Call For Papers
Polanyi For The 21st Century
8–10 June 2026
In June 2026, the Polanyi Society will sponsor a conference for the purpose of exploring ways Polanyi’s thought might be brought to bear on contemporary questions and issues (e.g., social dynamics and civil society, the maintenance of liberal democracy, artificial intelligence, etc.).
The Society therefore invites proposals for
- papers on these topics, as well as others that address other themes in Polanyi’s thought (e.g., epistemology, aesthetics, embodiment, emergence, economics, etc.) as well as
- book discussions that would be of interest to those involved in the study of Polanyian thought.
Proposals should be no more than 250 words and can be sent to Andrew Grosso (atgrosso@icloud.com). The deadline for submission of proposals is Tuesday, 31 March 2026. Proposals submitted after this date will be considered only if the schedule can accommodate additional presentations.
The conference will meet 8–10 June 2026 (Mon-Wed) at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Nashotah, WI (west of Milwaukee, just off of I-94). The nearest international airport is General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Milwaukee, about 45 minutes away; Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is about two hours away.
The conference will begin with a half-day workshop (on Monday, 8 June): senior Polanyi scholars will facilitate discussions of select primary sources. Those new to Polanyi studies, especially graduate students, are encouraged to participate in this workshop.
The conference will also include an opportunity for those interested in the work of the Society to engage in some strategic visioning aimed at helping the Society identify the programs, topics, and initiatives that should guide the work of the Society in the coming years.
Early-bird registration opens Monday, 5 January 2026, and will be $225. Regular registration opens Sunday, 1 March 2026, and will be $275. Late registration opens Monday, 11 May 2026, and will be $300. Registration include access to all sessions and meals at the conference itself. Further details regarding registration are available at the Society’s website (polanyisociety.org).
Registration does not include lodgings. A limited number of rooms will be available on the campus of Nashotah House; rates for on-campus housing range from $65 to $100 per night, and some rooms can be shared. Contact Andrew Grosso (atgrosso@icloud.com) for information about on-campus housing. Nearby hotels include the Hilton Garden Inn (3.3 miles from Nashotah House), Holiday Inn Express (4.7 miles from Nashotah House), AmericInn of Delafield (4.5 miles from Nashotah House), and others.
A limited amount of financial aid is available for those with demonstrable need; for more information, contact Andrew Grosso (atgrosso@icloud.com). Additional details regarding the schedule for the conference will be available on the website for the Polanyi Society (polanyisociety.org).