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. View a full list of our exhibitors for 2025.

Interested in exhibiting at the November Annual Meeting? Contact AdEx@annual-meetings.org.

People who register for the November Annual Meeting will receive a discount for the Online June Sessions of the Annual Meeting. If you’ve already registered for the November Annual Meeting, your confirmation email includes a discount registration link for the Online June Sessions.

Register Now

For more information on registration rates, financial assistance, and travel guidance, please refer to our registration page.

Non-Member/Dual/RSO Registration

Register

 

AAR Member Registration
To access the AAR member registration rates, please login now and return back to this page.

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.

Program Book

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 Info and Submit Request

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. View a full list of our exhibitors for 2025.

Saturday, Nov. 22 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday, Nov. 23 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Monday, Nov. 24 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday, Nov. 25 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday, Nov. 25 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

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 21, 2025, we offer numerous pre-conference workshops.

City Tours

Discover the charm of our host city with curated off-site tours and experiences designed to immerse you in the local culture. You can view our current list of tours on the City Guide and Tours tab of our event navigation.

Housing

The AAR and SBL have negotiated elite group rates at 15 hotels, most within walking distance of the Hynes 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 of 16.45% hotel room tax.

Hotel reservations are available from Thursday, November 20 through Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Registration, Exhibit Hall, and most sessions will be held in the Hynes Convention Center. Some sessions as well as some Other Events will also be held in the Hilton Boston Back Bay, Boston Marriott Copley Place, Sheraton Boston, and Westin Copley Place.

The following hotels are part of the 2025 Annual Meeting room block.


Hotel Name 1 person / 1 bed 2 people / 1 bed 2 people / 2 beds 3 people / 2 beds 4 people / 2 beds
Boston Marriott Copley Place $204 $204 $204 $224 $224
Courtyard Boston Down-town $182 $182 $202 $222 $242
Double Tree Down-town $198 $198 N/A N/A N/A
Fairmont Copley Plaza $200 $200 $200 $230 $260
Hilton Boston Back Bay $199 $199 $199 $219 $239
Hilton Boston Park Plaza $200 $200 $200 $220 $240
Hotel AKA Back Bay $219 $219 N/A N/A N/A
Hyatt Regency Boston $202 $202 $202 $227 $252
Omni Parker House $199 $199 $199 $219 $239
Sheraton Boston Hotel $198 $198 $198 $218 $238
The Colonnade $205 $205 $205 $235 $265
The Hotel Common-wealth $189 $189 $189 $189 $189
The Lenox $229 $229 $229 $249 $269
The Revere Hotel Boston Common $198 $198 $198 $228 $258
Westin Copley Place Boston $208 $208 $208 $228 $248

View a hotel map and a list of amenities each property offers.

You can secure a room at one of these hotels at the conference room rate through registration. You must be registered to secure housing.

If you have difficulty walking long distances, please refer to our Accessibility page.

Travel Discounts

Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines are the official carriers of the 2025 Annual Meetings. For the benefit of our attendees, discounts may be available depending on the dates and times you will be traveling to the Annual Meeting. To take advantage of these special discounted fares, make reservations directly through the respective websites listed below. Be sure to include the specific discount code bolded below. Discounts do not apply to certain restricted fares and exclude sale fare inventories. If you book through a travel agency, be sure to give them the appropriate discount code.

Delta Air Lines

Please click here to book your flights.

You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY3TV

*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via Delta’s reservation 800 number.

Southwest Airlines

Book your flights in SWABIZ or through your organization’s Partner Desk using your Company ID (99519162) to access discounts on eligible fares. Discounts on eligible fares are for reservations booked 03/14/2025 through 11/17/2025 for travel 11/17/2025 through 11/28/2025.

United Airlines

Z Code: ZQY7

Agreement Code: 527674

US 50 States & Canada Passengers: call your professional travel agency, book online via united.com/meetingtravel or call United Reservations Meetings Desk at 800-426-1122 and provide the Z Code and Agreement Code. Booking fee is waived for all Meeting reservations.

Passengers outside the US 50 States & Canada: call your professional travel agency or book online via united.com/meetingtravel

Local Transportation

There are several ways of getting from the Boston Logan International Airport to the Hynes Convention Center and our conference hotels. We have highlighted two below. Get detailed information on all modes of transportation.

Taxis

Many companies provide taxicab service at Boston’s Logan International Airport. If you need a taxi, they are available on the Arrivals level at Terminals A, B, C and E. Arriving passengers can find a taxi by following signs for Ground Transportation and Taxi.

Shared-Ride Car Service (such as Uber or Lyft)

Several companies offer Ride Share services at Logan International Airport. Each terminal has designated ride app pick-up locations. Get more information on ride-sharing from the airport.

Parking at the Hynes Convention Center

Within a three-block walk of the Hynes Convention Center are numerous parking garages totaling over 4,400 spaces. There is limited meter parking available around the Hynes and adjacent streets. View a full list of nearby parking garages.

