A special session is an embedded session in ATC 2018, focusing on a specific research topic relevant to the main conference. Each special session will be expected to accept 4-6 full-length papers.

Special session organizers are responsible for forming program committees, circulating Call for Papers, organizing submissions and reviews as well as planning the final programs. ATC 2018 special session co-chairs will assist the special session organizers in organizing special sessions and ensure their quality and success. The registration fees for special sessions will be determined by the organizing committees of ATC 2018, which will provide special session facilities. Special sessions should strictly follow the important dates. The paper submission deadlines could be after that of the main conference to allow special sessions to pick up some good papers submitted to the main conference. However, sufficient time (5-7 weeks), should be allocated for peer reviews. Each paper should be reviewed by at least three experts in the corresponding areas.

In order to encourage the special session organizers, the main conference will offer the following benefits to the special session organizers: (1) If a special session has 10-20 full registrations, then one full registration will be waived. (2) If a special session receives more than 20 full registrations, then its organizers can choose to get a travel grant (up to USD1500) to attend the conference, or to invite one keynote speaker for the special session with a free registration and travel grant (up to USD1500) for the keynote speaker. The registrations must be from a special session's own received submissions and accepted papers only, excluding transferred papers from other conferences.

Please email your special session proposals in PDF format by May 30, 2018 (Extended Deadline) to: the ATC 2018 special session co-chairs, Xiaohong Li (xiaohongli@tju.edu.cn), Shui Yu (shui.yu@deakin.edu.au) and Riccardo Lazzeretti (lazzeretti@dis.uniroma1.it). Please use ATC 2018 special session proposal as the email subject. Paper Submissions for accepted special session should follow the same Paper Submission Guidelines for the main conference. The length of a special session paper submission may be about 6 pages, or with 2 additional pages with pages overlength charge if accepted.

Important Dates for ATC 2018 Special Sessions

• Proposal Due: June 20, 2018 (Extended Firm Deadline)
• Proposal Notification: Within one week after submission
• Paper Submission & notification dues: To be decided by individual special sessions
• Camera-ready Session Paper Due: August 8, 2018