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.

Member Registration

Please note: If you do not see a “Member Registration” button above, you need to login and refresh this page. If you are logged in as a member and still not seeing the button, please log out, clear your cache, and log back in. If you have followed these steps and still cannot access the member rate button, reach out to reg@aarweb.org.

Non-member/Dual/Affiliate & RSO Registration

Nonmember Registration

 

 

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.

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. Space is limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged.

City Tours

We have a Center for Colorado Women’s History Tour, a Whiskey and History Walking Tour, a History Colorado Center: Indigenous History Tour, a Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library Tour, and a Sacred Sites Tour. See more details in our city guide.

Housing

We have negotiated elite group rates at 16 hotels, all 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 of 15.75% hotel room tax.

Hotel reservations are available from Thursday, November 19, through Tuesday, November 24, 2026. Registration, Exhibit Hall, and most sessions will be held at the Colorado Convention Center. Affiliate sessions and Other Events will also be held in the Hyatt Regency Denver, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, Sheraton Denver Downtown, and Sonesta Denver hotels.

Explore an interactive hotel map, and see which amenities are available at each hotel. 

The following hotels are part of the 2026 Annual Meeting room block. 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 see our Accessibility information page.


Hotel Name 1 person / 1 bed 2 people / 1 bed 2 people / 2 beds 3 people / 2 beds 4 people / 2 beds
Courtyard Marriott Dtn $199 $199 $199 $209 $219
The Curtis Doubletree $195 $195 $195 $210 $225
Grand Hyatt Denver $189 $189 $189 $214 $239
Embassy Suites Denver Dtn $195 $205 $205 $215 $225
Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Dtn $199 $199 $199 $219 $239
Hilton Denver City Center $174 $174 $174 $194 $214
Hilton Garden Inn Denver Dtn $183 $183 $183 $193 $203
Homewood Suites Denver Dtn $199 $199 N/A N/A N/A
Hyatt House Denver Dtn $199 $199 N/A N/A N/A
Hyatt Place Denver Dtn $199 $199 $199 $209 $219
Hyatt Regency CCC $205 $205 $205 $235 $265
Residence Inn Denver City Center $199 $199 N/A N/A N/A
Sheraton Denver Dtn $177 $177 $177 $197 $217
Sonesta Denver Dtn $179 $179 $179 $189 $199
The Slate Hotel Denver Dtnn $199 $199 $199 $209 $219
Westin Denver Dtn $190 $190 $190 $210 $230

Transportation

Travel Discounts

Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines are the official carriers of the 2026 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. – 8:00 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY4NZ

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

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is pleased to offer 2026 Annual Meeting attendees discounted fares. To utilize the discount, book via SWABIZ® using this link. Discount valid for travel 11/16/2026 to 11/27/2026.

United Airlines

Z Code: ZSEP

Agreement Code: 611927

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

Directions to the Colorado Convention Center

The Colorado Convention Center is located in downtown Denver at 700 14th Street. The closest major intersection is Colfax Avenue and Speer Boulevard. There are several entrances into the facility, but the most common ones are located off of 14th Street between Stout and California Street.

For specific directions and how to get to the Colorado Convention Center, please enter your starting address here and a map and directions will be populated. Make sure to include your full address, city, state, and zip.

Parking at the Colorado Convention Center

Parking is available at the Colorado Convention Center and in nearby lots and garages. Information about parking options can be found here.

From the Airport

The Colorado Convention Center and our conference hotels are located approximately 21 miles from the Denver Internation Airport. There are several ways of getting from the Denver International Airport to the Colorado Convention Center and our conference hotels. We have highlighted three below.

Taxis

Several companies provide taxicab service at Denver International Airport (DEN). Taxicabs pick up and drop off at Jeppesen Terminal, Level 5, Island 1, outside Doors 505, 507, and 511 (Terminal East) and Doors 506, 510, and 512 (Terminal West).

Information about rates, participating taxicab companies operating at DEN, and contact details can be found here.

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

At Denver International Airport, ride shares can be accessed on Island 5 of either side of the terminal (East or West). Please review these helpful tips for ride-share users before arranging pickup.

