Call for Papers

The 49th Annual Symposium of the Society for German American Studies will be held April 24–26, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The theme of the Symposium will be “German Americans in Print.” This broad theme invites discussion about German Americans as subjects and producers of print media. We invite proposals for presentations across disciplines on the role of German Americans in printed material.

As is the Symposium’s tradition, we also welcome proposals on other areas of German American studies, including, but not limited to, literature, language, history, religion, and culture. Membership in the Society for German American Studies is required of those who present papers. The symposium is in-person only; virtual attendance cannot be supported. Jointly authored proposals are welcome, however only those in attendance at the symposium will be listed in the program. Some financial support in the amount of up to $1500 US is available for graduate students and recent PhD recipients to present at the in-person Symposia of the Society for German American Studies. Preference will be given to first-time recipients. Learn more regarding grants here.

Please submit your proposal here by December 1, 2024. 

Hotel and Venue Information

The symposium venue is UWM’s Downtown Conference Center (161 W Wisconsin Ave #6000, Milwaukee). The conference hotel is the Courtyard by Marriott Milwaukee Downtown.

Book your room by clicking here with the direct reservation link.

The rate is $129.00 for the Standard King Room with sleeper sofa. Breakfast is not included in this room rate. Self-Parking is available at $22.00/day/vehicle (pricing may vary in 2025).  Please check in prior to parking. The front desk will go over the parking information and provide you with in and out access with a QR code that will be sent to your cell phone. The parking garage is attached to the hotel. There is hotel access from the 3rd, 4th & 5th floors with use of guest room key.

Cancellation Policy: Individual reservations may be cancelled up to 48 hours prior to arrival without penalty, any cancellations made after the 48 hours will incur a 1-night room and tax charge. Guaranteed No Show Policy: Any no show guest rooms will be billed one night’s room & tax to the form of payment identified as the guarantee and the reservation will be cancelled for any remaining nights. Early Departure Fee: Upon early departure, an early departure charge of one night’s room and applicable tax applies. Early Check in/Late check out requests are not guaranteed.

The hotel encourages guests to book using the private link above. If a guest calls the hotel directly, they should specify they are with the Society for German American Studies Symposium. To book shoulder dates, make adjustments or have any questions in regards to a reservation, please contact the hotel directly and ask for the Sales Office. Department Hotel Direct #: 414-291-4122 – Press (3) to Speak with Front Desk or select (2) for Sales Department *Reservations for the group rate must be made by Monday, March 24, 2025. Any guestrooms requested after the cutoff date will not be able to utilize the group discounted rate. Guests will be offered the best available rate of the day based upon availability, rates are subject to change.

(Photo credit: By Bfkenney – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=132044163)

For a list of earlier symposia and programs click HERE


Graduate Student Symposium Grants

Five symposium grants of up to $1,500.00 each will be available on a competitive basis to graduate students and PhD recipients within four years of their degree whose paper proposals have been accepted for presentation at the SGAS Annual Symposium. The grants are intended to defray travel and accommodation costs.
For more information click HERE. (scroll down)