Annual Meeting Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
What is included in my registration fee?
An Annual Meeting registration includes all access to all AAR & SBL educational sessions (with the exception of optional and/or additional fee sessions as indicated on the registration form). Registration only includes sessions that do not have an additional cost. You will have to arrange and pay for your meals, travel, transportation, and housing on your own.
All AAR and SBL sessions are open to all registrants, regardless of whether you registered through AAR or SBL. If you are a member of both associations you do not have to register with each one.
When does registration close?
Registration is open until the final day of the meeting, Tuesday, November 25.
How can I get a receipt for my Annual Meeting registration?
Once you’ve registered for the Annual Meeting you will receive an email confirmation. There is a link provided within the email confirmation that you may click and you will see a “Print Receipt” button located on the page.
I’ve registered and I can’t attend the Annual Meeting, how do I cancel my registration and receive a refund?
The Annual Meetings 2025 cancellation policy is located on your confirmation email as well as here.
I need to know when my session will be. Can you tell me now?
You may view our online program here, or download our Mobile App available for both iOS and Android devices. (aarsbl25)
For more information on the Mobile App, please visit here.
How will I receive my name badge?
We will be sending print your badge information and links in November prior to arriving in Boston. Printing your badge before arrival will help you avoid any lines or delays in reaching your early sessions and the exhibit floor. If you print your badge prior to arrival, you will be able to pick up your lanyard and badge holders in the bins located near the registration area, as well as your tote bag.
Who can register as an accompanying person?
The accompanying person rate is for spouses, partners, and family members only; it is not valid for colleagues. Spouse, partners, and family members will have full access to the Annual Meetings 2025.
If you need a caregiver to accompany you during the Annual Meeting, please contact information@annual-meetings.org for more information on how to provide them with the proper credentials so that they may assist you.
Housing & Travel
- For Housing Frequently asked questions, including printable maps and digital tours of the hotel properties available, please go here.
- For Travel Discounts & Information, please go here.
- For Visa related questions, please go here.
- For travel resources for those traveling internationally, please go here.
Will there be a shuttle from hotel to the convention center?
Complimentary shuttle service to and from the Hynes Convention Center will be provided in the mornings and evenings from the following designated hotels: Courtyard Boston Downtown, Double Tree Downtown, Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Hyatt Regency Boston, Omni Parker House, The Revere Hotel Boston Common.
Getting Around Boston
Boston is known as America’s Walking City, so getting from here to there will take no time at all. Not only is Boston walkable, the city has the shortest airport to convention center drive time in the country, and a great public transportation system. There are several ways of getting from the Boston Logan International Airport to the Hynes Convention Center and our conference hotels. To get detailed information on all modes of transportation go here.
General
When are the first and last sessions at the Annual Meeting?
The AAR & SBL Annual Meeting programs & sessions begin on Saturday, November 22 at 9:00 AM (9.00h) and end on Tuesday, November 25 at 12:00 PM (12.00h). Pre-conference meetings hosted by the AAR, SBL, and other organizations may begin as early as Wednesday.
What is the dress code?
Attire is business casual. Feel free to be comfortable in slacks, polo shirts, sweaters, blazers, skirts, blouses and most importantly, comfortable shoes. We also recommend you dress in layers as temperatures in meeting rooms can vary.
Is there internet access?
There will be complimentary wifi available at the Hynes Convention Center. The network is called ‘Hynes Wireless Network’ and it is not password protected.
Is there a business center located at the Hynes Convention Center?
A business center is located in the main lobby hallway near the Prudential Center.
Are there floorplans of the Hynes Convention Center?
Floorplans are available in the mobile app, online planner, and program book, which was mailed in October.
What is the official hashtag of the Annual Meetings 2025, hosted by AAR & SBL?
The official hashtag is #AARSBL25
Will All-Gender Restrooms be provided?
All-Gender Restrooms will be available in the following locations:
- Hynes: (2) Individual bathrooms near room 300 on Level 3
- Sheraton: (2) Individual bathrooms across from Boylston on the 3rd floor
- Marriott: (2) Bathrooms across from Arlington on the 3rd floor
- Westin: (2) Bathrooms on 3rd floor (across from elevators)
- Hilton: Fenway restroom to the right of the front desk
Will Lactation Rooms be provided?
Mamava Nursing Pods will be available this year at the Hynes Convention Center, off of the South Rotunda, near the elevator.
We will also have a lactation room in the Exhibit Hall, Show Management Room D.
For more information about the Mamava Nursing Pods, along with instructions on reserving a time, please go here.
Is there a prayer and meditation room and where is it located?
Yes, a prayer and meditation room will be available in the Sheraton, Room Exeter B.
Will there be a coat & baggage check at the Hynes Convention Center?
Yes, it will be available the following dates & times:
- Saturday-Monday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Tuesday, 7:00 am - 12:30 pm
Price per item will be $4.
Where can I eat at the Hynes Convention Center?
There is a café area available at the Hynes Convention Center. It is available Saturday–Tuesday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Breakfast will be available serving hot breakfast sandwiches, pastries, fruit cups and yogurt parfaits. Lunch will serve sandwiches, salads, and soups. Chips, candy, snacks and beverages will be available all day.
Are special Jewish shabbat meals and services available at the Annual Meetings 2025?
Special meals and services will be available off-site during the Annual Meetings 2025. Please contact shabbat@sbl-site.org for more information about the meals and how to register.
There is now a vegetarian/dairy kosher fast-food restaurant located in the Prudential Center (Hynes Court), next to the Hynes Convention Center and Sheraton Hotel and connecting to both. Clover Food Labs, under the kashrut supervision of the Lighthouse-K (Rabbi Barry Dolinger). Open Sunday 11 AM (lunch) - 7 PM (dinner) and Monday-Friday 7 AM (breakfast) through 8 PM (dinner). No reservations required.
Will there be coffee breaks at the Convention Center?
Complimentary coffee breaks will be available in the Exhibit Hall at the following times:
9:30 am and 2:30 pm on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
9:30 am Tuesday.
Exhibitors
Is there a list of the exhibitors that will be available in the exhibit hall this year?
You may view the current list of exhibitors here.