Public Transportation

Here’s how you can use public transportation to get from Denver International Airport to the Colorado Convention Center:

At a cost of $10 each way, travelers can take the RTD A Line between Denver International Airport and downtown Denver. The A Line is operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), metro Denver’s public transit provider.

The Denver Airport Station is located at the DEN Transit Center on Level 1, adjacent to the Westin Denver International Airport. The Transit Center can be accessed from the south end of Jeppesen Terminal by exiting through the glass doors and taking the escalator or elevator down to ground level.

From the airport, board the RTD A Line train toward Union Station. Trains run frequently, and the ride to downtown Denver takes approximately 37 minutes.

From Union Station, the Colorado Convention Center is about a 15-minute walk. You may also take the free 16th Street Free MallRide shuttle to a stop near the Convention Center or one of our conference hotels. Operating seven days a week, the 16th Street Free Mallride is a completely free shuttle service that travels the length of downtown Denver’s bustling 16th Street Mall, with stops on every block.

City Guide

More information to come!

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.

Art & Theology in Conversation: A Clyfford Still Museum Experience

Friday, November 20, 7 – 9 PM MST

Join us at the Clyfford Still Museum for a tour followed by an interactive conversation about art-based research and theology.

Designed specifically to display Clyfford Still’s art, the award-winning Clyfford Still Museum is home to nearly everything he created, approximately 3,125 pieces representing 93% of his lifetime of work. Clyfford Still (1904–1980) was among the first generation of Abstract Expressionist artists and he redefined American painting. The Museum supports new artistic endeavors, inviting visitors to draw strength from Still’s art and life. At the Still, visitors will find a world-class collection gifted to the City and County of Denver, award-winning architecture, cross-disciplinary programs for all ages, and opportunities to explore their own creativity.

The Clyfford Still Museum is located 0.7 miles away from the Colorado Convention Center. The cost of the tour includes a ride share voucher and a donation to the Museum.

This tour is presented by AAR’s Art, Literature, and Religion program unit.

Center for Colorado Women’s History: Tour, Tea & Conversation

Saturday, November 21, 10 AM – 12:00 PM MST

The Center for Colorado Women’s History is a history museum that focuses on the stories, memories, and experiences of women of Colorado. Join us for an hour-long docent-led tour and learn about the experiences of Colorado women pre-statehood, suffrage, class history with a focus on domestic work, World War 1, the Arts and Crafts Movement, and women artists in Colorado. The tour will be followed by an hour-long tea seating. Refreshments served include light savory and sweet fare from local, woman-led business Miss Peabody’s Southern Tea Cakes alongside our museum’s signature Lady Lavender Black Tea with citrus, vanilla, and bergamot.

The Center for Colorado Women’s History is located at 1310 Bannock St, only 0.6 miles away from the Colorado Convention Center. Transportation will not be provided between the Colorado Convention Center and the Center. The price of this tour includes a ride share voucher.

Whiskey and History Walking Tour

Saturday, November 21, 3:00 – 5:30 PM MST

On this 3-hour walking tour of Downtown Denver, you’ll find out about Whiskey and Denver History! Denver was truly the Wild West, founded over a barrel of whiskey where dreams and fortunes were made, won, and lost.

We’ll start at Denver’s oldest Irish Pub, learn about and sample Irish Whiskey. You’ll learn about the local whiskies that settled the West and the roles they played in the founding of the city. Along the way you’ll hear tales of the pioneers that made Denver what it is today!

We like to say this is a History Tour with drinking, not a pub crawl. Expect a lot of fun, light History and a variety of Whiskies. We end the tour at a local distillery where you can sample their aged spirits. Total walking distance is 1.5 miles. Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

History Colorado Center: Indigenous History Tour

Sunday, November 22, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Colorado’s rich heritage as you explore the interactive exhibits and immersive experiences at the History Colorado Center in downtown Denver. Our hour-long docent-led tour will cover several exhibits focused on Indigenous history, including the Sand Creek Massacre exhibit. After the tour, guests are welcome to stay and explore the museum at their own pace.

