Conference Pods

SIGCOMM Conference Pods create opportunities for students and researchers around the world, especially those in regions with limited access to international travel, to participate fully in the SIGCOMM conference through shared local experiences. Over the past several years, Pods have become one of SIGCOMM’s most impactful inclusion and outreach efforts, bringing together hundreds of participants across multiple continents who would not otherwise have been able to attend. These gatherings have strengthened local networking communities, increased exposure to SIGCOMM research, and generated new energy around networking education and collaboration. This aligns with SIGCOMM’s broader commitment to community outreach and diversity initiatives, as captured in the SIGCOMM and ACM SIGCOMM program descriptions. 

A Pod is a locally organized group that meets at a university, research center, or similar venue to stream the SIGCOMM conference program and participate in discussions, collaborative sessions, or locally adapted activities. Pods vary widely in format. Some are small, informal gatherings in a single room, while others host multi day events that include discussions, poster sessions, faculty panels, or activities tailored to local needs. The essential expectation is that Pods engage meaningfully with the SIGCOMM main program through real time participation, scheduled viewing of recorded content, or conversations with presenters arranged to match local time zones.

SIGCOMM supports Pod organizers by offering guidance, technical assistance for streaming, visibility through official channels, and optional templates for event materials. While direct funding is limited, small amounts of support may be available to help with essential local costs. Many Pods operate successfully with minimal resources, often needing only a suitable room, reliable internet, a few volunteers, and an enthusiastic local community. Importantly, anyone can organize a Pod, including students, early career researchers, faculty, or other motivated community members.

How to Apply

To propose a Pod, organizers are invited to submit a short description that includes:

1. Hosting institution and location

2. Expected audience

3. Local organizing team

4. Planned activities

5. Any anticipated support needs

Proposals do not need to be long. A one to two page overview is sufficient.

To apply, send your proposal to pods@sigcomm.org.

Organizers should also watch for announcements on SIGCOMM.org and SIGCOMM’s official communication channels, where calls for Pods are posted each conference cycle.