AVARiG Conference

2026 6th International Conference on Audio for Virtual and Augmented Reality and Immersive Games

The premier global gathering for researchers, engineers, and creators to define the next frontier of spatial audio in XR and gaming.

Submission Deadline Extended

March 31st, 2026

Notification of Acceptance

May 8th, 2026

Final Manuscript

May 26th, 2026

Conference

June 30th – July 3rd, 2026

Submission Site & Templates

Submission site: EasyChair.
Templates: Please select the “Submission Page” link above to download the Word and LaTeX (in preparation) templates. The LaTeX document can be downloaded directly from EasyChair. AES employs blind review.

Proposed Topics

3D audio mixing and content production
6DoF navigable spatial audio / soundfield interpolation
Acoustic simulation of immersive audio environments
Audio analysis and synthesis
Audio capture and synthesis for immersive soundfields and applications
Audio Everywhere: From Enterprise and Broadcast to Cross-Platform VR
Audio for location-based installations (entertainment, exhibits)
Audio for mobile and handheld devices / interactive sound (implementation focused)
Audio signal processing
Auditory rendering platforms / loudspeakers & headphones (device-specific focus)
Audio signal processing
Binaural audio rendering / reproduction
Cross-modal interaction (sound + image + haptics)
Developing audio standards for VR/AR applications
Game engines in audio production and post-production
Immersive / interactive sound design
Immersive and interactive audio over networks
Audio signal processing
Immersive audio codecs (for interactive / real-time playback in games)
Immersive sound production techniques for remote work
Machine learning, deep learning, or AI for audio
Music composition for immersive media
Perception and subjective evaluation of spatial / immersive audio
Perceptual effects of cross-modal interaction in immersive game contexts
Room Acoustics Identification
Sound effects / production techniques / Future production workflows
Spatial audio (3D audio, ambisonics, object-based)
Spatial audio quality, compression, streaming, and latency
Transparent hearing applications and hardware
Virtual / Augmented / Mixed Reality applications (case studies)
Virtual environment modelling (synthetic sound fields, reverberation)

Submissions Page

Call for Papers

Paper Chairs: Areti Andreopoulou and Olivier Warusfel.
2026avar_papers@aes.org

Peer Reviewed Papers (Category 1):

Complete manuscript of 8–10 pages (page limits strictly enforced)
Reviewed by at least two experts
Authors will be notified of acceptance

Abstract/Precis (Category 2):

Extended summary of 300–750 words
Reviewed by at least two experts
If accepted, full paper of 4–8 pages mandatory for inclusion in the program; submissions without full paper will be removed

Call for Workshops & Tutorials

Workshop/Tutorial Chairs: Benoît Alary & Van Nguyen

We are seeking experts and professionals involved in audio for virtual and augmented reality, immersive audio gaming, as well as those engaged in other areas of professional audio to participate in workshops, tutorials, and masterclasses. These sessions aim to cover a range of topics related to virtual and augmented reality and immersive game audio, including research and implementation, recording, production, and content creation.

Proposal requirements:

Title
Abstract (60–120 words)
Description (400–500 words)
Number and names of presenters
Presentation format (single presenter, panel discussion, etc.)
Preferred duration
Technical requirements (sound requirements during the presentation, such as stereo, binaural, HOA, multichannel, etc.)

Conference co-chairs

Brian F.G. Katz

CNRS Research Director at Sorbonne Université, Institute d’Alembert.

Interested in 3D spatial audio, room acoustics, HCI, and VR; physics/philosophy background; PhD in acoustics (1998) and HDR in engineering sciences (2011); consultant to Artec, ARUP, Kahle Acoustics, Theatre Projects, and Studio Jouan; Editor-in-Chief, Journal of the AES (Oct 2025).

Markus Noisternig

Deputy Director of the STMS Laboratory (IRCAM–CNRS–Sorbonne Université–Ministry of Culture)

Researcher in acoustics and audio signal processing (Acoustics and Cognitive Spaces); lectures at IEM Graz, Sorbonne Université, ENS Louis‑Lumière, and TALM–Le Mans; bridges experimental music and 3D audio, with work shown at music festivals.