The History Colorado Center is located 1 mile away from the Colorado Convention Center, at 1200 N Broadway. Transportation will not be provided between the Colorado Convention Center and the History Colorado Center. The price of this tour includes a ride share voucher.

Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library Tour

Monday, November 23, 10:00 -11:30 AM MST

Join us for a tour of the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, which serves as a significant site for the study of African American history and culture in Colorado and the broader American West. The facility houses the Western Legacies Museum, whose permanent and rotating exhibitions examine Black settlement, community formation, and cultural life, with particular attention to Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood.

In addition to its museum spaces, the library maintains extensive archival collections, including manuscripts, photographs, and oral histories that support scholarly research on African American experiences in the region. Together, these resources offer critical insight into the social, political, and cultural contributions of African Americans in the Rocky Mountain West.

Please note that transportation will not be provided between the Colorado Convention Center and the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. The Library, located at 2401 Blake St, is only 1 mile from the Colorado Convention Center. The price of this tour includes a ride share voucher.

Sacred Sites Tour: Exploring Denver’s Religious Diversity

Monday, November 23, 12:30-4:30 PM MST

The place that is now Denver was home to the Cheyenne and Arapaho when gold prospectors claimed the territory in 1858. It quickly became a commercial and then governmental capital. Within decades it was a railroad hub and educational center. This crossroads of the Front Range has attracted people from all over the world, who have shaped Denver’s religious spaces. This year’s sacred sites tour will introduce participants to the intersections and diversities that formed the city. Anticipated sites include a community center for Denver’s indigenous population, the Colorado Muslim Society, Temple Emmanuel (Reform Judaism), and the Denver Buddhist Temple. Everyone is welcome. This is a bus tour, but there will be some walking. This tour will depart from and return to the Colorado Convention Center.

Tour guides: David Bains, Samford University & Daniel Sack, Washington, DC

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.

Centers for Religion in Public Life

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM MST

This workshop is for anyone who is involved in (or interested in being involved in) programs/centers/institutes or initiatives related to religion and public life. The workshop offers a full day devoted to networking and community building, peer resourcing, skills building, and leadership development. Special sessions will be devoted to skills-building such as funding, staffing and infrastructure, and collaboration across disciplines. We will also be diving into the key content issues and opportunities for increased scholarly engagement and effectiveness at the intersections of religion and public life as well as envisioning pathways for future mutual coordination and collaboration. This is an ongoing forum for sharing best practices, pool ideas, and developing collaborations. We welcome all who are interested to join our network.

Collecting, Curating, Exhibiting: How Museums Make the Sacred

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM MST

Museums are sacralizing institutions. They make decisions about what material culture will be preserved, set apart, and narrated as valuable, special, irreplaceable, and priceless. Museums make the sacred through various forms of frontstage and backstage labor: from forming and maintaining collections to managing research access, curatorial choices and practices, and designing public exhibitions. The sacralizing work of museums is capacious, transecting contingent binaries such as religious-secular, religion-culture, religion-science, religion-heritage, and religion-politics. This pre-conference workshop invites participants who are interested in collaboratively exploring the ways in which museums perform sacralization. The workshop will be hosted onsite at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Participants will engage with museum staff and exhibits. The aim is to connect scholars across career levels and positions who seek to examine the intersecting dynamics of museum work and sacralization.

This workshop is co-sponsored with APRIL (The Association for Public Religion and Intellectual Life).

The cost of this workshop includes lunch. Participants are responsible for their transportation to and from the museum.

Why We Come Together – Religion and Media Workshop

1:00 – 3:00 PM MST

The 2026 Media and Religion pre-conference workshop will reflect on the intersections of media, religion, and community—not as fixed categories, but as active and unstable formations through which people come to belong, to struggle, and to imagine otherwise. In keeping with this year’s presidential theme of “Future/s,” how might we think about what the study of religion and media can offer to the theoretical and practical work of community formation and vice-versa? How are communities mediated, fragmented, destroyed, or newly constituted in our hypermediated moment, and what form(s) do they take? And how might these questions help us think about a range of possible futures: political, planetary, professional, intellectual?

