2025 OHA Annual Meeting

Exploring Our American Stories

October 15-18, 2025

Crowne Plaza Atlanta Midtown – Atlanta, GA

Are you interested in being involved with the planning and execution of the 2025 Oral History Association Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA? Fill out this form to receive more information about how to get involved!

An FAQ pertaining to conference planning is posted below. For any other questions, please contact annualmeeting@oralhistory.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the OHA Annual Meeting?
  • The Annual Meeting encapsulates both the typical conference sessions and events we host in a different city every year as well as the business and committee meetings that are typically only held in-person at that same time. If you have more questions about what a typical annual meeting is like, this FAQ is for you: Conference Basics for First Timers.

• What is the local arrangements committee?
  • The local arrangements committee are folks living and working in and around the host city, who can help orchestrate the optional activities, tours, and other opportunities for attendees to participate in before and after the annual meeting. They also help to promote the annual meeting within their local communities and sometimes involve their organizations and institutions. They typically begin meeting in earnest 6-7 months before the conference.

• What is the work of the planning committee?
  • The planning committee reviews all the proposals and works to select the best ones for inclusion in the program. They also work to construct the program itself, scheduling all the panels and events.

• What are the benefits of joining a committee?
  • You get to share ideas that help shape the annual meeting, to make it more inclusive and welcoming.

• What is the time commitment of serving on the committee?
  • The time needed to serve on  the committee varies throughout the year based on the various deadlines and division of labor though meetings tend to be more frequent the closer the annual meeting is.

• Do I have to attend the annual meeting if I’m on the committee?
  • No, however all program committee members will receive comped registration.

• Do I have to be a member of the OHA to help?
  • While you do not have to be a member of the OHA to attend the conference or lend a helping hand, only OHA members can serve on the actual committee. Find out more about OHA membership: https://oralhistory.org/membership/

• How else can I participate if I’m not on the committee?
  • Attend the conference as a general participant (come for 1 day or all 3-4 days)
  • Propose an individual or panel presentation through the open “call for proposals” (deadline early 2025)
  • Propose a poster presentation
  • Propose a mini-workshop or pre-conference workshop
  • Volunteer to lead a “dine-around” group one evening of the conference
  • Volunteer to chair a panel
  • Propose to lead or coordinate a local tour

• What is the theme for the 2025 Annual Meeting?
  • As we approach the semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the start of this nation, how do we define America today? What is America? And what are American stories? etc.

• When will the call for proposals go out?
  • The call for proposals is now live! You can find it HERE

• Can I make a suggestion for someone else who might be involved?
  • Yes, please send interested folks to our form to sign up for more information: https://forms.gle/e2uPcqnVbxA2RUtS6

• Do you need suggestions for possible event sponsors or organizational partners?
  • Yes! Please share any ideas for local sponsors or partners to our email: annualmeeting@oralhistory.org