Unprecedented Growth in International Conference Organisation This Year
The IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society (SMCS) is one of the longest-established societies among the 39 IEEE societies. It traditionally holds its annual World Congress in early October. This year, the SMCS, which has more than 8,000 members, is holding its congress in Seattle, USA. In keeping with tradition, the society’s 26-member Board of Governors met for two days ahead of the conference to review the year’s achievements and determine the organisation’s priorities for the coming year.
“It is an honour to have been serving on the SMCS Board of Governors since early 2026 as Vice President for Conferences and Meetings,” said Prof. Dr Levente Kovács, Rector of Obuda University.
He added: “This year, a record 147 international professional conferences were held worldwide, three of which were organised by the Hungarian organisation and Obuda University. This represents an increase of 68% compared with 2025 and 194% compared with 2024. This remarkable growth is particularly understandable when we consider that the SMCS is one of four key IEEE societies playing a leading role in the professional development of artificial intelligence.
“At the SMC Congress in Seattle, more than 1,200 papers were accepted and presented out of nearly 2,500 submissions, with contributions from 52 countries around the world. It is a particular honour to play an active role in this work as one of the society’s key vice presidents, while also representing Hungary and Obuda University on the international stage.”
He added: “This year, a record 147 international professional conferences were held worldwide, three of which were organised by the Hungarian organisation and Obuda University. This represents an increase of 68% compared with 2025 and 194% compared with 2024. This remarkable growth is particularly understandable when we consider that the SMCS is one of four key IEEE societies playing a leading role in the professional development of artificial intelligence.
“At the SMC Congress in Seattle, more than 1,200 papers were accepted and presented out of nearly 2,500 submissions, with contributions from 52 countries around the world. It is a particular honour to play an active role in this work as one of the society’s key vice presidents, while also representing Hungary and Obuda University on the international stage.”