City Guide

One of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston has a rich legacy of arts, culture, education, and more.

Local Transportation

There are several ways of getting from the Boston Logan International Airport to the Hynes Convention Center and our conference hotels. We have highlighted two below. Get detailed information on all modes of transportation.

Tours

Discover our host city by joining one of our guided tours. Tours can be reserved during the registration process for an additional, non-refundable fee. Unless otherwise noted, all tours will depart from the Hynes Convention Center.

Community Service Opportunity with Pine Street Inn

Friday, November 21 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM ET

We are proud to partner with Pine Street Inn — an organization dedicated to ending homelessness for individuals throughout Greater Boston — for a meaningful volunteer opportunity. Together, we will be supporting a restaurant-style dinner service for guests residing in their emergency shelters. Join us as we give back to our host city and make a positive impact in the community.

Back Bay Architecture Walking Tour

Saturday, November 22 | 3:00 – 4:30 PM ET

Discover the charm and character of Boston on this captivating 90-minute walking tour through some of the city’s most iconic and historic neighborhoods. We will kick things off in Copley Square, where stunning 19th-century architecture sets the scene, then make our way down the elegant Commonwealth Avenue, lined with grand homes that tell the story of Boston’s bold vision for the Back Bay. From there, we will explore the lush beauty of Boston’s Public Garden, the oldest botanical garden in the U.S., before winding our way into the timeless streets of Beacon Hill. With its gas lamps, cobblestone paths, and red-brick townhouses, this neighborhood feels like a step back in time. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture lover, or curious about Boston’s unique past, this tour offers a little something for everyone. The tour begins and ends at the Hynes Convention Center and lasts about 90 minutes. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather — Boston has plenty of stories to share, rain or shine!

Mapping Malcom’s Boston

Sunday, November 23 | 10:00 am – 12:30 PM ET

In his autobiography, Malcolm X writes of his move to Boston, “No physical move in my life has been more pivotal or profound in its repercussions” (X & Haley, 1999, 39). His time in Boston was essential to his religious and political development; it is the city where he began his life as a hustler, was introduced to jazz music, and joined the Nation of Islam while incarcerated. Join Kayla Renée Wheeler for a tour of Malcolm X’s Boston, stopping at four sites that were central to his life between 1941 and 1953 and concluding at the ISBCC, the largest mosque in New England, for lunch. The highlight of the tour will be 72 Dale Street, the only home known from Malcolm X’s childhood that is still standing. In addition to telling the story of Malcolm X’s life in Boston, the tour will highlight how gentrification, demographic shifts, and urban renewal have shaped the Greater Boston area, including its Black Muslim communities.

Boston Pints and Past Walking Tour

Sunday, November 23 |  2:00 – 4:00 PM ET

Embark on a captivating journey through Boston, renowned for its storied past and warm hospitality. This 2-hour walking tour seamlessly blends cultural landmarks with the city’s famed pub scene. Tour highlights include a nostalgic visit to the original Cheers bar and a stop at the historic Granary Burying Ground, where legends rest. This tour starts and ends at the Hynes Convention Center and lasts about 2 hours. Walking shoes and warm clothing are recommended.

Historic Churches in Boston’s Back Bay Walking Tour

Monday, November 24 | 12:30 – 4:30 PM ET

Boston, MA

Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood is home to many church buildings that are both landmarks of American architectural history and the history of religion in America. This walking tour offers an opportunity to explore several of these notable edifices from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, all conveniently located around our convention site. During this tour we will likely visit the First Church of Christ Scientist (“Mother Church”), the “new” Old South Church, St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, and the Church of the Covenant. Other possible sites include First Baptist Church, Emanuel Episcopal Church, and First Church Boston (Unitarian Universalist).

Join us for a unique glimpse into Boston’s ecclesiastical architecture and the evolving religious landscape of the city.

Tour of the Congregational Library and Archives

Monday, November 24 | 1:30 – 2:30 PM ET

Join us at 14 Beacon for a tour of the Congregational Library and Archives (CLA). Go behind the scenes of an independent research library and learn about the history and collections of this 172-year-old institution in the heart of Beacon Hill. The CLA’s collections include 225,000 books, pamphlets, periodicals, and manuscripts, as well as a digital archive of early New England church records.

 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the CLA’s recent exhibition, Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts, and discuss it with the curator. The exhibition features many treasures from the CLA’scollections: sermons, books, poems, songs, and letters created by Massachusetts Congregationalists during and after the American Revolution. These objects reveal how Congregationalists understood their moral obligations to each other and debated questions of liberty and loyalty.

The tour will be hosted by CLA Executive Director Kyle Roberts and NEHH Project Director Tricia Peone.

Please note: transportation will not be provided between the Hynes Convention Center and 14 Beacon Street. Participants will be responsible for their own travel to and from the Congregational Library and Archives. The Library is only 1.4 miles from the Hynes Convention Center and can be easily reached by public transportation.

Workshops

All workshops will take place on Friday, November 21, 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.

