About the Event
Our in-person November Annual Meeting, co-hosted with the Society of Biblical Literature, brings together scholars for the world’s largest gathering of those interested in the academic study of religion. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with colleagues, publishers, and friends; engage with leading scholars in the field of religion; and network with potential employers and others from around the world.
There are over 1,000 events, including academic sessions, workshops, meetings, receptions, and tours. The Exhibit Hall presents a vibrant networking space where attendees can pitch ideas to publishers, browse the latest publications, and connect with colleagues. A full list of 2026 exhibitors will be available soon.
Interested in exhibiting at the November Annual Meeting? Contact AdEx@annual-meetings.org.
Registration information will be available soon.
Program
Our Annual Meeting program brings together thousands of religion scholars from around the world to present innovative research. The program, created in part by our Program Units and Seminars, includes presidential and plenary sessions, committee sessions, and workshops. We also support space for Related Scholarly Organizations and associated events.
Call for Proposals
Presidential Theme and Presidential Address
Each year, the AAR President creates and shares a new presidential theme that helps to shape the overall program of the annual meetings. Check out the current presidential theme.
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 2025 AAR & SBL Annual Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. All meetings offered during the Annual Meeting are considered Other Events and must be submitted online for approval.
More information on submitting an Other Event will be available soon.
Networking
The Annual Meeting is the premier space for networking among scholars of religion. From connecting with colleagues in your field to learning from professional development leaders to talking with publishers in our extensive book exhibit, our November Annual Meeting presents many opportunities to forge new relationships and nurture existing ones.
Exhibitors
Be sure to schedule time in the exhibit hall to see what’s new and upcoming from the exhibitors. A full list of 2026 exhibitors will be available soon.
Mentorship
Formal mentoring programs pair experienced professionals with emerging scholars, or they create mentoring pairs or cohorts based on particular interests and experiences. Whether you want to share your experience or hear about a mentor’s experiences, the November Annual Meeting is the place to meet and learn together.
Pre-conference Workshops
On Friday, November 20, 2026, we will offer numerous pre-conference workshops. More information coming soon.
City Tours
More information on Denver tours will be available soon.
Housing
The AAR and SBL have negotiated elite group rates at hotels, most within walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center. You can only get the discounted group rate by reserving your room during the online registration process. Hotel room rates do not include the average hotel room tax.
More information on housing and travel discounts will be available soon.
City Guide
More information coming soon.
Workshops
All workshops will take place on Friday, November 20, and require an additional fee. Fees vary by workshop, and selections can be made during the online registration process. Space is limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged. More information on workshops coming soon.
FAQ
We are looking forward to connecting with everyone at the Annual Meeting in Denver, CO, November 21-24, 2026. FAQs will be updated soon.
Accessibility
AAR and SBL members with disabilities or any attendees who may have difficulty getting around the meeting are encouraged to note this on their registration form and the housing section of registration, if applicable. AAR and SBL will make every reasonable attempt to provide accommodations and assistance, whether by arranging services such as sign language interpreters, assigning accessible hotel rooms, or through AAR and SBL’s taxi reimbursement policy. Please contact us at reg@aarweb.org if you have any questions.
Are you able to devote a few hours of your time at the annual meeting to assist a colleague? Please contact reg@aarweb.org if you can serve as a sighted guide, or to provide mobility assistance during a portion of the annual meeting.
Accessibility at the Colorado Convention Center
More information coming soon.
ASL Interpreter Services
AAR and SBL will provide interpreter services for attendees who request ASL interpretation in advance of the meeting. To request interpreter service, contact AAR at annualmeeting@aarweb.org no later than September 1 to ensure that AAR and SBL have sufficient time to arrange for appropriate interpreters. If members inform AAR and SBL about their anticipated attendance at particular sessions, AAR and SBL staff will coordinate with presenters and session presiders to secure advance copies of papers for interpreters.
Assisted Listening System
We can equip any conference meeting room with an assisted listening system. AAR and SBL will provide receivers to attendees who request them in advance. If you would like to make use of this service, please email information@annual-meetings.org by October 15.
Materials in Alternative Format
Attendees who need materials in alternative formats should contact the presenters directly. If you need contact information, please email AAR and SBL at reg@aarweb.org. If members inform AAR and SBL about their needs and their anticipated attendance at particular sessions, AAR and SBL staff will do their best to coordinate with presenters and session presiders to facilitate the availability of handouts or other session materials in alternative formats.
Meeting Room Accessibility
More information coming soon.
Sighted Guide or Mobility Assistance
Attendees who need a sighted guide or other mobility assistance to navigate the annual meeting should email reg@aarweb.org by October 15.
Volunteer to Assist Your Colleagues
Are you able to devote a few hours of your time at the annual meeting to assist a colleague? Please contact reg@aarweb.org if you can serve as a sighted guide, or to provide mobility assistance during a portion of the annual meeting.
Status of People with Disabilities in the Profession Committee
AAR has a Status of People with Disabilities in the Profession (PWD) Committee, which works to assure the full access of people with disabilities within AAR and to advance their status within the profession.
Health and Safety Requirements
AAR is committed to creating an event experience where our participants, partners, publishers, staff, and volunteers can safely and effectively conduct business, network, and learn. The Annual Meeting will follow current CDC guidelines at the time of the meeting and any applicable protocols required by our venues, state, and local governments.
Registration
Registration information coming soon.