Other Events

The American Academy of Religion (AAR) and the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) welcome affiliated organizations to meet and host functions in conjunction with the 2023 AAR & SBL Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. All meetings offered during the Annual Meeting are considered Other Events and must be submitted online for AAR & SBL approval. Other Events include, but are not limited to: 

  • Alumni reunions
  • Committee and board meetings
  • Industry/Exhibitor pre-conference and post-conference meetings
  • Social events (receptions, dinners, breakfasts, etc.)
  • Book launches and reviews
  • Films

Except for AAR RSOs and SBL Affiliates, AAR and SBL do not permit Other Event sessions of a programmatic nature (i.e., scholarly panel or paper presentations) to occur during regular session times (Saturday - Monday, 9:00 am-11:30 am and 1:00 pm-6:30 pm, and Tuesday 9:00 am – 11:30 am) without special permission. This policy is to prevent thematic conflicts with AAR and SBL sessions.

How do Other Events work? 

AAR & SBL schedulers assign meeting space at the convention center or nearby contracted hotels based on the date (November 16-22), time, number of anticipated attendees, room set, and whether the Other Event requires catering and audio-visual needs. The fee is based on the length of time requested in 30-minute time slots. Organizers are confirmed with the date, time and location depending on when the Other Event information is submitted. 

Deadlines and fees are as follows:

  • Online form and payment received by July 10:
    • Fee is $50 per 30-minute time slot
    • Event will be listed in the Program Book, Online Program and Mobile App
    • Confirmation of venue and room assignment will be emailed by August 4
  • Online form and payment received by August 15:
    • Fee is $75 per 30-minute time slot
    • Event will be listed in the Online Program and Mobile App
    • Confirmation of venue and room assignment will be emailed by September 1
  • Online form and payment received by September 15:
    • Fee is $100 per 30-minute time slot
    • Event will be listed on the Online Program and Mobile App
    • Confirmation of venue and room assignment will be emailed by October 1
  • Online form and payment received by October 5:
    • Fee is $125 per 30-minute time slot
    • Event will be listed on the Online Program and Mobile App
    • Confirmation of venue and room assignment will be emailed by October 20

There is the option not to have the Other Event listed.

Cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected]

  • By August 15, 2023: Fully refunded 
  • August 16-October 1, 2023: Refunded less$40 cancellation fee 
  • After October 1, 2023: No refunds or space changes permitted 

You will need the following information when completing the Other Events registration: 

  • Organization name
  • Event title EXACTLY how it should be listed in the publications
  • Description of Other Event (150 words max)
  • Date and time 
  • Estimated attendance 
  • Room arrangement:
    • Banquet: round tables with 8 to 10 chairs each 
    • Conference: conference table with chairs surrounding the entire table, no more than 14 attendees 
    • Reception: assorted tall and short cocktail tables for reception events 
    • Theater: rows of chairs with center aisle facing front for presentation

Submit Your Other Event

For any questions related to Other Events please contact [email protected].