Teaching Religion through Health Care Case Studies

1:00 – 4:30 PM MST

This workshop will introduce religious studies instructors to a collection of case studies for classroom use, curated by Interfaith America. These twenty-seven case studies present real-life scenarios from health care settings. In this interactive workshop, participants will practice using these case studies and will leave more equipped to incorporate them into their classrooms. Sample case studies feature a Sikh patient with head trauma, a Buddhist patient resisting pain medicine, a Hindu patient self-administering Ayurvedic cleansing, a Native American patient requesting a smudging ceremony in hospice care, a Haredi Jewish patient concerned about radiation tattoos, and Muslim parents concerned about hospital food and insulin therapy for their diabetic child. These case studies raise issues of religious literacy, intercultural competency, diversity accommodations, and ethics. The case studies also immerse students in practical applications of their knowledge. Workshop facilitators include case study authors and faculty who use these case studies in their teaching.

Experiential Religious Studies Pedagogies for Flourishing Animal and Multispecies Futures

1:00 – 5:00 PM MST

This workshop convenes instructors in religious studies—particularly those teaching animals and pluralist religion courses—to cultivate concrete, transferable pedagogical practices capable of creatively engaging the current state of multispecies destruction. We aim to craft experiential, interactive, and reflective assignments that thread the needle between action and reflection while navigating embodied experience, tendencies among students for conflict avoidance, balancing empirical animal data with theoretical arguments, intersectional overlap with race, gender, and species violence, and overlooked forms of knowing among more-than-human entities and marginal people. Over four sessions, presenters/participants will frame a course, scaffold skills and trust-building, evaluate assignments, and draft their own embodied encounter-reflection assessment. Participants will leave a pedagogy packet of sample assignments, rubric elements, interactive techniques, and a new network of teaching colleagues committed to advancing experiential religious studies pedagogies for multispecies flourishing.

Demystifying Planning, Funding, and Managing Qualitative Research

2:00 – 5:30 PM MST

Qualitative research often unfolds in complex, unpredictable environments. Securing funding, managing relationships, handling data, and ensuring meaningful impact all require thoughtful planning and adaptive strategies. This workshop opens up the “black box” of research management by creating space for honest conversation about what works, what doesn’t, and what researchers wish they’d known earlier. Participants will gain insight into the realities of running qualitative projects—from negotiating with funders to collaborating with communities, from managing multi‑year grants to navigating emerging questions around AI. Whether you are new to qualitative research or looking to refine your practice, this workshop offers practical wisdom and a supportive environment for reflection. This interactive session brings together 6–8 invited facilitators, each offering five‑minute presentations on a key aspect of qualitative research projects, such as funding, assessment, data management, and more. Then, participants will join facilitators for in‑depth discussions, allowing for rich, small‑group exploration of the issues raised.

Podcasting and Video Platforms: Advancing Public Understanding of Religion in the Digital Age

3:00 – 5:00 PM MST

This media workshop is designed for religion scholars interested in exploring podcasting, YouTube, and other platforms as venues for advancing the public understanding of religion. Participants will gain an understanding of foundational skills necessary to launch and maintain audio or video projects, including scripting, recording, editing, and publishing. The workshop will offer critical insights into the evolving pedagogical landscape, examining how these media can be powerful tools for teaching, public scholarship, and engagement beyond the classroom. Whether you’re looking to integrate these efforts into your curriculum or launch your own scholarly series, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to get started.

FAQ

We are looking forward to connecting with everyone at the Annual Meeting in Denver, CO, November 21-24, 2026.

Answers to many of your Annual Meeting questions can be found below. If you don’t see your question listed, please reach out to us.

Venue and Schedule

Where will the 2026 Annual Meeting sessions be held?

Most of the sessions will be held in the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St, Denver, CO. Sessions will also be held at the Hyatt Regency, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt House and Hyatt Place, Sheraton Denver Downtown, and Sonesta Denver hotels.

What is the closest airport to the Colorado Convention Center?

The closest airport is Denver International Airport (DEN).

