Congresses
World Archaeological Congresses are held every four years, with several Inter-Congresses between the main congresses. The congresses vary in their seasonality, but present the opportunity to present research, participate in panels, and socialize with other members. Congresses have been held on six continents and attract large, multinational attendance. The locations of the congresses are chosen to encourage inclusivity within the means of people from around the world. Locating congresses outside of 'First World' venues has led to political and social complications for WAC. For example, WAC-3 in India was besieged by media coverage after the then president of the international executive committee J. Golson banned discussion of the destruction of the Ayodhya mosque during the conference.
Patrons for past Congresses have included Prince Charles (WAC-1), Nelson Mandela (WAC-4), Harriet Fulbright (WAC-5), and Abdullah II of Jordan (WAC-7)
| Meeting | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Southampton, Great Britain | September 1–6, 1986 |
| 2nd | Barquisimeto, Venezuela | September 4–8, 1990 |
| 3rd | New Delhi, India | December 4–11, 1994 |
| 4th | Cape Town, South Africa | January 10–14, 1999 |
| 5th | Washington, D.C, United States of America | June 21–26, 2003 |
| 6th | Dublin, Ireland | June 29 - July 4, 2008 |
| 7th | Dead Sea, Jordan | January 14–18, 2013 |
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