How to Write a Conference Paper in 2 Days?

A conference paper lets you share your ideas and research with others in your field. It’s a chance to show your findings, but many people worry about finishing one fast. Often, they start thinking about how to write a conference paper in 2 days? when deadlines are close and time feels short.

To write a conference paper in 2 days, focus day one on planning, outlining, and gathering key research. On day two, write clearly, edit carefully, and format to guidelines. A strong structure, clear argument, and good time management can help you finish confidently and on time.

If you’re curious about how to plan, write, and edit a full paper in such a short time, keep reading. This article explains each step in detail, showing how to organize your ideas, stay focused, and complete your paper quickly and confidently.

How to Write a Conference Paper in 2 Days?

Writing a conference paper in just two days might sound hard, but it’s completely possible with the right plan. You don’t need to rush or stress if you stay organized and work step by step. The key is to plan smart, write fast, and polish your work carefully.

Day 1: Plan, Research, and Build Your Draft

Writing a conference paper in two days is possible if you organize your time well. On the first day, your goal is to plan clearly, collect information, and build a solid base to write on. If you’re preparing for an upcoming conference, this step sets you on the right path.

Review Conference Guidelines

Start by checking what the organizers need. Look at word count, structure, citation style, and formatting. Knowing the exact rules helps you avoid wasting time fixing mistakes later. This simple step also makes sure your paper meets the professional standards that reviewers expect.

Pick a Focused Topic and Main Idea

Choose a topic that is clear and specific. Avoid covering too many things at once. Focus on one strong question or argument that can be explained in a short paper. This makes your writing focused, easy to follow, and more likely to stand out to the reviewers.

Do Smart, Quick Research

Search only for trusted and useful sources. Gather the main studies, data, or papers related to your topic. Avoid spending hours reading everything. Take short notes on how each source supports your point. Good research gives your paper real strength and makes it more convincing.

Create a Simple Outline

Write a short list of sections like Introduction, Methodology, Results, and Conclusion. Under each one, add bullet points about what you plan to include. This helps you stay on track while writing. Having an outline saves time and keeps your ideas organized and clear.

Write a Rough Draft

Use your notes to build a quick first version of the paper. Add everything you have, even if it’s not perfect yet. Don’t worry about grammar or order. The aim is to get your ideas written down.

By the end of Day 1 you should have:

• a clear topic and central argument
• relevant references / data / literature
• a structured outline
• a rough dump of content under each section

That gives you a canvas to polish on Day 2.

Day 2: Write, Edit, and Finalize

The second day is about turning your rough notes into a strong, finished paper. You’ll work on shaping your sections, improving the flow, and making sure the writing is clean, readable, and professional.

Build a Strong Introduction and Abstract

Start with your introduction by explaining the problem and why it matters. Mention your goal and what your paper will show. Once everything is complete, write your abstract. Keep it short and clear. It should tell readers what your study is about and why it’s important.

Write and Polish the Main Sections

Explain your method or approach clearly, even if it’s theoretical. Add examples, facts, or data to support your points. Present your results or arguments in order. Keep your writing short and direct. Avoid adding too much detail that doesn’t help your main message.

Summarize With a Clear Conclusion

In the conclusion, restate your main argument and what you found. Explain how your work helps or what others can learn from it. Add a simple suggestion for future work or study. This gives your paper a sense of completion and shows depth of thought.

Edit and Format Properly

Check for grammar errors and improve sentence flow. Follow the conference’s style guide carefully. Use the right font, margins, and citation format. Correct formatting shows care and helps your paper look professional, increasing its chances of being accepted.

Do a Final Review

Read your paper out loud. You’ll quickly notice unclear sentences or mistakes. Fix those and tighten long lines. If you can, ask someone else to read it for feedback. A second opinion helps spot small errors that you might have missed.

Why This Two-Day Plan Can Work (If You Stay Focused)

• With a clear outline and rough content in hand after Day 1, Day 2 becomes mostly polishing — that saves a lot of time.
• Many conferences expect relatively short papers (compared to full journal articles) — maybe 5-8 pages or a short paper — which makes it doable within 2 days if you concentrate.
• You avoid wasting time on perfectionism early on; by “dumping first, refine later,” you keep the flow going and avoid writer’s block.

