Saint Louis, Missouri is a city rich in history, culture, and vibrant anthropology-related sites. Whether you’re visiting for our 2026 Annual Meeting or exploring on your own, here’s what you need to know about traveling to and around the city.
The meeting will held at America’s Center Convention Complex.
ConferenceDirect is the official housing bureau for the American Anthropological Association 2026 Annual Meeting. Any attempts to solicit hotel reservations other than ConferenceDirect are unauthorized and are not endorsed by AAA. While other parties may advertise lower rates, they do not have access to the negotiated discount rates, may be invalid, carry excessive charges, or may be an attempt to spam credit card information. If you are approached by any unauthorized third party, please contact AAA.
Convenience – Secure your hotel reservation with a credit card guarantee, ensuring the flexibility to book now and pay later
Protection – We help you manage your reservation and provide protection from relocation to another hotel
Keep Future Rates Low – Staying at an official AAA hotel allows us to negotiate the best rates in the cities in which we meet and helps enhance your overall experience
By Air
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is the primary airport serving the region. Located approximately 15 miles northwest of downtown, STL offers nonstop service to many major U.S. hubs, making travel convenient from most cities.
By Train
St. Louis Gateway Transportation Center is served by multiple Amtrak routes, including the Lincoln Service, Missouri River Runner, Texas Eagle, and Southwest Chief. These routes connect Saint Louis with cities such as Chicago, Kansas City, Dallas, and Los Angeles.
By Car
Saint Louis is well connected by several major interstates, including I-70, I-55, I-64, and I-44. Driving into downtown is straightforward, though parking availability and pricing can vary by neighborhood. Reserving parking in advance is recommended, particularly during large events, this map details available options.
Public Transit
- MetroLink Light Rail: MetroLink provides convenient service between the airport, downtown Saint Louis, Clayton, and parts of Illinois. It is one of the easiest ways to reach the city center from the airport.
- MetroBus: Operated by Metro Transit, the bus network covers much of the city and surrounding suburbs, complementing the light rail system.
Local Tip: Download the Metro Transit app for real-time schedules, route planning, and service alerts.
Rideshare & Taxis
Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout Saint Louis, including at the airport, downtown hotels, and major attractions. Taxis are also available at designated airport stands and select locations in the city.
Biking & Walking
Downtown Saint Louis and several nearby neighborhoods are walkable, particularly around major attractions and convention areas. The city also offers bike-friendly corridors and a bikeshare program, St. Louis Bike Share, providing a convenient option for short trips.
Driving and Parking
For those local to St. Louis and the surrounding area, or those with a rental car, this helpful map will guide you to easy access parking.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico, Cahokia is a must-visit just 25 minutes from the America’s Center by car or rideshare.
Attractions and Activities
- Explore a variety of attractions and activities located within walking distance from our meeting venue.
Dining Options
- Explore nearby dining options with this helpful map.
Ballpark Village Discounts and Deals
- Take advantage of attendee discounts and deals at Ballpark Village (a 15 minute walk from the meeting venue) simply by showing your badge.
Thank you for your important questions and for raising critical concerns. The American Anthropological Association (AAA) is committed to supporting all members of our international scholarly community, including international students, faculty, postdocs, and U.S. permanent residents (green card holders), and especially those navigating the challenges of international travel, visa uncertainty, and border enforcement. Please see below for our responses and available resources:
U.S. Visa Resources
International attendees requiring a visa to enter the United States can request an official invitation letter from the American Anthropological Association (AAA).
Guidance on Whether to Travel for Meetings
We recognize the uncertainty surrounding international and cross-border travel, especially for anthropologists who may face visa delays, indefinite detainment, or risk of blocked reentry. These concerns could include:
- Students
- International faculty and postdoctoral researchers
- U.S. permanent residents (green card holders)
- Anthropologists conducting summer fieldwork or teaching abroad
We urge all travelers to carefully assess the risks of leaving and reentering the U.S., particularly during the May–September period, when fieldwork and teaching abroad are common.
Practical Tips for Traveling to the U.S.
- Keep clear documentation of your travel purpose: conference registration, invitation letter, and student ID.
- Monitor U.S. travel advisories and your country’s embassy updates.
- Apply for your visa as early as possible to avoid delays.
- If questioned at the border, remain calm and consistent in explaining your academic purpose.
To support your decision-making, AAA offers:
- Personalized visa support letters or invitation letters
- A virtual-only event, November 14-15th, from 9 AM – 8 PM ET), intended to serve as an accommodation for those unable to travel.
Resources in Case of Travel Trouble, Including Legal Support
We recommend the following resources and organizations in the event of travel challenges:
Institutional & Legal Support
- Your university’s International Student or Scholar Office – often provides direct legal assistance or referrals
- National Immigration Law Center
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) – use their directory to find immigration attorneys. You can look up those in the city where you will first land in the U.S. and carry this list with you.
- MESA Advocacy Resource Center
Border Rights & Practical Travel Tools
- U.S. Border Patrol and Customs Information – Top Ten Travel Tips
- ACLU Border Zone Rights Guide
- Electronic Frontier Foundation – digital privacy rights when crossing U.S. borders
- Advocates 4 Trans Equality – for gender-diverse and LGBTQIA+ travelers
- CLEAR/CUNY – free legal support for international travelers (Spanish version available)
- We also recommend carrying hard copies of important travel documents (e.g., passport, visa, I-20 form, invitation letter, financial proof) and preparing for possible electronic device inspections at the border.
Please be aware AAA cannot provide legal guidance nor is AAA equipped to provide legal counsel to members.
Consideration of AAA Deadlines Given Travel Uncertainty
We understand that visa delays and travel restrictions can make it difficult to meet standard deadlines. Unfortunately submission deadlines cannot be extended due to the constraints imposed by the peer review process. If you have further questions, you can contact us directly at aaameetings@americananthro.org.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this Guidance is provided in good faith for informational purposes only. This information is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you have concerns about the issues raised in this Guidance, we encourage you to consult a qualified legal professional.
America’s Center Convention Complex
701 Convention Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63101
Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel
800 Washington Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri, USA, 63101
The HQ hotel is located around the corner from the America’s Center Convention Complex.
