Convention History

First held in 1883, the MLA convention is an annual gathering of teachers and scholars in the field of language and literature studies. The convention enables members of the profession to share their ideas and research with colleagues from other universities and colleges, as well as with those in related fields and professions.

Past Conventions

Visit the Past Conventions page to view resources from the 2007 through 2024 conventions, including online programs, information about the presidential theme, videos and audio interviews about the convention, and more.

Search Program Archive

Session information from the 2004 through 2020 conventions is available from the program archive.

MLA Presidential Addresses

Find audio recordings and texts of the 2001 to 2023 addresses in the MLA Presidential Address archive.