Austrian Economics Research Conference 2020-Canceled

A Message for AERC Attendees:

We are extremely sorry to announce the cancellation of our upcoming Austrian Economics Research Conference, scheduled for March 20th and 21st in Auburn.

Several developments over the past 48 hours led to this decision.  

First, many of our presenting professors were instructed by their respective universities not to travel. To ignore this would risk administrative discipline and loss of travel funds. Without enough key presenters and session chairs directing discussions, the entire conference loses much of its purpose. Second, the announced ban on flights from Europe into the US affects a significant number of attendees. Finally, we would hate for our conference (or travel to our conference) to result in anyone becoming sick, however unlikely. 
As soon as possible we will let you know if the event will be rescheduled for later this year, or alternatively announce dates for 2021. 

All conference registration fees will be refunded. Again, we are truly sorry and full of regret at having to cancel this great event.
Sincerely,
Jeff Deist

Students: see scholarship application at end of page.

The Austrian Economics Research Conference is the international, interdisciplinary meeting of the Austrian school, bringing together leading scholars doing research in this vibrant and influential intellectual tradition. The conference is hosted by the Mises Institute at its campus in Auburn, Alabama, and is directed by Joseph Salerno, professor of economics at Pace University and academic vice president of the Mises Institute.

The conference begins with an informal welcoming reception Thursday, March 19 at Auburn University Hotel, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Central time. Conference registration takes place throughout the day on Friday, March 20 at the Mises Institute, 518 West Magnolia Avenue. Sessions begin Friday at 9:30 a.m. at the Mises Institute and continue throughout the day Friday and Saturday.

Also, the awarding of three cash prizes: Lawrence W. Fertig Prize of $1,500 to the author of a paper that best advances economic science in the Austrian tradition; the O.P. Alford III Prize of $1,500 to the author of the paper that best advances scholarship in the application of Austrian economic theory or libertarian theory to political, economic, or social issues; and the Kenneth Garschina Graduate Student Essay Prize of $1,500 plus conference admission and accommodations to the graduate student who presents the best paper in Austrian economics or libertarian political economy.

Named Lectures

Ludwig von Mises Memorial Lecture (Sponsored by Dr. Don Printz)  Martin Stefunko
Murray N. Rothbard Memorial Lecture  Matthew McCaffrey  ”The Long Rehabilitation of Frank Fetter.” (Sponsored by Steven and  Cassandra Torello) 
Henry Hazlitt Memorial Lecture  Steve Mariotti (Sponsored by Yousif Almoayyed)
F.A. Hayek Memorial Lecture (Sponsored by Greg & Joy Morin)  Alan Charles Kors 
Lou Church Memorial Lecture (Sponsored by The Lou Church Foundation) Francis J. Beckwith  “Why We Should Take Rites Seriously: Faith, Reason, and the Courts”

Notable past lecturers include, among others, Murray Rothbard, Dominick Armentano, Caroline Baum, Walter Block, Brendan Brown, William Butos, Patrick Byrne, Gene Epstein, Nicolai Foss, Jim Grant, Ronald Hamowy, Robert Higgs, Hans-Hermann Hoppe, Hunter Lewis, George Reisman, Paul Ruben, Peter Schiff, Jeremy Shearmur, Sudha Shenoy, Gerald Steele, David Stockman, John Tamny, Tom Woods, Bruce Yandle, and Leland Yeager.

In 2020 we celebrate the centennial of the publication of arguably the most important article in twentieth-century economic thought, Ludwig von Mises’s “Die Wirtschaftrechnung im sozialistischen Gemeinwesen”  (”Economic Calculation in the Socialist Commonwealth”).  If you wish to present a paper or organize a session focused on the themes explored in Mises’s article, please submit your  proposal as outlined below.

Proposals for individual papers, complete paper sessions or symposia, and interactive workshops are encouraged. Papers should be well developed, but at a stage where they can still benefit from the group’s discussion. Preference will be given to recent papers that have not been presented at major conferences. All topics related to Austrian economics, broadly conceived, and related social-science disciplines and business disciplines such as management, strategy, and entrepreneurship are appropriate for the conference. Proposals from junior faculty and PhD students are especially encouraged. Abstracts should be limited to 750 words. All proposals are peer reviewed by the AERC Program Committee.

Submit your proposal to papers@mises.org by January 24. Proposals after the deadline will be considered as space permits. Decisions will be communicated by January 31.

Submissions for the Kenneth Garschina Graduate Student Essay should be sent to studentpapers@mises.org by January 24.  Decisions will be communicated by January 31. The paper may be on any topic related to Austrian economics or libertarian political economy. Applicants should submit a CV and a robust abstract of approximately 500 words, and a completed academic research paper of 8,000 words or less (not a dissertation chapter). Submissions should be from current graduate students, not former or current professors. Finalists receive complimentary conference admission and accommodations, as well as presenting their papers in a special session at the conference. The winner must be present to accept the award. If you wish for your Garschina submission to also be considered for presentation in a regular session please submit a separate abstract-only to papers@mises.org 

Nominations for Fertig and Alford Prizes should be submitted to Dr. Mark Thornton by January 31. Winners will be announced at the conference during the live broadcast.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND FEES

For a hotel room at Auburn University Hotel phone 334–821–8200 before February  24. Or use this online form. Be sure to mention Austrian Economics Research Conference of the Mises Institute for the special rate of $145 plus tax (for single or double room). Or make your reservation online here. If Auburn University Hotel is full, we recommend Auburn GameDay Center (334-826-8870) around the corner from the Mises Institute, and be sure to mention you are with the Institute. If you are driving there are other hotels in the Auburn area that are not within walking distance of the Mises Institute.

For Faculty and Presenters, the early discounted registration fee is $228. (After February 25 the registration fee is $285.) The early discounted registration fee for Member Observers not presenting a paper is $316 per person ($395 after February 25). Become a Member for $60 and register today at the Member price. (Call 800-636-4737 to check if your Membership is current.) Registration covers all sessions, reception, two lunches, coffee breaks, and daily shuttles between AU Hotel and the Institute. Member Observers are requested to refrain from questions or comments during sessions, but discussion is welcome during meals and breaks. Registration fees cannot be disaggregated.

There is a $25 processing fee for refunds of paid registrations. Contact Patricia Barnett with questions.

Atlanta, Georgia airport is the only airport offering shuttle service to Auburn, Alabama, which is an hour and 45 minutes south of Atlanta airport. Atlanta is in eastern time zone and Auburn is an hour behind in central time zone.

Shuttle between Atlanta airport and Auburn
Driving directions to Auburn

Visiting Scholars Manual: Attendance at the Austrian Economics Research Conference indicates your acceptance of the terms outlined in the Mises Institute Visiting Scholars Manual.