Advancing Access: Disability and Solidarity in Teaching

3:00 – 6:00 PM ET

During this workshop, participants will explore a range of teaching practices, strategies, and activities that support more accessible pedagogy through inclusive ways of being and thinking. The session features a series of lightning talks addressing various issues and approaches related to access and disability within religious studies and theological education.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own teaching materials—such as syllabi, learning activities, and assessments—to use in small group work. Each participant will engage in two distinct group discussions to identify key areas for fresh perspectives and meaningful change.

Centers for Religion in Public Life

2:00 – 5:00 PM ET

This workshop offers valuable opportunities for networking and dialogue for anyone involved in leading or supporting an institute, center, or program focused on religion in public life. It serves as an ongoing forum to share best practices, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration. Participants will explore current challenges and opportunities in engaging religion in public life and advancing public understanding of religion, while also addressing practical and structural concerns facing such programs—including funding.

The three-hour workshop includes:

  • A “state of the field” session featuring a diverse range of leaders,
  • A peer learning and resource-sharing session to discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and generate actionable insights,
  • A hands-on training session on a practical topic such as writing for public audiences or securing grant funding.

Developing Guidelines for Ethical Hiring, Equitable Assignment and Effective Evaluation of Contingent Faculty in Religion Departments

12:00 – 3:00 PM ET

This workshop brings together contingent faculty, administrators, and department leaders to explore ethical and equitable practices in hiring, evaluating, and supporting non-tenure-track faculty in the study of religion. As academic institutions increasingly rely on contingent labor, this session addresses urgent questions around fair treatment, transparency, and inclusion — especially for minoritized scholars and marginalized scholarship.

Participants will examine existing guidelines, share experiences, and collaboratively draft recommendations on topics such as equitable hiring, minimum standards of support, transparent communication, and inclusive peer review. Outcomes from the workshop will help inform a set of guidelines for consideration by the AAR Board, with the goal of promoting more just and sustainable academic structures.

Interactive Qualitative Research: Challenging Extractivist Praxis in Ethnographic Theologies and Qualitative Research

2:00 – 5:30 PM ET

This workshop invites theological researchers to critically engage themes of power, reflexivity, agency, and accountability in their qualitative and ethnographic work. Writers, artists, students, instructors, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to explore strategies that resist extractivist approaches in ethnographic theology and qualitative research methods.

Through interactive sessions and both small- and large-group discussions, the workshop foregrounds the conference theme of freedom by examining questions of ownership, access, interpretation, and the afterlives of research projects—not only within theological research, but also in broader ecclesial and academic spaces such as conferences, classrooms, and congregations

Museums as Ritual Sites: Between Theory and Practice

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM ET

With the 2025 publication of Museums as Ritual Sites: Civilizing Rituals Reconsidered (Routledge), this workshop builds on the legacy of Carol Duncan’s influential Civilizing Rituals: Inside Public Art Museums (1995). It offers a space to critically celebrate Duncan’s impact while exploring the ritual potential of contemporary museums.

This pre-conference workshop invites participants to examine how museums operate as liminal spaces—both within their walls and in relation to broader societal contexts—through the lenses of religion, diversity and inclusion, consumption, and tradition.

The session reinforces the vital connection between theory and practice in studying religion in public spaces like museums. It also provides scholars at all levels the opportunity to engage directly with museum professionals and their perspectives on religion and ritual in curatorial and institutional work.

This workshop will take place at the Center for Netherlandish Art, at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The Museum of Fine Arts is 0.9 miles away from the Hynes Convention Center.

Talking Repro with Reporters: A Media Training for Scholars of Abortion and Religion

2:00 – 4:00 PM ET

Join a reproductive rights activist and strategic communications expert for an interactive media training designed for scholars of religion and abortion. Participants will gain practical strategies for engaging with journalists, including how to vet media requests, navigate reporter terminology, prepare for interviews, and craft messaging that conveys the complexity of their research.

Through analysis of real interview clips and hands-on practice, attendees will sharpen their skills for speaking to diverse audiences via prepared remarks, video interviews, and audio-only conversations. While especially relevant for those studying reproductive rights, the workshop also offers broader strategies for addressing politically charged topics with nuance and academic integrity.

Participants will leave with concrete tools to confidently engage media and contribute thoughtfully to public conversations at the intersection of religion and reproductive rights.

Teaching with Grace: Trauma-Informed Education in Theology and Religious Studies

2:00 – 4:30 PM ET

This interactive workshop, led by a multiethnic and multicultural team spanning three generations of scholars, offers theoretical, practical, and pedagogical insight into trauma-informed approaches to teaching theology and religion. The tools and strategies presented draw from an original qualitative research project that explored student and faculty experiences with trauma in the classroom at an R1 divinity school.

Throughout the session, aspects of trauma-informed teaching will be modeled in the workshop’s format itself. Presenters will invite participants to reflect on how these approaches might be thoughtfully adapted and applied within their own institutional contexts.

