FAQ

Please read the information below before contacting AAR.

Venue and Schedule

  • What is the closest airport to the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center?
    • The closest airport is San Diego International Airport (SAN). 
  • Session Schedule
    • Saturday, Nov. 23
      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

      Sunday, 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

      Monday, Nov. 25
      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. 26
      8:30-10:00 AM; 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
  • Registration Schedule
    • Friday, Nov. 22
      11:00 AM–6:00 PM

    Saturday, Nov. 23
     8:00 AM–5:30 PM

    Sunday, Nov. 24
       8:00 AM–5:30 PM

    Monday, Nov. 25
             8:00 AM–5:30 PM

    Tuesday, Nov.26
             8:00 AM-10:00 AM
  • Exhibit Hall Schedule
    • Saturday, Nov. 23
      8:30 AM–5:30 PM

      Sunday, Nov. 24
       8:30 AM–5:30 PM

      Monday, Nov. 25
      8:30 AM–5:30 PM

      Tuesday, Nov. 26
      8:30 AM-12:00 PM
  • Where will the sessions be held?
    • Most of the sessions will be held in the San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA. Sessions will also be held at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Manchester Grand Hyatt, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, and the Omni San Diego.
  • When will the Program Books be mailed?
    • The printed Program Book will be published and mailed in early October. The online Program Book will be available in early August. There will not be a published Program Book addendum at the Annual Meeting. The most up-to-date information will be in the online Program Book and Mobile App.
  • 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.  
  • What arrangements are made for those with disabilities?  
    • AAR has information available here about Annual Meeting accessibility, and other commonly requested accommodations. For specific requests, or for more information, please contact Sandy Stevens at 404-727-7972 or at [email protected].
  • Will childcare be available?
    • We will be partnering with KiddieCorp as we have in the last few years. There is a nominal hourly fee for children ages 6 months to 12 years. KiddieCorp will follow health and safety guidelines to protect your child(ren) as well as fellow childcare providers. Advanced reservations are required. For additional information, and to register your child/children, see the KiddieCorp Registration Form.
  • Will Covid-19 protocols be implemented at the Annual Meetings?
    •  The Annual Meetings 2024 will follow current CDC guidelines at the time of the meeting and any applicable protocols required by our venues, state, and local governments. The San Diego 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.

Registration

  • When will registration open for the Annual Meeting?
    • Registration is expected to open on April 16, 2024.  
  • Do I have to register online?
    • Yes, registration must be completed online only. Phone registrations will not be accepted.
  • What are the registration fees?

  • Are there any registration discounts?
    •  Student members and retired AAR members receive discounted registration rates. 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 registration fee is noted. Meals, travel, transportation, workshops, tours, and housing are at your expense.
  • 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.
  • What is the cancellation policy?
    • August 1, 2024 - All conference registration cancellations will be accepted and refunded in full until August 1st, or can be converted to a donation to the AAR/SBL
    • From August 2nd – Oct. 14th, 2024 – 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. 24th, 2024 – 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 [email protected]. There are no refunds for tours. Registrations, tours, or workshops cannot be switched to another person’s name. Proof of payment may be required. 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 24, 2024.

Housing

  • How far are the hotels to the San Diego Convention Center?
    • All hotels in the AAR and SBL room block are within walking distance to the convention center, as well as many restaurants and shops.
  • 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?
    • 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 in the housing section of your registration. If not, the reservation is subject to cancellation.
  • 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 timeframe. Additionally, concessions have been included in the room rate, such as complimentary Internet.
    • KEEP REGISTRATION RATES LOW – AAR and SBL have negotiated great rates at 13 different hotels, giving you a range of choices for prices and amenities. In exchange, we are able to negotiate a better rate for convention center meeting space and thus keep registration rates very affordable – much less expensive than other comparable events. For this reason, we ask that you please book your hotel rooms within the designated block in order to continue 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.

Delta Airlines Meeting Event Code: NM3PE
Southwest Airlines: CID: 99540486
United Airlines Z Code: ZPMM; Agreement Code: 691086

Membership

  • I don’t 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 [email protected] to reach the AAR Membership Department.
  • I don’t remember the password to my member record. How do I reset my password?
    • Visit www.aarweb.org, click the Sign 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 [email protected]. 
  • 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: Participants in the Annual Meeting must be registered for the meeting by July 28 per Program Committee policy in order to remain on the program. 
  • How do I renew my membership so I can register for the Annual Meeting? 

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 [email protected] 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.
  • 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 [email protected].
  • 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.