Anthropologists Convene in St. Louis to Explore 'On the Verge'

The American Anthropological Association (AAA) will convene its 2026 Annual Meeting from November 18–22 at America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, Missouri, bringing together thousands of anthropologists from around the world under the theme “On the Verge.” The gathering arrives at a pivotal moment when artificial intelligence, climate change, misinformation, and rapid cultural shifts are reshaping how people live and work. As Ady Arguelles-Sabatier, CEO and Executive Director of the AAA, explains, “We’re living through a moment when technology is changing the world, but people determine what that change means.” She emphasizes that the challenges society faces are not merely technical but deeply human, and anthropology offers the tools to understand how people respond to change, what communities need to thrive, and how we can make better decisions together.

Over five days, attendees will exchange groundbreaking research, debate emerging ideas, and forge interdisciplinary partnerships on issues ranging from migration and Indigenous sovereignty to environmental resilience, technological innovation, and the future of human society. The meeting serves as a launchpad for careers, a hub for research collaborations, and a rare opportunity to engage with the largest and most diverse community of anthropologists in the world. A featured highlight will be the Distinguished Lecture by Agustín Fuentes, a Princeton University anthropologist and bestselling author known for challenging conventional thinking about human evolution, race, and cooperation. The choice of St. Louis is fitting, given its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cahokia Mounds and its layered cultural history. The event will also deliver an economic boost to the region, supporting local hotels, restaurants, and businesses.

Founded in 1902, the AAA is the world’s largest scholarly and professional organization of anthropologists, advancing the discipline through publications, professional development, advocacy, and public engagement. The Annual Meeting not only shapes the future of anthropology but also informs public health campaigns, improves artificial intelligence, preserves cultural heritage, and guides business and policy decisions. For more information, visit www.americananthro.org.