Annual Meeting Schedule

Session Schedule

Saturday, Nov. 21

9:00 am-11:00 am; 11:00 am-12:30 pm; 12:30 pm-2:30 pm; 3:00 pm-4:30 pm; 5:00 pm-6:30 pm

Sunday, Nov. 22

9:00 am-11:00 am; 11:00 am-12:30 pm; 12:30 pm-2:30 pm; 3:00 pm-4:30 pm; 5:00 pm-6:30 pm

Monday, Nov. 23

9:00 am-11:00 am; 11:00 am-12:30 pm; 12:30 pm-2:30 pm; 3:00 pm-4:30 pm; 5:00 pm-6:30 pm

Tuesday, Nov. 24

8:30 am-10:00 am; 10:30 am-12:00 pm

Registration Schedule

Friday, Nov. 20                11:00 am–6:00 pm

Saturday, Nov. 21           8:00 am–5:30 pm

Sunday, Nov. 22             8:00 am–5:30 pm

Monday, Nov. 23            8:00 am–5:30 pm

Tuesday, Nov. 24            8:00 am-10:00 am

Exhibit Hall Schedule

Saturday, Nov. 21           8:30 am–5:30 pm

Sunday, Nov. 22             8:30 am–5:30 pm

Monday, Nov. 23            8:30 am–5:30 pm

Tuesday, Nov. 24            8:30 am–12:00 pm

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 SBL and AAR  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 partner 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. Please fill out this form if you wish to be contacted by our childcare provider. Advance registration closes on October 23rd, 2026.

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 Colorado 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 registration desk and information desks.

Registration

When will registration open for the Annual Meeting?

Registration is expected to open on April 23, 2026.

Do I have to register online?

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

 What are the registration fees?


Member Student Member Retired Member Spouse / Partner Affiliate/RSO Non-Member
Early (Open - June 25) $350 $130 $135 $235 $400 $650
Advance (June 26 - Sep. 10) $450 $170 $175 $305 $500 $850
Regular (Sep. 11 - Nov. 24) $550 $210 $220 $380 $600 $1,010
Are there any registration discounts?

When you register for the 2026 Annual Meeting as a member, you already have access to the member/discounted rate. Plus, the earlier you register, the greater your discount!

 What is included in the registration fee?

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

What is the registration cancellation policy?

The following registration cancellation policy will apply:

  • July 30th, 2026 – All Annual Meeting registration cancellations will be accepted and refunded in full until July 30th, or can be converted to a donation to the AAR
  • July 31st – Oct. 22nd, 2026– 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. 22nd, 2026– Refunds for conference registration cancellations will only be issued with a valid doctor’s note. 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 22nd, 2026.

Please send 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.

How can I find my registration reference number?

Your registration reference number is listed in your registration confirmation email. If you cannot locate your Annual Meeting reference number in your registration confirmation email, please follow these instructions:

  • Sign into your AAR member account
  • Go to your member profile page by clicking on your name
  • Click the “My Participation” tab and you’ll find “Reference #” under the “Annual Meeting Registrations” section

You will need your reference number and last name to log into the Annual Meeting app. If you still can’t find your reference number after following the steps listed above, please email us at reg@aarweb.org.

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

How far are the hotels to the Colorado Convention Center?

Most of our contracted hotels are located within a 10-minute walk or less from the Colorado Convention Center. To view a map of our contracted hotels, click here.

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

Room reservations may be made during the online registration process and will be available from the time registration opens through Thursday, October 22nd.

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 conference room 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 – We have negotiated great rates at 15 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 SBL’s and AAR’s room block.
Do you offer Airline Discount Codes?

Yes. Detailed information about airline discount codes can be found here.

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 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.

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 Chairs?

Contact information for chairs can be found by going to the Program Units 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.

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.

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?

A selection of professional development session may be audio-recorded and available on the AAR soundcloud following the Annual Meeting.

 When can I access this year’s Mobile App?

The Mobile App is usually released at least two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting and can be found in the App Store and Google Play.

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

The Colorado Convention Center is ADA-compliant and designed with accessibility in mind. The Center offers accessible entrances, ramps, and elevators to support ease of movement throughout the facility.