THATCamp: The Humanities and Technology Camp

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM ET

Artificial Intelligence is the latest and most disruptive example of digital technology transforming how religious communities function. Digital tools have also reshaped how scholars teach and conduct research on religion. If you’re curious about how technology is changing our work now and in the future, we invite you to join us at THATCamp.

THATCamp is an unconference: instead of formal presentations, learning happens through hands-on workshops proposed by participants. Topics might include using AI in research or teaching, digital research methods, web-based assignments, and more. What are the implications of technology for our disciplines? How does digital scholarship fit into our field of study? What are the professional ramifications?

THATCamp offers an open, welcoming space for sharing, exploring, and learning together.

Creating Public Scholarship Through Podcasting and Other Media

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET

This podcast workshop is designed for religion scholars interested in exploring the growing role of audio media in academic and pedagogical contexts. Participants will gain an understanding of foundational skills necessary to launch and maintain a podcast, including scripting, recording, editing, and publishing. In addition to hands-on training, the workshop will offer critical insight into the evolving pedagogical landscape, examining how podcasts can be used as powerful tools for teaching, public scholarship, and engagement beyond the classroom. Whether you’re looking to integrate podcasts into your curriculum or launch your own scholarly series, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to get started.

Brought to you by the co-hosts of Straight White American Jesus (SWAJ), Dr. Bradley Onishi and Dr. Daniel Miller. SWAJ is downloaded 3 million times per year and has been assigned in courses at dozens of universities across the world. Joining Brad and Dan will be Dr. Leah Payne, creator of the award-winning PRX podcast Rock That Doesn’t Roll and Spirit and Power: Charismatics and Politics in American Public Life.

Media and Religion: Counter-Media and Resistance

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET

This pre-conference workshop, facilitated by Kristin Peterson, Boston College, will explore the potential for resistance within certain media forms, specifically exploring how religious and spiritual communities engage with media as a way to counter dominant discourses. These counter-voices may be speaking against injustices within religious institutions or working to dismantle larger systems of oppression in society. The structure of the workshop will include 2-3 keynote presentations from scholars who are working on research in the area of counter-media, resistance, and religion. Following the keynote presentations, participants will engage in roundtable discussions about the presentations, their own research interests, and theories discussed in a selection of assigned readings. This workshop will be ideal for participants interested in activism within religious communities, alternative media forms, and theories around resistance and media.

 

FAQ

We are looking forward to connecting with everyone at the Annual Meeting in Boston, MA, November 22-25, 2025. If you have questions, please read the information below before contacting AAR. If you have a question not addressed in the FAQ, please address your question to the appropriate person:

Mobile App FAQ

Venue and Schedule

What is the closest airport to the Hynes Convention Center?

The closest airport is Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

Annual Meeting Session Schedule
Saturday, Nov. 22 – Monday, Nov. 24 9:00 – 11:00 AM; 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM; 12:30 – 2:30 PM; 3:00 – 4:30 PM; 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Tuesday, Nov. 25 8:30 – 10:00 AM; 10:30 AM -12:00 PM
Registration Schedule
Friday, Nov. 21 11:00 AM –6:00 PM
Saturday, Nov. 22 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday, Nov. 23 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Monday, Nov. 24 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday, Nov. 25 8:00 – 10:00 AM
Exhibit Hall Schedule

View a full list of our exhibitors for 2025.

Saturday, Nov. 22 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday, Nov. 23 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Monday, Nov. 24 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday, Nov. 25 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday, Nov. 25 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where will the sessions be held?

Most of the sessions will be held in the Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St, Boston, MA. Sessions will also be held at the Boston Marriott Copley Place, Hilton Boston Back Bay, Sheraton Boston, and the Westin Copley Place.

What is the dress code?

Annual Meeting attire is business casual. Comfortable shoes are a must! We recommend you dress in layers as temperatures in session rooms can vary.

Is there Internet access at the convention center?

There will be complimentary internet at the convention center so attendees can access the mobile app. All hotels in the AAR and SBL room block have Internet access available in the lobbies and guest rooms. There is no Wi-Fi access in the hotel session rooms.

Will childcare be available?

Yes, we’ll once again be partnering with KiddieCorp, as we have in previous years. Childcare will be available for children ages 6 months to 12 years for a nominal hourly fee. KiddieCorp will adhere to health and safety guidelines to ensure the well-being of all children and staff. Advance reservations are required through the registration process.

Where are the lactation rooms located?

A lactation room is available at the Hynes — in the exhibit hall between Halls C and D. A Mamava lactation pod is also available for use. The Mamamva is located near the Prudential mall entrance.

At the Sheraton Hotel, the Meeting Planning Office — Back Bay on the second floor — has also been designated a lactation room.

Where are the all-gender bathrooms located?

Gender neutral bathrooms can be found in the following locations:

  • Hynes: (2) Individual bathrooms near room 300 on Level 3
  • Sheraton: (2) Individual bathrooms across from Boylston on the 3rd floor
  • Marriott: (2) Bathrooms across from Arlington on the 3rd floor
  • Westin: (2) Bathrooms on 3rd floor (across from elevators)
  • Hilton: Fenway restroom to the right of the front desk
Are special Jewish Shabbat meals and services available at the Annual Meetings 2025?