How to Choose a Conference Paper Topic?

Picking the right conference paper topic doesn’t have to be hard. You just need to follow a few simple steps. A good topic is focused, relevant, and something you truly enjoy. Let’s go step by step and see how you can find the perfect one below.

Step 1: Start With What You Already Know

Think about the areas you already understand well. It could be something you’ve studied, worked on, or found interesting recently. Writing about a familiar subject saves time and helps you explain ideas clearly. It’s always easier to build on what you already know.

Step 2: Read Recent Works In Your Field

Go through the latest journal articles, published papers, or past conference topics. This helps you see what others have studied and where there are gaps. Spotting an area that hasn’t been explored much gives you a strong and fresh idea for your paper.

Step 3: Turn Your Idea Into A Clear Question

A research question gives your paper clear direction. Instead of writing on a wide subject like “climate change,” narrow it to “How does climate change affect farming in coastal areas?” A focused question makes your writing easier and your argument stronger.

Step 4: Match It With The Conference Theme

Always check the conference theme before finalizing your topic. The subject should match what the organizers are looking for. When selecting your topic, make sure it aligns with the event’s focus. For instance, if you’re writing a paper for skin care conferences, you could explore subjects like sustainable beauty innovations or the science behind dermatological treatments.

Step 5: Check Time, Data, And Resources

Think about how much time you have and what materials you can access. Pick a topic you can research properly within your limits. Avoid ideas that need heavy data or rare information. Good planning keeps your project simple and stress-free.

Step 6: Make Your Topic Specific And Focused

Try to make your topic narrow enough to handle easily. Smaller, clear ideas are better than large, vague ones. A focused topic fits well within the word limit and shows your main idea clearly. It also helps the audience follow your argument without confusion.

Step 7: Get Feedback And Refine Your Idea

Before starting your paper, share your topic with a teacher, mentor, or friend. They can help you spot weak areas or suggest ways to improve. Small adjustments from feedback can make your paper stronger and more interesting for conference reviewers.

Choosing a conference paper topic becomes simple once you follow these steps. Focus on subjects you like, keep them specific, and make sure they match the conference theme. Careful planning and feedback help you pick a topic that stands out and fits your goals perfectly.

Best Writing Tools to Help You Finish a Conference Paper Quickly

Here are tools that many authors, researchers and students use when writing academic papers quickly and carefully:

Research & Reference Management Tools

• Zotero: Helps you collect, organize and save all your sources (articles, books, papers) in one place. Then you can insert citations and build a bibliography easily.
• Mendeley: Another good tool for storing references and research articles, especially useful if you work in Word or LibreOffice.
• EndNote: A more advanced reference manager, good if you have many sources and want professional-level bibliography and citation handling.

These tools save a lot of time; instead of manually writing each citation or bibliography entry, the software does it for you.

Writing, Drafting & Editing Tools

• Paperpal: Designed especially for research papers. It helps with language, grammar, structure suggestions, and even citations while you write.
• Grammarly: Helps fix grammar, spelling, and punctuation and improve clarity. It also suggests improvements in style and makes writing smoother.
• Hemingway Editor: Helps you keep sentences simple and readable. It flags complex or awkward sentences so you can make reading easier for others.

These tools help you turn a rough draft into a clean, easy-to-read paper — which is essential when time is short.

Tools for Finding, Summarizing, and Reviewing Literature

• Scholarcy: Lets you quickly read and summarize long papers or articles. This is handy when you have a lot of sources and limited time.
• Litmaps: Helps you see how different papers and ideas connect, find relevant research faster, and discover important literature you might otherwise miss.

Using these helps you avoid spending hours reading every paper in full — you can focus on what’s relevant quickly.

How to Use These Tools Smartly (When You Are in a Rush)

• Start by using a reference manager (Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote) as soon as you collect a new source. That way, citation info is saved automatically — no manual data entry later.
• While writing the first draft, use a writing assistant (Paperpal or Grammarly) to catch grammar/clarity issues early. It saves time in editing later.
• When reviewing literature or background material, use summarizing tools (Scholarcy) or mapping tools (Litmaps) to quickly decide which sources matter.
• Use editors like Hemingway to polish style and readability before final submission.

