The World’s Fairs and Expositions area covers all aspects of research on world’s fairs and universal expositions, including theme-specific events such as commemorations, horticultural exhibitions, and biennales. We are also interested in research relating to how world’s fairs connect to other cultural spheres: to museum development, urban planning, or artistic movements, for example.

We look for research ranging from historical fairs to nearly contemporary events, or news of forthcoming fairs. We encourage contributions from a range of disciplines—historical, art-historical, architectural, museological—as well as interdisciplinary approaches. We are interested as well in comparative approaches or thematic analyses that consider multiple expositions.

For the 2023 conference, given the planned siting in San Antonio, we are especially interested in papers on San Antonio’s own Hemisfair (1968). We also especially encourage research the Vienna Weltausstellung of 1873, since this meeting will coincide with its sesquicentennial. But contributions on any world’s fair or international exhibition is welcomed.

This is a thought-provoking group, and we encourage a collegial atmosphere. We invite proposals from professors, independent scholars, graduate students, and undergraduates (with the guidance of a professor). Abstracts (250 words) and brief (one-page) cvs should be submitted through the PCA conference site. Direct any questions to both of the area co-chairs, Laurie Dalton ([email protected]) and Thomas Prasch ([email protected]).