Find more detailed information about all accessibility services offered at the CCC. You can also view the convention center’s maps and floor plans.

Please note that there are no talking crosswalks in the immediate area surrounding the Colorado Convention Center.

Access to and between the Colorado Convention Center and Main Hotels

Most AAR and SBL sessions will be held at the Colorado Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency. Additional sessions and Other Events may take place at the following hotels: Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt House and Hyatt Place, Sheraton Denver Downtown, and Sonesta Denver.

The closest hotels to the Colorado Convention Center are the Hyatt Regency, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, Homewood Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, and the Hyatt Place/Hyatt House.

Approximate Distances from the Colorado Convention Center to:

  • Hyatt Regency at Colorado Convention Center – 200 ft.
  • Embassy Suites Downtown Convention Center – 500 ft.
  • Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown Convention Center – 0.1 miles
  • Homewood Suites Denver – 0.1 miles
  • Hilton Garden Inn Downtown – 0.1 miles
  • Hyatt Place/Hyatt House Downtown – 0.1 miles
  • Sonesta Denver Downtown – 0.2 miles
  • The Curtis, a DoubleTree by Hilton – 0.2 miles
  • The Slate Hotel – 0.2 miles
  • Hilton Denver City Center – 0.3 miles
  • Sheraton Denver Downtown – 0.3 miles
  • Courtyard By Marriott Downtown – 0.4 miles
  • Grand Hyatt Denver – 0.4 miles
  • Residence Inn Denver City Center – 0.4 miles
  • Westin Downtown – 0.6 miles

View a hotel conference map.

Taxi Reimbursement

AAR & SBL will reimburse attendees with disabilities for the cost of a taxi or ride-share service to travel between official Annual Meeting 2026 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 21-24, 2026. Reimbursements should be directed to reg@aarweb.org.

Wheelchair or Electric Scooter Rental

Attendees who wish to rent a wheelchair or electric scooter for use during the Annual Meeting are encouraged to contact Aspen Medical Supply to arrange for service. Aspen Medical Supply can deliver to and pick up at any hotel or directly to the Colorado Convention Center.

Aspen Medical Supply
Email: info@aspenmedicalsupply.com
Website: Mobility Scooter Rentals For Denver Colorado Convention Center Events
Please call 720-322-0101 for reservations.

Onsite Accessibility Issues

Should you encounter any accessibility issues at the Annual Meeting, please notify staff at the registration desk, or email reg@aarweb.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 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

The 2026 Annual Meeting registration rates are listed below:


Member Student Member Retired Member Spouse / Partner Affiliate/RSO Non-Member
Early (Open - June 25) $350 $130 $135 $235 $400 $650
Advance (June 26 - Sep. 10) $450 $170 $175 $305 $500 $850
Regular (Sep. 11 - Nov. 24) $550 $210 $220 $380 $600 $1,010

AAR members save on conference registration rates! If you are not a member, please consider joining the AAR to take advantage of the many benefits and services the AAR has to offer. If you previously were a member, log in to reactivate your membership. If you are interested in becoming a member, click here to find the appropriate application.

Member Registration

Please note: If you do not see a “Member Registration” button here, you need to login and refresh this page. If you are logged in as a member and still not seeing the button, please log out, clear your cache, and log back in. If you have followed these steps and still cannot access the member rate button, reach out to reg@aarweb.org.

Non-member/Dual/Affiliate & RSO Registration

Nonmember Registration

 

Annual Meeting participants in need of financial support to attend the 2026 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.  Grant applicants are encouraged to register for the 2026 Annual Meeting, as application results will not be announced until the summer. If you are selected, your registration fee will be refunded. 

Cancellation Policy
    • July 30th, 2026 – All Annual Meeting registration cancellations will be accepted and refunded in full until July 30th, or can be converted to a donation to the AAR
    • July 31st – Oct. 22nd, 2026 – 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. 22nd, 2026 – 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 22nd, 2026.

The answers to many of your Annual Meeting questions can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Have a question not on the FAQ?

Event Type

  • In-Person

Access

Registration Fee

Event Location

  • Denver
  • CO