The first ARLIS/ NA annual conference was held in New York City in 1973. The Art Libraries Society of North America had been founded the preceding year by Judith Hoffberg and other art librarians attending the annual American Library Association conference in Chicago. A complete list of past conferences can be found on the ARLIS/NA web site.
The conference changes locations every year, highlighting regional art and architectural sites of significance around North America. Part of the fun of attending the annual conference is learning about and visiting local museums and cultural attractions.