In response to member input, we have made some changes to the Annual Meeting program and submission process for 2026. These changes are designed to reduce complexity, increase transparency, and create more accessible pathways for participation.

Rather than multiple submission rounds, AAA is hosting a single, association-wide Unified Call for Submissions.

During this period, you may submit across all session types, including individual papers, oral presentation sessions, discussions, workshops, installations, special events, and more—through one consolidated process.

Explore below to find out what’s changing for 2026

Based on strong member interest, Individually Volunteered Papers are returning.  

This option allows presenters to submit a standalone paper and be grouped into thematically aligned sessions during program development. 

To simplify the submissions process, several formats are being consolidated. Roundtables, debates, interviews, and conversation-style sessions will now be submitted under a single category: Discussion.  

This change is intended to preserve flexibility while streamlining the submissions process. 

Submitters may now choose how their work is reviewed: 

  • by a Section Program Chair, or 
  • by a thematic review category for those without section affiliation. 

This will ensure submissions are evaluated by reviewers with relevant subject-area expertise, regardless of section membership. 

To help reduce scheduling conflicts and improve visibility across the program, we’re coordinating Section Special Events (such as board and business meetings, ceremonies, and receptions) through the single call for submissions and a shared time block. This approach is designed to support stronger attendance, clearer planning, and a better overall experience for both sections and attendees. 

Workshops will be scheduled as pre-conference programming.

To better support hands-on learning and avoid overlap with regular sessions, most workshops will be offered as pre-conference programming on Wednesday, prior to the Welcome Reception. 

In recognition of possible barriers to in-person attendance, whether due to visa constraints, political concerns, or safety considerations, affecting a meaningful portion of our membership, we will host a separate, standalone virtual annual meeting event approximately two weeks before the in-person meeting in St. Louis.

This event is specifically designed to support members who are unable to attend in person.

Please note that it will be limited in capacity.

Submission types for the virtual event include:

  • Discussion
  • Oral presentation
  • Individually volunteered paper

We encourage you to consider submitting to the virtual event if travel to St. Louis feels uncertain for you.

View the submission guidelines for descriptions and more information.

These updates reflect what we heard from you and our shared commitment to making the Annual Meeting more accessible, navigable, and rewarding for participants across career stages and subfields.  

We’d like to thank each of our members for helping shape the future of the AAA Annual Meeting. We look forward to seeing your scholarship and convening together in St. Louis this November.