How to Format Your Conference Paper Quickly (IEEE, ACM, APA Basics)

Formatting a conference paper can feel tricky, especially when each organization has its own style rules. IEEE, ACM, and APA have different templates, layouts, and citation systems. Knowing the key differences helps you prepare your paper faster and correctly. Let’s look at how to format your paper for each one.

IEEE

The IEEE format is one of the most common styles used in engineering, computer science, and technology conferences. It focuses on a clean, professional two-column layout that fits well for research papers and technical articles. Here’s how you can quickly prepare your paper in the IEEE style:

Key Points:

• Layout: Use the official two-column IEEE conference template. It’s available in Word and LaTeX formats on the IEEE Author Center.
• Font and Margins: Times New Roman, size 10 or 11 is typical, with 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Headings: Use standard section names like Abstract, Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion. Each should be bold and in title case.
• Citations: IEEE uses numbered references in brackets like [1], [2], etc. The reference list at the end should be numbered in the order they appear in the text.
• Figures and Tables: Place them close to where they are mentioned in the text, with clear captions below (for tables) or above (for figures).

Extra Tip: Many IEEE conferences strictly require the official two-column layout. Make sure you use the right conference template version to avoid rejection during submission.

Download Sample

ACM

The ACM format is widely used for computing and digital technology conferences. It’s based on the acmart LaTeX class, which gives a two-column layout similar to IEEE but includes a few stylistic differences.

Key Points:

• Layout: Most ACM papers use the acmart template with variants like sigconf for standard conferences or sigplan for programming language events.
• Template Source: Download from the ACM Proceedings Template page. It’s available in both Word and LaTeX.
• Headings: Section titles follow normal capitalization rules and appear in bold. Subheadings are italicized or bold depending on the template version.
• Citations: ACM may use author-year style (e.g., Smith et al., 2023) or numbered citations depending on the venue. Always match the conference’s call-for-paper instructions.
• References: Use BibTeX with the ACM Reference Format if you are using LaTeX. The list should be alphabetized when using the author-year style.

Extra Tip: Some ACM conferences require special template variants, so check whether the event uses sigconf, acmsmall, or acmlarge before formatting.

Download Sample

APA

The APA format (American Psychological Association) is used mostly for social science, psychology, and education conferences. It follows a clean, single-column layout and focuses on readability and clear presentation of ideas.

Key Points:

• Layout: Use a standard single-column manuscript with 1-inch margins, double spacing, and a readable 12-point font like Times New Roman.
• Headings: APA defines five heading levels, ranging from centered bold for Level 1 to indented italicized for Level 5. Follow these strictly for organized content.
• Citations: APA uses the author-year citation style, for example, (Brown, 2022) or (Clark & Lee, 2023).
• References: The list should be in alphabetical order by author’s last name. Use hanging indentation and include DOI or URL for online sources.
• Conference Papers: APA provides clear rules for citing conference presentations and proceedings — include author, year, title, conference name, and location.

Extra Tip: The APA Style site gives examples instead of fixed templates. You can easily format your conference paper by combining APA’s sample layout with Word’s built-in styles.

Download Sample

Formatting your paper correctly helps you meet conference standards and avoid last-minute fixes. IEEE and ACM use two-column layouts, while APA keeps a single-column format for clarity. Always use the latest IEEE or ACM paper templates to save time and ensure accuracy. With the right format and careful review, your paper will look polished and professional for any conference.

Proofreading Checklist for Fast, Clean Editing When Writing Conference Paper in 2 Days

Writing a conference paper in only two days can feel stressful but doable. With the right proofreading plan, you can polish your work quickly and make it error-free. The goal is to focus on small yet important details that improve quality. Follow this checklist below to finish strong and submit confidently.

Grammar And Writing Mechanics

Look closely at sentence structure and word use. Make sure your verbs and subjects match correctly, and your tenses stay the same throughout. Avoid long or confusing sentences and fix any missing punctuation marks. Spelling, capitalization, and correct word choice help keep your writing clean and clear.

