Message from the 2023 Conference Program Chair

Juliana McDonald
University of Kentucky

As I write this message here in Kentucky, the leaves have begun to turn some amazing autumnal hues and my poor ferns (I am Southern to my core, we always hang ferns on the porch) are getting ready to get frosted tonight!  As sad as that makes me about the summer ending, I am very happy about the fact that we are very busy as the abstracts for the 2023 Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, OH are coming in!  By the time you read this newsletter, it will be too late to submit an abstract BUT it is not too late to make your plans to attend and get involved.  We are planning an outstanding meeting in Cincinnati, with loads of things to do and see.  Just for starters, think anthropology, art, food, bourbon, beer, live music in whatever order you prefer!  It’s all starting to come together and we look forward to showcasing your hard work while having lots of fun in this interesting town on the Ohio River.  We have what is shaping up to be an incredible program of applied/practicing anthropology and related social science sessions, roundtables, panels, posters, and more.  Be sure to check out the meeting website as we build the Program (SfAA Annual Meeting).  Look for the Workshops and Tours to be posted very soon!  Register for the meeting, book your room early, and start planning your day-by-day activities.  You won’t want to miss a thing!  

We are depending on the members to show their support for the Society by coming in-person this year.  But we do include the hybrid option again and we hope we have responded to your comments about past years’ online versions to make it easier to access the sessions and use Whova.  The SfAA meeting has never been held in Cincinnati but we hope with your strong participation, this can be added to the rota as one of our favorite places to meet.  Cincy may be one of the easiest places to travel to and we are keeping the costs very reasonable.  Students especially will find this meeting affordable and accessible so please encourage them to come and get involved.  The Netherland Hilton is a destination itself and the entire staff is excited about the opportunity to make this meeting unforgettable for every participant.  You will spend a lot of your time simply in awe of the French Art Deco design, art and paintings, architecture, and history of the Netherland Hilton.  Be sure to drop by the centrally located Palm Court where Morgan, World Class Bartender, will be happy to make Happy Hour a little happier!  The Cincinnati Convention representatives have been invaluable in helping us find fun and unique things to do for everyone including families and children.  Our local colleagues have been innovative in planning opportunities to learn about their work in the area.  Just about everything is nearby either within walking distance or with free transportation.  And where else would you get to see a Major League Baseball Opening Day Parade right outside your hotel?  So make your plans early!  

This will help you with the local language:  Funny Things Cincinnatians Say.  Be forewarned that Cincinnatians put spaghetti in chili, Skyline or Gold Star as you prefer.  For the more adventurous food anthropologists among you, there is “goetta.”  And here is someone who wants to invite you to Cincinnati:  Fritz, the new Baby in the Bloat at the Cincinnati Zoo (Fritz).  See you there!