Special meals and services will be available off-site during the Annual Meetings 2025. Please contact shabbat@sbl-site.org for more information about the meals and how to register.

There is now a vegetarian/dairy kosher fast-food restaurant located in the Prudential Center (Hynes Court), next to the Hynes Convention Center and Sheraton Hotel and connecting to both. Clover Food Labs, under the kashrut supervision of the Lighthouse-K (Rabbi Barry Dolinger). Open Sunday 11 AM (lunch) – 7 PM (dinner) and Monday-Friday 7 AM (breakfast) through 8 PM (dinner). No reservations required.

What health protocols will be implemented at the Annual Meeting?

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. The Hynes Convention Center is committed to the health and safety of its guests, employees, and partners, and they continue with many protocols established over the last few years to ensure the facility is clean and safe.  Additionally, hand sanitizers will be placed in all public spaces, meeting room corridors, show floor areas, and food and beverage areas.  Face masks will be provided at the AAR & SBL registration desk and information desks. Review the AAR & SBL’s Assumption of the Risk and Waiver of Liability Relating to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 statement.

What is the Annual Meeting Covid Protocol?

We encourage testing prior to traveling and will offer refunds to those who test positive and are unable to attend. If you test positive, be sure to contact reg@aarweb.org.

Free masks will be available at the registration and mobile app desks located in the Hynes Convention Center.

Registration

When will registration open for the Annual Meeting?

Registration opened on April 24, 2025.

When will registration close?

Registration will remain open through Tuesday, November 26 at 10 AM ET.

Do I have to register online?

Yes, registration must be completed online only. Phone registrations will not be accepted.

What are the registration fees?

Registration rates can be found under the registration tab on our event navigation.

Are there any registration discounts?

When you register for the 2025 Annual Meeting as a member, you already have access to the member/discounted rate. Plus, the earlier you register, the greater your discount! If you are looking to register for the AAR Online June sessions too, be sure to get our $40 discount for registering for both meetings! If you’ve already registered for the November Annual Meeting, your confirmation email includes a discount registration link for the Online June Sessions.

What is included in the registration fee?

Registration fees include access to all sessions, except where an additional registration fee is noted. Meals, travel, transportation, workshops, tours, and housing are at not included in the registration fee.

Do I receive a discount if I register for the June Online Meeting and the November Annual Meeting?

YES, you will receive a $40 discount on the June Online Meeting by registering for both AAR meetings. However, you will need to register for the November Annual Meeting first, then use the discount link in your November Annual Meeting confirmation email to receive a $40 off the June Online Meeting.

Have you emailed the attendee name badges?

Attendee name badges will be emailed to all registered attendees at the beginning of November.  The subject of the email is Print Your Name Badges – Prior to Arrival. If you do not receive it by November 15th, please check your spam/junk mail or email reg@aarweb.org to receive another copy.

What is the registration cancellation policy?

The following registration cancellation policy will apply:

  • July 31st, 2025 – All Annual Meeting registration cancellations will be accepted and refunded in full until August 1st, or can be converted to a donation to the AAR
  • August 1st – Oct. 23rd, 2025– All conference registration cancellations will incur an administrative fee of $40; alternatively, the full amount can be converted to a donation to the AAR/SBL
  • After Oct. 23rd, 2025– Refunds for conference registration cancellations will only be issued with a valid doctor’s excuse. A $40 administrative fee will be incurred.
  • There are no refunds for tours. Registrations, tours, or workshops cannot be switched to another person’s name. AAR reserves the right to cancel a tour if the minimum required attendance is not met.
  • Hotel reservations may be added or changed within the registration system through October 23, 2025.

Please send meeting cancellation requests to reg@aarweb.org.

How can I get a receipt for my Annual Meeting registration?

A link to your registration receipt is in your confirmation email, which is automatically sent to the email address you listed on your registration.

Where do I pick up a tote bag?

You can pick up your tote bag at the tote bag station located in pre-function area of halls C & D on the 2nd level of the Hynes Convention Center.

Will printed program books be available?

A limited supply of printed program books will be available for pickup at the tote bag station. We encourage attendees to download and use our mobile app for the most current information, as several updates have been made since the program books were printed.

Does AAR offer any financial support to attend the Annual Meeting?

Annual Meeting participants can apply for the Annual Meeting Travel Grants, Judith Plaskow Travel Grant, or the Religion and the Arts Travel Grant.

Housing and Travel

Where can I find information on traveling in and out of the United States?

Check out our travel guidance under our registration tab on our event navigation above.

How can I obtain a visa/invitation letter?

Please contact us at reg@aarweb.org if you need a visa/invitation letter to attend the Annual Meeting.

How far are the hotels to the Hynes Convention Center?