View the AES 2026 avarig conference & directory.

Conference Publication

Accepted papers will be included in the conference proceedings and published online in the AES E-Library no earlier than ten days before the conference begins. AES Conference and Convention papers are also indexed in Scopus.

Open Access

Authors may request Open Access for their papers. For associated fees and further information, please visit https://aes.org/openaccess/

AES Journal Special Issue

The Journal of the Audio Engineering Society will host a Special Issue linked to AVARIG26. Extended versions of conference papers must contain at least 30 % new material compared to the proceedings manuscript. The Organizing Committee is negotiating a reduced Open Access fee for the Special Issue as a whole.

Registration

Registration is strictly limited to 250 attendees.

Presenting Authors:

Fees:
- AES Member: USD 488
- Non-Member: USD 640
- Student: USD 200 (subject to sponsorship)
Includes one primary paper (oral or poster) plus one secondary poster
Maximum of two presentations per presenting author
Registration instructions sent with acceptance notice

Co-Authors: Must register separately via the public registration website

Workshop & Tutorial Presenters:

Fee: USD 325
Registration details provided with acceptance notification

Attendee Registration (Opens March)

AES Members: $650
Non-Members: $775
Student Delegates: $390

The conference is taking place at 2 venues in Paris.

Days 1-2 : Sorbonne University, Jussieu campus
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nFvnW4GcEJdFhVNY8

Days 3-4 : IRCAM/STMS
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XVaXmuC2Wq9qep5T8

The two are a pleasant 30min walk apart, which includes a walk past Notre-Dame Cathedral
https://maps.app.goo.gl/H82ztZJypFFpbqkt5

Paris has a very large number and variety of hotel possibilities. We regret that we are unable to provide direct recommendations for hotels.

Paris also has a very good public transport system (bus, metro, and even the velib’ bicycle system with an impressive network of bike paths) which also allow for easy travel between most of Paris.

The AVARIG2026 conference is an initiative stemming from the continuation of the foundational AVAR conference series with a new added focus on Immersive Gaming, resulting in a joint AVAR/Audio for Gaming conference under the new AES TC Immersive Media and Gaming.

For the first time, AVAR, the reference conference in audio for XR, will be in Europe, and we are very proud to be able to host this conference in France. The venue will be split between Sorbonne University Jussieu campus (days 1 and 2) and IRCAM/STMS (days 3and 4), which are separated by a 30min walk in the heart of Paris.

The conference is structured as a mix of single and dual track sessions, providing a forum for these two communities to meet, interact, and find common ground.

Stereo audio will be available for all sessions. Additional technical facilities will be provided for limited sessions to allow for binaural audio and multichannel (video with HOA SN3D/ACN up to 7th order) presentations, depending on scheduling and availability. There will be the following options at time of submission:

Category	Format	Contents / Requirements
Category 1 & 2	Oral	Optional binaural or HOA content in presentation
Category 2	Poster	Optional binaural or HOA demo media content (5min max)
Category 2	Poster	Optional demonstration space (own HMD, headphone, etc.)

Dates

June 30 – July 3, 2026

Location

Sorbonne University / IRCAM, Paris, France

Registration

Select Your Access Level

Registration is strictly limited to 250 attendees to ensure an intimate and high-quality exchange of ideas. Secure your spot in Paris to explore the future of XR and gaming audio.

We have some fantastic sponsor and engagement opportunities with this event! please contact the conference co-chairs : Brian Katz & Markus Noisternig at 2026avar_chairs@aes.org

Keynote speaker

Damian Murphy

Title: XR Futures – Recording Our World for Posterity
Bio: Damian Murphy is Professor in Sound and Music Computing at the AudioLab in the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology at the University of York, UK, where his research focuses on the development and creative application of immersive audio and virtual acoustic modelling. He has published over 200 papers in these areas, is an active sound artist, and the Director of the XR Stories Creative Industries R&D Partnership and the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council XR Network+ project, both exploring the next generation of convergent immersive and interactive media technologies for the UK’s creative industries and wider digital economy.