IMP Conference 2026 – Building a Sustainable World Through Business Relationships and Networks
Università Politecnica delle Marche and The Industrial Marketing and Purchasing Group (IMP) are happy to welcome you to the 42nd IMP Conference in Ancona, Italy, 1–4 September 2026.
Theme: Building a Sustainable World Through Business Relationships and
Networks
The 2026 edition of the IMP Conference invites scholars to explore how
interaction mechanisms, business relationships, and networks can contribute to
addressing global societal challenges and advancing sustainability. In addition
to the traditional topics in B2B marketing and industrial purchasing, we
especially welcome research that investigates the role of business
relationships and networks in promoting environmental and social
sustainability, addressing issues such as climate change, inequality and digital
transformation. Submissions engaging with processual studies, interdisciplinary
approaches, and methodological innovation—aligned with the IMP research
tradition—are strongly encouraged.
Call for Papers
The Conference invites contributions that examine how business networks evolve within changing B2B contexts, how actors engage in networked relationships locally and internationally, and how networks adapt or drive change in complex environments. The submission of abstracts is now open.
Important Dates
1 December 2025 — Abstract submission opens
20 January 2026 — Abstract submission deadline
2 February 2026 — Notification of abstract acceptance
15 April 2026 — Full paper submission deadline
23 April 2026 — Start of registration
30 June 2026 — End of Early Bird registration
10 July 2026 — Registration closes
1–4 September 2026 — Main conference in Ancona
As an additional activities the conference will feature:
A Doctoral Colloquium, offering emerging scholars a unique venue for informal exchange, dedicated feedback sessions, and networking opportunities within the broader IMP community.
Several Special Tracks, aligned with the overarching conference theme, addressing topics such as resource interaction for sustainability, resilience and antifragility in industrial networks, socio-cultural and ethical dimensions of sustainability transformations, the role of business networks in circular economy, AI and its impact on business relationships, and more.
Venue & Travel Information
Ancona, in the Marche region of central Italy, offers easy access via rail, road, air and sea, making it an excellent location for international attendees.
Conference Chair
Andrea Perna
Scientific Committee
Enrico Baraldi, Roberta Bocconcelli, Gian Luca Gregori, Antonella La Rocca, Andrea Perna, Alexandra Waluszewski
Organizing Committee
Alessandro Cinti, Alessandra Cioli, Nicole Lillini, Federica Pascucci, Andrea Sabatini
Contact Information
For general enquiries, please email: imp2026@univpm.it
For further information, please see the official website:
IMP Conference 2026