Half of our contracted hotels are located a quick 10-minute walk or less from the Hynes Convention Center. The rest are still close by—no more than 1.5 miles away, which is about a 25-minute walk.

Will there be a shuttle from hotel to the convention center?

Complimentary shuttle service to and from the Hynes Convention Center will be provided in the mornings and evenings from the following designated hotels: Courtyard Boston Downtown, Double Tree Downtown, Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Hyatt Regency Boston, Omni Parker House, The Revere Hotel Boston Common.

How do I reserve a hotel room in the Annual Meeting room block?

During the online registration process, you will have the opportunity to reserve a room. There are many choices of hotels; just enter your arrival and departure dates and the available hotels will be listed.

Why do I have to enter my credit card information when booking my hotel room?

Your credit card information is used to secure your reservation. Without a credit card, the hotel will not secure your reservation. You will not be charged until you check out of the hotel; however, many hotels will charge one-night’s room and tax approximately two weeks prior to your check in date. Please note that credits cards that expire in October or November will need to be updated in your registration record by ‘modifying’ your hotel payment information in the housing section of your registration. If not, the reservation is subject to cancellation. If you need help with this email reg@aarweb.org

Why should I book my room through the Annual Meeting room block?
  • Save Money — The AAR and SBL hotel rate will be the LOWEST rate offered at each property during the Annual Meeting period. Complimentary hotel room internet access is provided with your reservation, when you book your room in the Annual Meeting room block.
  • Keep Registration Rates Low – AAR and SBL have negotiated great rates at 11 different hotels, giving you a range of choices for prices and amenities. In exchange, we can negotiate a better rate for convention center meeting space and thus keep registration rates affordable – much less expensive than other comparable events. For this reason, we ask that you book your hotel rooms within the designated block to keep future Annual Meetings affordable for all.
  • Network – By staying at the contracted hotels, you enhance your opportunities to meet with colleagues and share experiences and ideas.
  • Earn Rewards – If you are signed up for a particular hotel brand’s loyalty program, you still receive loyalty points and benefits by booking through AAR and SBL’s room block.
Do you offer Airline Discount Codes?

We offer discount codes for Delta, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. For the benefit of our attendees, discounts may be available depending on the dates and times you will be traveling to the Annual Meeting. To take advantage of these special discounted fares, make reservations directly through the respective websites listed below. Be sure to include the specific discount code bolded below. Discounts do not apply to certain restricted fares and exclude sale fare inventories. If you book through a travel agency, be sure to give them the appropriate discount code.

Delta Air Lines
  • Please click here to book your flights.
  • You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY3TV

*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via Delta’s reservation 800 number.

Southwest Airlines

Book your flights in SWABIZ or through your organization’s Partner Desk using your Company ID (99519162) to access discounts on eligible fares. Discounts on eligible fares are for reservations booked 03/14/2025 through 11/17/2025 for travel 11/17/2025 through 11/28/2025.

United Airlines

Z Code: ZQY7 | Agreement Code: 527674
US 50 States & Canada passengers: call your professional travel agency, book online via united.com/meetingtravel or call United Reservations Meetings Desk at 800-426-1122 and provide the Z Code and Agreement Code. Booking fee is waived for all Meeting reservations.
Passengers outside the US 50 States & Canada: call your professional travel agency or book online via united.com/meetingtravel

Membership

I do not remember my AAR Member ID.

Your AAR Member ID is your email associated with your AAR membership. If you need assistance with finding your AAR Member ID, please contact membership@aarweb.org to reach the AAR Membership Department.

I do not remember the password to my member record. How do I reset my password?

Visit aarweb.org, click the Log In button at the top right, then click the Forgot password link to reset your password. If you need assistance with resetting your password, please contact the membership team at membership@aarweb.org.

Do I have to be a member of AAR to register?

You do not need to be an AAR member to attend the Annual Meeting, though you will miss out on the discounted member registration rates. Note: Annual Meeting participants, including panelists, paper authors, presiders, and respondents, must be a member and registered by July 28 per Program Committee policy to remain on the program.

My membership lapsed. How do I renew my membership?

You can renew online.

Why doesn’t my Annual Meeting participation show in my member record?

AAR transitioned to a new system in 2025, and the process of importing historical, registration, and awards data into the membership system has not yet been completed. We are working to resolve this as soon as possible.

Program

Do session participants have to be a member?

Yes. If you are presenting (presider, panelist, paper presenter, respondent, or business meeting presider) in an AAR session, you must be a member of the AAR and registered for the Annual Meeting by July 28. If a presenter is not in the field of Religious Studies or Theology, the Program Unit Chair of the session can fill out a registration waiver form.

How can I contact Program Unit and Seminar Chairs?

Contact information for chairs can be found by going to the Program Units and Seminars page and clicking the specific Units and Seminars you wish to contact.

There was a misprint in the Online Program Book, who should I contact?

Please email  annualmeeting@aarweb.org and provide your name, institution, the misprint, and the session number (A#). Session numbers are found in the online Program Book.

How do I access the online program book?

