Welcome
Welcome to the home of the 2026 ACM SIGMOD/PODS Conference, to be held in Bengaluru, India, on May 31 - June 05, 2026.
The Conference. The annual ACM SIGMOD/PODS Conference is a leading international forum for database researchers, practitioners, developers, and users to explore cutting-edge ideas and results, and to exchange techniques, tools, and experiences. The conference includes a fascinating technical program with research and industrial talks, tutorials, demos, and focused workshops. It also hosts a poster session to learn about innovative technology, an industrial exhibition to meet companies and publishers, and a careers-in-industry panel with representatives from leading companies.
The Bengaluru Area. Bengaluru, often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of India," is the capital of Karnataka and a major hub in southern India. Nestled on the Deccan Plateau, it boasts a moderate climate year-round. Bengaluru is home to numerous lakes, including Ulsoor Lake and Bellandur Lake, which add to the city's charm, along with lush parks like Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Botanical Garden. With a population of over 12 million, it is a thriving metropolis that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Bengaluru is known for its dynamic tech industry, attracting talent from across the globe, making it a melting pot of cultures. In addition to being the IT capital, the city offers a wealth of experiences, from historic landmarks such as the Bangalore Palace and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace to a vibrant art scene, buzzing nightlife, and an impressive array of shopping and dining options that reflect the diverse flavors of India and beyond.
Important update on ACMs new open access publishing model for 2026 ACM Conferences!
Starting January 1, 2026, ACM will fully transition to Open Access. All ACM publications, including those from ACM-sponsored conferences, will be 100% Open Access. Authors will have two primary options for publishing Open Access articles with ACM: the ACM Open institutional model or by paying Article Processing Charges (APCs). With over 2,700+ institutions already part of ACM Open and with more institutions joining from around the world every week, the majority of ACM-sponsored conference papers will not require APCs from authors or conferences (currently, around 75% on average across all ACM-sponsored conferences).
Authors from institutions not participating in ACM Open will need to pay an APC to publish their papers, unless they qualify for a geographic or discretionary financial hardship waiver. To find out whether an APC applies to your article, please consult the list of participating institutions in ACM Open and review the Policy on Geographic APC Waivers and Discounts Policy and the Policy on Discretionary APC Waivers. Keep in mind that discretionary waivers are rare and are granted based on specific criteria set by ACM. Simply sending a message to ACM indicating an inability to pay an APC is typically an insufficient justification for such a waiver. Waivers are based on the specific circumstances of the author(s) requesting the waiver. ACM does take seriously into consideration the institutional affiliation of the authors and whether it is a reasonable expectation that their institution should be joining the ACM Open program. This is necessary for the long-term financial sustainability of the ACM Open model.
To support a smooth transition and encourage broader ACM Open participation, ACM has approved a temporary subsidy on APC pricing for 2026. The subsidy will offer :
| Authors | No ACM or SIG members | At least 1 ACM or SIG member |
| ACM and SIG Sponsored Conference Article | $350 | $250 |
| From a lower-middle-income country | $175 | $125 |
This represents a 65% discount off the regular APC list prices, funded directly by ACM. Authors are encouraged to help advocate for their institutions to join ACM Open during this transition period. This temporary subsidized pricing will apply to all conferences scheduled for 2026.
Please find more information on the article types eligible for Open Access Publishing under ACM Open here.
SIGMOD/PODS 2026 Anti-Harassment Policy
SIGMOD 2026 adheres to the ACM Policy Against Harassment. Any participant who experiences unacceptable behavior may contact any current member of the SIGMOD Executive Committee and the PODS Executive Committee or DBCares. Please be assured that if you approach us, your concerns will be kept in strict confidence, and we will consult with you on any actions taken.
