The MLA Convention Call for Papers represents a longstanding tradition of rigorous academic discourse, convening scholars across languages and literary periods. As the flagship event of the Modern Language Association, it serves as a critical platform for presenting new research, testing methodologies, and engaging in peer review. The CFP process is decentralized, with individual sessions and allied organizations issuing their own calls, which are then listed in the MLA's convention program. This structure allows for a wide range of topics and approaches, from close readings to theoretical interventions. For accepted presenters, the convention offers the opportunity to share work with an audience of peers, receive feedback, and contribute to ongoing scholarly conversations. While the MLA does not provide grants or prizes for convention participation, presenting can be a significant line on a curriculum vitae, particularly for early-career scholars. The association's scope is broad, encompassing all modern languages and literatures, as well as comparative and interdisciplinary work. The convention typically features hundreds of sessions, roundtables, and workshops, making it a vital node in the academic network. The curatorial vision is one of scholarly rigor and inclusivity, though the exact themes vary by year and session. Proposals are evaluated by individual session organizers, often based on originality, methodological soundness, and relevance to the session's topic. The MLA itself does not set a single thematic focus; rather, it provides the infrastructure for members to propose and organize sessions. This bottom-up approach ensures that the convention reflects the current interests and debates within the field. For artists and writers outside the academy, the convention may be less directly relevant, but for those engaged in literary and language studies, it remains a central venue.