Some of you who have followed this blog for a while know that November is the time of year for the major academic conferences related to biblical studies, archaeology, and theology. That time is fast approaching. In the past, I’ve gotten to meet readers at these events. I thought I’d provide a heads up on the details.
All the leading scholarly societies in these fields meet during one week in November, usually at or near the same locations. They are not small events, and so sessions and vendor displays (books and software) are spread out over a space that typically covers a number of city blocks. This year that week is November 18-25 in San Diego. Here’s a basic break down of how the week goes:
- Nov 19-21: Evangelical Theological Society (ETS); Near East Archaeological Society (NEAS)
- Nov 19-22: American Schools of Oriental Research (ASOR)
- Nov 21-23: Institute for Biblical Research (IBR)
- Nov 22-25: Society of Biblical Literature (SBL)
- Nov 22-25: American Academy of Religion (AAR)
If any of you are in the San Diego area, you might want to attend something. But be advised, some of the day passes (esp. SBL/AAR) are expensive. You could actually go to sessions (badges aren’t checked for most of those). The badge is really only necessary to enter the book displays. This week is the time of year when exceptional discounts are given by the dozens of academic publishers that will be there. Some offer a discount only at this event.
If you come, perhaps we could meet. But that would have to be planned (by email). The week is very busy. There are hundreds of sessions, meetings, and receptions. For those who have business to attend to, the days can run from 9-9, and often do.