Formatting And Layout

Keep your layout neat and uniform from start to end. Use the same font type and size for all sections. Headings and subheadings should follow one style, matching the conference guide. Tables, figures, and charts must be labeled and numbered clearly to look professional and organized.

References And Citations

Check that every in-text citation matches the reference list entry. Follow one citation format like APA or IEEE and stick to it throughout. Be sure every quote, idea, or number from another source is properly cited. Spell author names, journal titles, and publication details correctly to avoid mistakes.

Logical Structure And Flow

Read through your paper to make sure it moves smoothly. Each paragraph should start with a main idea and support it with clear points. Keep the order of sections logical, from introduction to conclusion. Add short linking words or phrases so readers can easily follow your thoughts.

Submission Rules And Final Checks

Review the paper against the conference’s official rules. Check page limits, margins, and font size. Confirm that your title page, author details, and abstract are correct. Do one last read aloud or print it out to spot missed errors. A quick review saves you from small but costly mistakes.

Rushing to finish doesn’t mean skipping quality checks. Careful proofreading helps your paper look polished and professional. Stay calm, check one section at a time, and make sure every part fits perfectly. Following this checklist makes fast editing simpler and your final paper ready for submission.

Key Parts of a Conference Paper

Writing a conference paper fast can feel tricky at first. A clear plan and simple structure can make the task easier. Even short papers can look strong if they follow a proper format. Below is an easy template you can copy and fill to make your paper ready.

Title

Choose a short and direct title that shows your topic clearly. Avoid long or confusing phrases that hide the main idea. The title should make readers curious but also tell them what to expect. Simple, specific titles work best for quick submissions.

Abstract

Write a short summary that includes your purpose, method, and result. Keep it clear and to the point so readers understand your paper fast. Use plain words and avoid repeating lines from the main text. A well-written abstract makes your work look professional.

Introduction

Start by explaining the main question or purpose of your paper. Add a few background lines to show why your topic matters. Then share your goal or what you want to find out. A simple, short introduction helps the reader follow your ideas easily.

Methods / Approach

Describe how you collected your data or did your study. Include tools, process, or steps used to reach your results. Keep it clear so others can repeat your work if needed. The method section should explain what you did, not why you did it.

Results / Findings

Present the main things you found through your work. Use numbers, examples, or short tables if needed. Avoid adding opinions or guesses here; stick to what your data shows. Readers should understand the results even without reading other sections.

Discussion

Explain what your findings mean and why they matter. Compare them with past studies or common views. If there were surprises, share them clearly. Discussing both strengths and limits helps your paper feel more complete and honest.

Conclusion

Sum up the key ideas and state what can be learned. Avoid adding new data here. Keep it short but meaningful, showing the value of your work. You can also mention what could be done next for deeper study.

References

List every source you used in the paper. Follow the required format style of the conference. Check that all in-text citations match your reference list. Correct and complete references make your paper look organized and trustworthy.

Using a ready template saves time and reduces mistakes. This layout helps you stay focused and write faster. A simple design keeps your paper neat and easy to read. Follow these parts carefully, and your paper will look clear and complete.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Conference Paper in 2 Days

Writing a good conference paper in two days can feel stressful. Many people rush and miss key details that affect the final quality. Simple mistakes like poor planning or weak structure can cost you acceptance. Let’s look at the most common errors and how you can avoid them.

No Clear Question or Purpose

Every paper needs a clear question or purpose. Without it, your writing loses focus and feels random. Readers should quickly see what your paper tries to explain or prove. Many of the same errors people make when rushing to write in two days also appear when writing a conference paper in a week, such as skipping outlines or ignoring the main research goal.

Weak or Irrelevant Literature Review

Background research must support your topic directly. Using old or unrelated sources makes your work look weak. Always pick recent, trusted studies and explain how they connect to your idea. A short, focused review builds a strong base for your argument.

Poor Paper Structure

Disorganized sections confuse readers and lower your paper’s impact. Keep the introduction, methods, and results in order. Explain your findings before jumping into discussions. Smooth flow helps the audience understand your logic and message clearly.

Complicated or Over-Technical Writing

Simple writing is always better than complex words. Overusing jargon or long sentences makes your paper hard to read. Stick to clear, direct language that explains your points easily. Reviewers appreciate papers that are easy to follow under short timelines.

