review all available information on the organization, past events, and proceedings. Seek Reviews and Testimonials: Look for feedback from past attendees and conference organizers to gauge their experience and the conference's overall reputation. Engage with Established Academic Networks: Leverage professional networks and academic communities to discuss the legitimacy of the conference.

For further guidance and resources on identifying real academic conferences, consider visiting reputable academic society and university websites, or seeking advice from established scholars and conference organizers.