2026 AAC Fall Conference
Friday, October 2, 2026
8:30 am. to 5 p.m., with registration pick-up starting at 8 a.m.
There is also an option to pick up registration the evening before.
Nogales, Arizona
Venue: Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District
2021 N. Grand Avenue, Nogales, Arizona 85621
Theme: “Frontiers and Exchange” / “Fronteras y Intercambio”
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Registration now open!
Register to attend the conference here.
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AAC Fall Conference Tours
Saturday, October 3, 2026
1) Tour of Guevavi Mission
(Note: Tumacácori National Historical Park. In the event of a government shutdown, this tour will be cancelled).
La Misión de San Gabriel de Guevavi was founded by Jesuit missionary Eusebio Kino in 1691 and archaeological evidence demonstrates that the area was inhabited by the Ancestral O’odham for several centuries prior. Although one of the most important Mission-Era settlements along the Arizona-Sonora border, the mission ruins are typically closed to the public. As a participant in this special tour, you will visit the ruined remains of Guevavi and learn about the lives of the people who lived there.
Visit to the site is free, but spaces are limited.
Please fill out this form if you are interested in visiting the Mission:
https://forms.gle/se6cqfJJPiBxkNsn8
Further details (meeting points, times, etc.) will be shared closer to the conference date.
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2) Taco Tour in Nogales, Sonora
(Note: This tour is provided by Borderlandia, not the Arizona Archaeological Council. A passport is required for reentry into the United States).
Cross the border with curiosity and discover how one of Mexico's most iconic foods tells the story of an entire region. Join Borderlandia on a guided walk through the historic center of Nogales, Sonora, where each taquería offers a window into the region's history, geography, and culture. From the seafood traditions of the Sea of Cortez to the ranching heritage of the Sierra Madre, you'll learn how landscapes, migration, and faith have shaped Mexico's diverse taco traditions.
$90: Special Rate for AAC Conference Attendees (use code AAC2026 when signing up)(includes: food, drinks, and guide services).
For more information (and to sign up) click here:
https://www.borderlandia.org/shop/p/nogales-taco-tour-aac-fall-conference
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Thank you for your support of this conference and the AAC!
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AAC Conference Policy: Out of an abundance of respect for the ancient inhabitants of Arizona and their descendants, the Arizona Archaeological Council (AAC) does not allow the inclusion of photographs depicting human remains, human burials, or funerary objects in AAC conference presentations. Illustrations may be used as necessary to convey important visual information. Presenters also shall review the Arizona State Museum guidance on Respectful Terminology Recommended for Discussion of Human Remains prior to any presentation discussing human remains. If a presenter has questions or concerns about illustrations proposed for inclusion in their presentation, they should feel free to contact the AAC for additional guidance.
Conference Program and Schedule
Program
Thursday, October 1st
6:00 to 8:00pm Welcome and Registration Pick-Up at the Hotel Americana. Grab a complimentary drink!
Friday, October 2nd
Check out the full program with abstracts here.
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Lunch will be catered at the conference venue.
The conference after-party will be held at Tito's Pizza and Italian Eatery at 1855 N. Grand Ave., Nogales, AZ 85621.
Nearby Lodging
*Hotel Americana - call the hotel for a special conference rate with the group name "AAC Fall Conference"
Nearby Dining
*Ragazzi-Nogales *Machi Seafood Restaurant *Zula's Restaurant
*Caracu Restaurant *Cocina La Ley
2025 Arizona Archaeological Council