One of the ACA’s most important responsibilities is ensuring that our Annual Meetings provide outstanding scientific experiences while remaining financially sustainable, accessible, and engaging for members. After an extensive site selection process spanning several years, we are delighted to announce the locations of the ACA Annual Meetings through 2029:

2027

2028

2029

San Jose McEnery 
Convention Center & 

San Jose Marriott

Baltimore 
Marriott 
Waterfront

Sheraton 
Grand 
Seattle 

Site Selection Committee

These selections did not happen overnight. The process involved over a year of research, negotiation, and strategic planning to identify destinations that would best serve the needs of our members and the Association.

At the center of this effort was the ACA Site Selection Committee, a dedicated group of volunteers representing a broad cross-section of the crystallographic community. The committee was intentionally structured to include one representative from each ACA Standing Committee, as well as a representative from the Young Scientists Interest Group (YSIG), ensuring diverse perspectives throughout the process.  Collectively, the committee brought expertise spanning academia, industry, national laboratories, early-career scientists, and ACA leadership, allowing the Association to thoughtfully consider the needs and priorities of its varied membership when evaluating future meeting destinations.

A Nationwide Search

Working with convention and visitor bureaus, hotel partners, and national sales teams, ACA evaluated proposals from numerous destinations across North America. Each city was carefully reviewed based on a variety of factors, including:

• Meeting space and hotel capacity
• Room rates and attendee affordability
• Food and beverage costs
• Audio-visual expenses
• Accessibility for domestic and international travelers
• Seasonal considerations and local attractions

Negotiations were extensive and often required balancing financial considerations with the attendee experience. Our goal was simple: secure destinations that support exceptional science while creating memorable experiences for our community. 

Listening to Our Members

The process began by gathering input from ACA members and leadership. Through surveys and discussions, members consistently identified several priorities for future meetings, including:

• Walkable destinations
• Convenient air access
• Reasonably priced accommodations
• Strong dining and entertainment options
• High-quality meeting facilities
• Locations that balance science with opportunities for exploration

One of the clearest messages that emerged from member surveys and discussions during the "We're Listening" session was the importance of keeping Annual Meetings accessible and affordable for students and early-career scientists. Members consistently expressed a willingness to prioritize lower student housing costs, even if doing so resulted in somewhat higher rates for regular attendees.

Recognizing that travel expenses can present a significant barrier to participation, the Site Selection Committee made affordable student accommodations a central focus of its negotiations. A substantial portion of ACA's negotiating leverage was directed toward securing reasonably priced student room blocks in each destination, reflecting the Association's commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and supporting the next generation of crystallographers. By prioritizing affordable lodging options alongside high-quality meeting facilities, ACA seeks to ensure that students and trainees can fully participate in the scientific exchange, networking opportunities, and professional development that are hallmarks of the Annual Meeting experience.

These priorities guided every stage of the site selection process.

Why These Cities?

		San José – 2027: Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, San José offers a modern convention center connected directly to the San Jose Marriott, exceptional air access, and a vibrant downtown filled with restaurants, museums, and entertainment. Attendees can also easily explore nearby destinations such as San Francisco, wine country, and California’s scenic coastline.
		Baltimore – 2028: The Baltimore Marriott Waterfront places attendees in the heart of the city’s famous Inner Harbor. With historic neighborhoods, outstanding dining, and attractions such as the National Aquarium and Camden Yards nearby, Baltimore offers a unique blend of history, culture, and convenience. Easy access via BWI Airport, Amtrak, and MARC rail service makes travel simple.
		Seattle – 2029: Seattle combines scientific innovation with breathtaking natural beauty. The Sheraton Grand Seattle places attendees steps from Pike Place Market, the waterfront, museums, and world-class dining. Convenient transit links to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport make travel easy, while the surrounding mountains and waterways provide endless opportunities for exploration.

Looking Ahead

Securing these venues represents an incredibly effort by ACA leadership, volunteers, staff, and our industry partners. By planning years in advance, ACA can continue delivering outstanding scientific meetings while ensuring long-term financial stability for the Association.

We are incredibly excited about this lineup of meetings and look forward to welcoming the crystallographic community to San José in 2027, Baltimore in 2028, and Seattle in 2029. The future of ACA meetings is bright, and we cannot wait to share it with all of you.