Weak or Mismatched Abstract

Your abstract should match your paper’s content. Avoid vague lines or extra jargon that hides the main point. Clearly summarize your purpose, methods, results, and key message. A clear abstract grabs attention and builds trust with reviewers.

Ignoring Formatting and Guidelines

Each conference has its own rules for format, length, and style. Ignoring them can lead to instant rejection, even for strong papers. Always check page limits, font style, and citation format before submitting. Following rules shows professionalism and care.

Sloppy Reference or Citation Work

Citations must be complete and correctly formatted. Missing or wrong references reduce your paper’s credibility. Use reliable tools or templates to handle citations properly. It’s a small detail that makes your paper look polished and honest.

No Proofreading or Final Review

Skipping proofreading leaves grammar errors and unclear sentences. Under tight deadlines, these mistakes become easy to miss. Always read your paper aloud or use editing tools for a quick check. A final review can save your submission from rejection.

Weak Discussion or Conclusion

A strong ending explains why your results matter. Discuss how your findings compare with past work and what they mean. Avoid simply repeating data or listing results. Show the value of your study and what can be done next.

Writing a paper in two days takes focus and planning. Avoiding small mistakes can make your work stand out more. Stay calm, stick to a clear structure, and keep your writing simple. Careful review and clear purpose always lead to stronger papers.

Commonly Asked Questions

Writing a conference paper in just two days can seem like a big challenge, but with focus and smart planning, it’s possible to do it well. Many people have questions about time management, research shortcuts, and writing strategies when working under pressure. These FAQs answer the most common questions to help you stay calm, write faster, and finish your paper on time.

How Can I Manage My Time Effectively When Writing A Conference Paper In 2 Days?

Time management is the most important part when you only have two days. Divide your time into clear blocks for planning, writing, editing, and proofreading. Avoid multitasking and stay focused on one task at a time. Using a timer or checklist can help you track your progress and avoid wasting hours on small details.

What Should I Do If I Get Writer’s Block While Writing A Conference Paper In 2 Days?

Writer’s block is common when you’re in a rush, but the best way to beat it is to keep writing something, even if it’s rough. Don’t wait for the perfect sentence; focus on getting your ideas down first. You can always edit and polish later. Taking a short break or changing your work spot can also refresh your mind and help ideas flow again.

Can I Use AI Or Writing Tools To Speed Up My Conference Paper Writing?

Yes, writing tools can save time if you use them wisely. Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway help fix grammar and make your writing clear. Reference tools like Zotero or Mendeley can manage your citations automatically. However, never copy from automated systems—always check and rewrite in your own words to keep your paper original and authentic.

How Can I Stay Focused And Avoid Distractions While Writing A Conference Paper In 2 Days?

Distractions can waste valuable time, so try to work in a quiet space with your phone on silent mode. Close unnecessary tabs or apps that can pull your attention away. Set short work sessions followed by quick breaks to rest your eyes and brain. A calm, focused environment helps you write more in less time.

How Do I Make My Conference Paper Look Professional Even With Limited Time?

A clean layout and clear writing style make your paper look professional, even if you wrote it fast. Use simple fonts, proper headings, and follow the conference format. Check that your introduction, method, and conclusion flow smoothly. Small touches like neat references and page numbers show care and effort.

What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Enough Research Sources For My Paper?

If you’re short on research, focus on quality instead of quantity. Use trusted sources like recent journal articles or conference papers that directly relate to your topic. Summarize key ideas and connect them clearly to your main point. Avoid adding random information just to fill space—it weakens your paper.

Bottom Line

Writing a conference paper in just two days might seem tough, but it can be done with focus and planning. Breaking your work into small steps helps you stay on track. If you manage your time wisely and keep things simple, you can complete a quality paper fast.

If you are asking, how to write a conference paper in 2 days? the answer is to plan your first day for research and drafting, then use the second day for editing and formatting. Working with clear goals, using templates, and avoiding distractions makes the process faster and smoother.

Before submitting, take a few minutes to proofread and check formatting rules. Keep your sentences short, your ideas clear, and your references correct. Stay calm, stay focused, and believe in your plan. Wishing you success and a great presentation at your conference.