The online program book can be viewed here.

When will I know when and where my session will be?

For the most up-to-date information, please check the online program book.

Are there options for virtual participation?

There will not be virtual participation options. However, if the room has the appropriate AV set-up, there might be an option to show a pre-recorded video, or you can prepare remarks for someone to read. If you are unable to attend in-person, please reach out to the presider and program unit chairs, as soon as possible. For more questions, please reach out to annualmeeting@aarweb.org.

When will I know when and where my session will be?

The final program information will be available online in mid-to-late summer.

When will the Program Book be mailed?

The print Program Book will be mailed in early October to all registrants who indicate that they want a print Program Book mailed to them in the registration process. The most up-to-date session information can be found in the Online Program Book and in the Mobile App.

I want a printed program book. Can I still get one?

While we advise you to use the Online Program Book and the Annual Meeting Mobile App for the most up-to-date information, you will be able to pick up a physical program book at the Tote Bag booth located at the Hynes Convention Center

How do I confirm the AV set-up in the room where I am presenting?

The presider of the session should be in touch with this information but if not, please reach out to annualmeeting@aarweb.org.

Will sessions be recorded and/or available after the Annual Meeting?

The presidential address, plenary events, and a selection of special sessions may be audio-recorded and available on the AAR Spotify following the Annual Meeting.

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 information@annual-meetings.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 information@annual-meetings.org if you can serve as a sighted guide, or to provide mobility assistance during a portion of the annual meeting.

Accessibility at the Hynes Convention Center

The Hynes Convention Center is ADA friendly and equipped with accessibility in mind. The convention center has elevators on every level near the escalators. View a floor plan of the facilities.

Access to and Between the Hynes Convention Center and Main Hotels

Most AAR and SBL sessions will be held in five locations—the Hynes Convention Center, the Boston Marriott Copley Place, the Hilton Boston Back Bay, the Sheraton Boston, and the Westin Copley Place.

  • The Sheraton Boston is attached to the Hynes Convention Center.
  • The Marriott Copley Place, and the Westin Copley Place connect to the Hynes Convention Center through the Copley Place Shopping Galleries and the Prudential Center and are respectively 2 and 3 blocks away from the convention center.
  • The Hilton Back Bay is across the street from the convention center.
Approximate Distances from the Hynes Convention Center to:
  • Boston Marriott Copley Place – 2 blocks
  • Courtyard Boston Downtown – 1.1 miles
  • DoubleTree Boston Downtown – 1.2 miles
  • Fairmont Copley Plaza – 0.6 miles
  • Hilton Boston Back Bay – 0.2 miles
  • Hilton Boston Park Plaza – 0.9 miles
  • Hotel AKA Back Bay – 0.9 miles
  • Hyatt Regency Boston – 1.3 miles
  • Omni Parker House – 1.5 miles
  • Sheraton Boston – attached
  • The Colonnade Hotel – 0.4 miles
  • The Hotel Commonwealth – 0.6 miles
  • The Lenox Hotel – 0.4 miles
  • The Revere Hotel Boston Common – 1 mile
  • Westin Copley Place – 3 blocks

View a hotel conference map that includes room rate information and the amenities for each property.

Complimentary shuttle service to and from the Hynes Convention Center will be provided in the mornings and evenings from the following designated hotels: Courtyard Boston Downtown, Double Tree Downtown, Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Hyatt Regency Boston, Omni Parker House, The Revere Hotel Boston Common.

Saturday, November 22
7:00 – 10:00 AM Every 20-30 Minutes
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Sunday, November 23
7:00 – 10:00 AM Every 20-30 Minutes
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Monday, November 24
7:00 – 10:00 AM Every 20-30 Minutes
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Tuesday, November 25
7:30 AM – 12:30 PM Every 20-30 Minutes

Taxi Reimbursement

AAR and SBL will reimburse attendees with disabilities for the cost of a taxi or ride-share service to travel between official Annual Meeting 2025 locations, if needed. To receive the reimbursement, please submit all receipts with a letter detailing the nature of your disability, your departure point, and your destination. Only travel between official Annual Meeting locations (i.e., hotels and convention center) will be covered, and only from November 22-25, 2025. Reimbursements should be directed to reg@aarweb.org.

Wheelchair or Electric Scooter Rental

The Hynes has a limited number of wheelchairs available for attendees, free of charge on a first-come first-served basis. A form of ID is required to sign out a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are not authorized to leave the Hynes property without the approval of the MCCA Public Safety department.

Attendees who wish to rent a wheelchair or electric scooter for use during the Annual Meeting are encouraged to contact the following provider to arrange for service: Cloud of Goods.

Onsite Accessibility Issues

Should you encounter any accessibility issues at the Annual Meeting, please notify staff at the AAR & SBL Registration Desk, or email information@annual-meetings.org.

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 information@annual-meetings.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

All sessions at the 2025 Annual Meeting are accessible to attendees using wheelchairs or scooters. Meeting room chairs will be arranged to ensure two open spaces for attendees using wheelchairs.

