As we prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Latin American Studies Association (LASA), we invite you to join us for the LASA2026 International Congress, taking place May 26–30, 2026, in Paris, France.
The theme of LASA2026—“Republic and Revolution”—offers an opportunity to reflect on Latin America and the Caribbean within the broader global and historical context of ongoing struggles for decolonization, democracy, fundamental rights and freedoms, self-determination, and social justice.
As a matter of principle, LASA has decided not to hold its Congress in the United States until the hostility toward members of our Association seeking to enter the US from other countries comes to an end. The Executive Council has agreed that future Congresses will instead take place in universities across Latin America and the Caribbean. However, LASA2026 is contractually bound to the Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel in Paris. We embrace this opportunity to engage more deeply with our many members living in Europe.
Please note that LASA2026 will be held exclusively in person. This decision was made for several important reasons:
- The financial costs associated with hybrid infrastructure are currently prohibitive.
- Significant time zone differences limit meaningful participation in hybrid formats.
- Hybrid events tend to dilute the experience for all attendees.
This decision applies to LASA2026 only. In our ongoing commitment to accessibility, LASA will launch a new initiative to host one or more regional conferences each year. Stay tuned for more details.
We are pleased to share that, in recognition of the global challenges still facing our academic communities, membership and registration fees for LASA2026 will remain unchanged from this year. We hope this helps all members—past and present—join us for what promises to be a historic gathering. Membership fees are scaled to ensure affordability, particularly for scholars from the Global South.
We also take this opportunity to remind you of the many benefits of LASA membership, including:
- Eligibility to submit proposals and participate in LASA Congresses
- Reduced Congress registration rates
- Access to grants, travel support, and prizes
- Participation in LASA Sections—dynamic communities focused on shared scholarly interests
- Voting privileges in LASA governance and a voice in shaping the future of the field
- Networking and collaboration opportunities with thousands of Latin Americanists worldwide
- Unlimited access to Project MUSE, including leading journals in the humanities and social sciences
If your membership has lapsed, we warmly encourage you to renew today and reconnect with a community that has shaped the field of Latin American studies for six decades.
At a time when the values LASA upholds are increasingly under threat, we invite you to join us in shaping the Association’s future with renewed purpose and commitment. We look forward to your participation and support in the months ahead.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. We look forward to welcoming you to this special edition of our Congress in Paris.
Maxwell Cameron
President of LASA
About LASA
The Latin American Studies Association (LASA) is the largest professional association in the world for individuals and institutions engaged in the study of Latin America. With over 13,000 members, over 60% of whom reside outside the United States, LASA is the one association that brings together experts on Latin America from all disciplines and diverse occupational endeavors, across the globe. LASA's mission is to foster intellectual discussion, research, and teaching on Latin America, the Caribbean, and its people throughout the Americas, promote the interests of its diverse membership, and encourage civic engagement through network building and public debate.
If you wish to interview a LASA Executive Council member, you can contact the LASA communications office at (412) 648-7929 or send an email to lasa@lasaweb.org.