Source: Beliefnet

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/136/story_13626_1.html

On November 21, 2003 Beliefnet reported, "It's the Super Bowl and Final Four of theology all wrapped into one, as at least 8,000 religious scholars gather in Atlanta on Saturday for the nation's top religious conference. The American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature will hold their annual meetings together to focus on the hottest trends in religious scholarship. For four days, the scholars will present their latest research, honor their best and hold discussions on everything from Zen Buddhism to the spirituality of 'Star Trek' and 'Pinocchio.' The conference is so sprawling that organizers printed a 400-page program book to accommodate 500 sessions planned for the meeting. Related academic meetings began Thursday. 'This is the place to go,' said Barbara DeConcini, executive director of the American Academy of Religion and an Emory University professor.'It's the world's largest gathering of scholars of religion, and it happens just once a year.'"