Building Bridges: Using a Local Conference to Facilitate Conversations and Collaborations Around Applied Anthropology

Abstract

Students' education in applied anthropology can occur through a variety of sources including classroom instruction, hands-on experience and professional mentorship. Anthropology programs, and especially those with an applied focus, can help facilitate these types of experiences. This article details one such attempt: the creation and implementation of a local conference. The Texas Applied Anthropology Summit (TAAS) was first developed in 2016. The purpose of this and subsequent TAAS events was to bring together anthropological practitioners, faculty and students in an effort to build and strengthen relationships around applied anthropology in Texas. Based on data collected from past TAAS events and additional outreach with anthropologist practitioners it was determined that while key differences in practitioner and student/faculty interests exist, TAAS serves as an important networking tool for all attendees. This article also details what is needed, including programmatic support, to organize and implement a local conference.