Sighted Guide or Mobility Assistance

Attendees who need a sighted guide or other mobility assistance to navigate the annual meeting should email information@annual-meetings.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 information@annual-meetings.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), 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.

The Hynes Convention Center is committed to the health and safety of its guests, employees, and partners, and they continue with many protocols established over the last few years to ensure the facility is clean and safe.

  • Clean Hands: Hand sanitizers will be placed in all public spaces, meeting room corridors, show floor areas and food and beverage areas. Participants are encouraged to regularly wash and disinfect their hands.
  • Masks/Face Coverings: We understand and respect the fact that some 2025 Annual Meeting attendees may wish to wear masks. We want all attendees to feel comfortable and safe and we welcome your choice to wear a mask.  Face masks will be provided at the AAR & SBL registration desk and information desks.

Registration

Please note that in order to register for either the June Annual Meeting or the November Annual Meeting, you NEED to login to our new system and reset your password in order to receive the member discounted rates. Please do this ahead of our registration deadlines in order to avoid any issues.

Whether it is your first November Annual Meeting or your fiftieth, we can’t wait to see you this November. AAR members receive a deep discount on registration rates, so renew your membership or join today before registering.

Registration fees include access to all sessions and the large book exhibit, except where an additional registration fee is noted. Meals, travel, transportation, workshops, tours, and housing are not included.

People who register for the November Annual Meeting will receive a discount for the Online June Sessions of the Annual Meeting. If you’ve already registered for the November Annual Meeting, your confirmation email includes a discount registration link for the Online June Sessions.


Member Student Member Retired Member Spouse / Partner Affiliate/RSO Non-Member
Early Bird (Open - May 29) $275 $100 $110 $190 $300 $505
Super Saver (May 30 - July 31) $335 $130 $135 $235 $375 $640
Advanced (Aug. 1 - Sept. 25) $430 $160 $165 $305 $475 $805
Regular Full Price (Sept. 26 - Nov. 25) $530 $200 $210 $380 $590 $1,005

Register Now

Non-Member/Dual/RSO Registration

Register

AAR Member Registration

To access the AAR member registration rates, please login now and return back to this page.

Financial Assistance

Annual Meeting participants in need of financial support to attend the 2025 Annual Meeting can apply for the following travel grants: Annual Meeting Travel Grants, Judith Plaskow Travel Grant, or the Religion and the Arts Travel Grant.

Travel Guidance

To support members traveling to the Annual Meeting, we’ve compiled helpful travel information and resources to guide your planning. Please be aware that the information provided comes from multiple sources, and travel regulations may change with little notice. While this information is not intended as legal advice, we’ve done our best to share reliable, experience-based guidance that aligns with current international travel laws and border requirements.

International travelers to the US please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html for visa information.

It is best practice to carry actual documents with you when you are traveling in the U.S. While digital copies can be stored on your phone, it is strongly recommended to carry hard copies of these documents. Digital documentation is not always accepted and presenting your digital copies on a device to U.S. Customs and Border Protection might make that device subject to search.

It is also a good idea to prepare a brief description of your purpose for traveling. Feel free to use this:

The Annual Meetings hosted by the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature is the world’s largest gathering of scholars and teachers in the academic study of religion.

U.S. agents may ask very detailed questions about your purpose and destination. You do not need to go into great detail about the contents of any presentation you are giving, but you may be asked to describe your field of study. Answer truthfully, broadly, and calmly.

For LGBT2QIA+ Travelers 

In particular gender-nonconforming and trans travelers, view resources on flying to and in the U.S. from Travel While Trans.

Know Your Rights

From the American Civil Liberties Union: Learn about your rights when encountering law enforcement at the airport.

Other Resources

How AAR Can Help

Official letters of invitation for travel and/or visa purposes to the AAR Annual Meeting are available. If you are traveling to the United States from another country, we encourage you to request a letter of invitation. Please note that AAR will fully refund registration fees with no penalty to AAR members in good standing whose visa applications are denied or who are otherwise restricted from entering the United States.

For help with your registration and housing, or to request a visa or invitation letter, please contact reg@aarweb.org.

Cancellation Policy:

  • July 31, 2025 – All conference registration cancellations will be accepted and refunded in full until August 1, or can be converted to a donation to the AAR
  • August 1 – Oct. 23, 2025 – All conference registration cancellations will incur an administrative fee of $40; alternatively, the full amount can be converted to a donation to the AAR
  • After Oct. 23, 2025   – Refunds for conference registration cancellations will only be issued with a valid doctor’s excuse. A $40 administrative fee will be incurred.
  • Please send meeting cancellation requests to reg@aarweb.org. There are no refunds for tours. Registrations, tours, or workshops cannot be switched to another person’s name. AAR reserves the right to cancel a tour if the minimum required number of attendees is not met.
  • Hotel reservations may be added or changed within the registration system through October 23, 2025.

Event Type

  • In-Person

Access

Registration Fee

Event Location

  • Boston
  • MA