Like predatory journals, predatory conferences are a growing part of the academic landscape, but unlike their journal counterparts, to date predatory conferences have not been extensively investigated, and many unanswered questions about their workings exist. From a positive ethics perspective, a more complete understanding of predatory conferences is desirable, as it can support researchers in making ethically appropriate choices about conference attendance. Ten predatory conference organisations were the focus of this study. The investigation first set out to identify and document the attributes of such conferences. They were then analysed to understand which attributes can most easily and reliably be used to distinguish them from legitimate conferences. A tool to assist prospective participants is introduced. The implications for positive ethics, in terms of making decisions about conference attendance, are discussed.

与掠夺性期刊一样，掠夺性会议已成为学术界越来越多的一部分，但与期刊界的同行不同，迄今为止，掠夺性会议尚未得到广泛研究，并且存在许多关于其运作方式的未解之谜。从积极的伦理视角，掠夺性会议的一个更全面的了解是可取的，因为它可以支持的研究人员在作出有关会议签到道德适当的选择。十个掠夺性会议组织是本研究的重点。该调查首先着手确定和记录此类会议的属性。然后对它们进行分析，以了解哪些属性可以最轻松，最可靠地用于将其与合法会议区分开。介绍了一种协助潜在参与者的工具。