MELUS 2026 | Austin, Texas
Beyond the Page: Storytelling Across Media and Borders in Precarious Times
Co-Hosted by Southern Methodist University and The University of Texas at Austin Co-Organizers: Frederick Luis Aldama and Christopher González
Conference Dates: Thursday, April 30 – Saturday, May 2, 2026 Optional outings and welcome activities: Wednesday evening, April 29, and Sunday morning, May 3
Conference Theme
The 2026 MELUS Conference invites scholars, writers, artists, and educators to explore the evolving life of story—how it migrates across media, crosses borders of identity and geography, and adapts to the demands of the present. In an age marked by political division, cultural erasure, and institutional instability, multiethnic storytelling in the United States not only persists—it innovates.
This year’s theme, “Beyond the Page: Storytelling Across Media and Borders in Precarious Times,” calls for critically creative and creatively critical work that examines how multiethnic narratives and poetry thrive across forms. We welcome explorations of literature in conversation with film, television, digital media, podcasts, performance, oral histories, visual art, music, and graphic storytelling.
Set in Austin, Texas—long a crossroads of cultures, activism, and artistic invention—MELUS 2026 is co-hosted by Southern Methodist University and The University of Texas at Austin, with generous support from both institutions.
Registration
Early registration is now open through March 15, 2026. Take advantage of the discounted early registration rate before regular rates apply.
| Attendee Type | Early Rate (through March 15) |
|---|---|
| Faculty | $200 |
| Graduate students, contingent faculty, and retired scholars | $150 |
Hotel
Our conference hotel is Hotel ZaZa Austin. We have secured a rate of $250/night through a credit provided by SMU English and MELUS. The rate may initially display as $359/night, but our credit will be applied before checkout.
The room block covers Wednesday, April 29 through Saturday, May 2. Rooms are limited — please reserve early.
To book:
- Call: (512) 542-9292 or toll-free 888-880-3244 — reference Room Block ID: MEL429
- Book online at Hotel ZaZa
The rate will be $359 per night before the credit is applied at checkout from the hotel. Hotel ZaZa cannot apply the credit prior to the final payment. Your final rate per night will be $250 + taxes. We recognize that hotel costs can be a burden even at our negotiated rate. We encourage attendees to connect with fellow participants to share a room, or to explore other lodging options in Austin. We are grateful for your flexibility and understanding. Please contact us at melus2026@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Keynote Speakers
Keynote speakers will be announced soon. Check back for updates.
Program
The conference program will be available soon. Check back for the full schedule of panels, roundtables, and special events.
Presentation Information
Presentation times:
- Panels with 4 participants: 15 minutes per presentation
- Panels with 3 participants: 20 minutes per presentation
- Q&A: 20 minutes per panel
Please note that we will not be offering a hybrid or remote presenting option this year.
Scheduling requests: If you have a preference for certain dates or times, please send your request to melus2026@gmail.com by Friday, March 6.
Contact
Questions? Reach the conference organizing committee at melus2026@gmail.com.