Join the Annual Meeting Host Program

The Annual Meeting Host Program has been serving first-time attendees to AAA's Annual Meeting for many years. Annual Meeting hosts serve a pivotal role, in helping new Attendees, make the most out their first meeting. Submit your application by July 14th at 11:59 pm EDT.

Are you interested in serving as a host? If you would you like to participate, can devote some time, share advice, we encourage you to complete the Host application.

Are you a first-time Attendee to the Annual Meeting? If you would appreciate guidance from an experienced AAA member, we invite you to complete the Attendee Application.

Please contact Mary Beth Gripshover at marybeth.gripshover@aaahq.org or 941.556.4116 if you have any questions about the Host Program.

Frequently asked questions

For this program to be successful for both parties, we recommend that communication begin, before your anticipated arrival at the Annual Meeting. Below are some HERO host attributes. 

Host: Initiate the conversation, reach out, craft an introduction, and get set to meet in San Diego.

Encourage: Please encourage your Attendees to attend:

   • Early Bird Reception in the Exhibit Hall on Sunday evening.

   • The New Member Reception held on Sunday evening.

   • Monday morning Plenary Session

   • Monday evening Welcome Reception

Recommend: The Annual Meeting Program is currently available online, recommend some sessions to attend. Share with your attendee some tips or pointers that will help them get the most out of the Annual Meeting.

Offer: Offer to introduce them to your inner circle, accompany them to events help them to begin their own network. Offer to attend their presentation. After the meeting, offer keep the lines of communication open.

How many Attendees will be assigned to each Host?
Each Host will be matched with 1-2 Attendees. Please note, we will match new members with volunteer hosts on a first-come, first-serve basis, so register early to take part in this exciting program! Last year we had a great number of Attendees requesting Hosts, so please encourage experienced colleagues to be a volunteer Host.

How are Hosts matched with Attendees?
Our goal is to match Attendees with Hosts who have similar teaching, or research areas. We also try to accommodate language requests, as well as arrival times. So please, be sure to provide us with any necessary matching details.

How will we make contact?
We will notify you in July, once the matching process has been completed, you will both receive an email, that will provide each other with the contact information, listed on your applications. If you have not listed a cell phone number, please consider sharing that with your attendee, in your communications with each other.

Who qualifies as an Attendee?
We want to encourage new members, as well as any member who is attending their first Annual Meeting. If you fall into one of those categories, please sign on to be hosted by one of our more seasoned members. We know you will both value, and appreciate the extra efforts they are putting forth.

Missed connections?
Even though we all have great intentions, sometimes even the best laid plans, can go awry. Prior to the Annual Meeting, if there are communications issues, please let me know, I am happy to assist with a solution. If you are having trouble connecting while at the Annual Meeting, please come to the Member Services Desk located in the Hyatt at the AAA Registration area. There will be a board available where you can leave messages for your host or attendee.