[RecSys 2026] Call for Submissions — 20×20 Retrospective Track

[Noemi Mauro]

Call for Submissions — 20×20 Retrospective Track

Let’s celebrate together 20 years of RecSys

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the ACM Conference on Recommender Systems. As part of the celebrations, the General Chairs have allocated time for a special 20×20 Retrospective Track, reflecting on 20 milestones over the 20 years that have shaped our research community and sustained its growth.

Chaired by Robin Burke, a group of researchers and practitioners representing different corners of the RecSys community has curated a list of 20 milestones — among the many that have impacted our field — spanning three categories: Foundations, Applications, and Community.

Now we need your help.

What we're asking for. Take a look at the 20 milestones: https://that-recsys-lab.net/home/pubs/recsys2026_milestones_reference.pdf

Once you've reviewed them, choose the one you feel most connected to and submit a short video reflecting on its personal impact. Why was this milestone significant to you as a member of our community? What did it change, unlock, or make possible in your own work or perspective?

We're not looking for a comprehensive history — we're looking for genuine, personal reflection.

Requirements.

●       One submission per person. You may submit only a single video, so choose your milestone wisely.

●       Submit your file in MP4 format with a 16:9 horizontal aspect ratio. Name the file using the format: Milestone-LastName.

●       Keep it short. Videos may be at most 1 minute. A pithy, meaningful video is always preferable to a long one.

●       Consent to share. If selected, you agree that your video may be shown during the main conference and added to a special playlist on the ACM RecSys YouTube channel.

Submission process & timeline. Submit your video via EasyChair: https://easychair.org/my/conference?conf=recsys2026 (Select "RecSys 20x20 Milestones" track)

●       Submission deadline: September 4th, 2026

●       Notification of selection: September 11th, 2026

Please note that selection will be editorial, made by the 20×20 Track Committee. We will not be providing formal reviews.

We look forward to hearing what these milestones have meant to you. 

Robin Burke (on behalf of the 20x20 Track Committee)
Please send questions to <recsys26m...@easychair.org>