How Convention Locations Are Chosen

What factors go into choosing where the convention will be held?

When selecting a convention site, the Executive Council considers

whether there is convenient transportation to the meeting site
whether the headquarters hotels are close to each other
whether there are enough hotel sleeping rooms in a concentrated area
whether the hotel facilities are suitable for meetings and exhibits
whether the hotels can offer good discounts on room rates
whether members would be willing to attend a convention in that city
whether settled labor contracts are in place
whether union hotels, which we are obliged to use whenever possible, are available

Does the MLA consider a city’s cultural climate?

Yes, when proposing sites, staff members take into account the general political climate and the cultural offerings of a city (e.g., restaurants, museums, entertainment).

Is there a set geographic rotation for convention cities?

In 2011 the council adopted a flexible three-year rotation system for convention sites based on geographic regions (western, central, eastern). On occasion, though, two conventions will be held in the same region in successive years. Generally this happens because a desirable location is available in a specific year only or because a potential site has dropped out of the running.

Have recent conventions been held in all three regions?

Yes! Between 2011 and 2018, the convention has been held on the West Coast three times (Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver), in the central United States twice (Chicago, Austin), and on the East Coast three times (Boston, Philadelphia, New York).

Does the MLA take the cost of a convention city into consideration?

We always weigh the costs of a convention city against a city’s appeal. For example, New York is expensive, but it has also consistently ranked as one of the most desired destinations when we poll members about convention locations. Philadelphia was chosen for 2017 in part because costs to members would be lower in general.

Where can I find out the locations of past and future conventions?

The Future Conventions page lists the sites for upcoming conventions. On the MLA Convention Statistics page, you’ll find the locations of past conventions along with convention attendance figures.