AAA Conference Papers

    Learn to cite anthropology conferences, ethnographic presentations, and cultural research meetings using the AAA citation style.

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    Published: September 15, 2025

    Basic Conference Paper Format

    AAA style uses author-date format for conference papers. Include detailed presentation information, conference context, and location.

    Standard Format:

    Author, First. Year. "Title of Presentation." Paper presented at Conference Name, Month Date, Location.

    Anthropology Conference Presentations

    American Anthropological Association Annual Meeting:

    Johnson, Mary K., Amanda R. Smith, and Peter J. Wilson. 2023. "Ritual and Identity in Contemporary Indigenous Communities." Paper presented at the American Anthropological Association Annual Meeting, November 15-19, Toronto, Canada.

    In-text citation: Ritual practices continue to evolve within contemporary contexts (Johnson, Smith, and Wilson 2023).

    Society for Applied Anthropology:

    Rodriguez, Carlos A. and Linda K. Thompson. 2023. "Community-Based Participatory Research in Urban Environments." Paper presented at the Society for Applied Anthropology Annual Meeting, March 21-25, Portland, OR.

    In-text citation: Participatory research methods enhance community engagement (Rodriguez and Thompson 2023).

    International Union of Anthropological Sciences:

    Chen, Li, Patricia J. Anderson, and Kevin E. Brown. 2023. "Cross-Cultural Analysis of Marriage Practices in Southeast Asia." Paper presented at the International Union of Anthropological Sciences Intercongress, July 5-10, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

    In-text citation: Marriage practices reflect broader cultural transformations (Chen, Anderson, and Brown 2023).

    Ethnographic Research Presentations

    Fieldwork Presentation:

    Miller, Jennifer D. and Emily M. Foster. 2023. "Participant Observation in Digital Spaces: Methodological Challenges and Innovations." Paper presented at the Society for Cultural Anthropology Biennial Meeting, April 27-30, Santa Fe, NM.

    Multi-Sited Ethnography:

    Williams, Sarah K., Jason H. Lee, and Maria N. Taylor. 2023. "Transnational Migration Networks: A Multi-Sited Ethnographic Study." Paper presented at the American Ethnological Society Annual Meeting, May 3-6, Denver, CO.

    Collaborative Ethnography:

    Parker, Benjamin J. and Diana N. Clarke. 2023. "Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Environmental Conservation: A Collaborative Research Approach." Paper presented at the Society for the Anthropology of North America Conference, September 14-17, Vancouver, Canada.

    Specialized Anthropological Areas

    Medical Anthropology:

    Roberts, Karen L. and Thomas R. Harrison. 2023. "Healing Practices and Biomedicine: Cultural Integration in Healthcare Systems." Paper presented at the Society for Medical Anthropology Annual Meeting, October 19-22, Phoenix, AZ.

    Archaeological Anthropology:

    Thompson, Elizabeth K., Robert J. Wilson, and Michelle N. Davis. 2023. "Material Culture and Social Change: Archaeological Evidence from Pre-Columbian Sites." Paper presented at the Society for American Archaeology Annual Meeting, April 26-30, Portland, OR.

    Linguistic Anthropology:

    Lopez, Christina M. and Steven J. Taylor. 2023. "Language Revitalization Efforts in Indigenous Communities: Community-Driven Approaches." Paper presented at the Society for Linguistic Anthropology Conference, August 17-19, Austin, TX.

    Panel Sessions and Roundtables

    Organized Panel Session:

    Anderson, Kelly L. 2023. "Decolonizing Anthropology: Methodological and Theoretical Innovations." Panel organizer and presenter at the American Anthropological Association Annual Meeting, November 15-19, Toronto, Canada.

    Invited Roundtable:

    Foster, Jessica P. 2023. "Ethics in Anthropological Research: Contemporary Challenges and Best Practices." Roundtable participant at the Society for Applied Anthropology Annual Meeting, March 21-25, Portland, OR.

    Keynote Address:

    Morris, Brian L. 2023. "The Future of Anthropology: Engaging with Global Challenges." Keynote address at the Canadian Anthropology Society Annual Conference, May 10-13, Montreal, Canada.

    Virtual and Digital Conferences

    Virtual Anthropology Conference:

    Hughes, Teresa N. and Mark K. Richardson. 2023. "Digital Anthropology Methods: Studying Culture in Virtual Environments." Paper presented at the Virtual Conference on Digital Anthropology, June 8-10, online.

    International Virtual Symposium:

    Global Anthropology Collective. 2023. "Climate Change and Cultural Adaptation: Global Perspectives." Paper presented at the International Virtual Symposium on Environmental Anthropology, September 22-24, online.

    AAA Conference Citation Guidelines

    Presentation Context:

    Provide detailed context for anthropological presentations, including session themes, panel organizers, and the broader conference focus area.

    Fieldwork and Ethnographic Data:

    When citing presentations based on fieldwork, note the research location and timeframe if relevant to the citation context.

    Collaborative Research:

    Acknowledge collaborative research partnerships, especially with Indigenous communities or local research collaborators. Follow community protocols for citation.

    Anthropological Conference Hierarchy:

    Consider the scholarly significance of anthropological venues:

    • American Anthropological Association Annual Meeting (flagship event)
    • Four-field society meetings (cultural, archaeological, linguistic, biological)
    • Regional anthropological associations
    • International anthropological organizations (IUAES, WCAA)
    • Specialized research networks and working groups

    Cultural Sensitivity:

    Ensure citations respect cultural protocols and community wishes regarding the sharing of research findings, especially for Indigenous or sensitive topics.

    Methodological Transparency:

    When citing ethnographic presentations, consider noting the research methodology and duration of fieldwork when this information contextualizes the findings.