The Center for Big Bend Studies (CBBS) at Sul Ross State University is gearing up for its highly anticipated 29th Annual Conference, set to take place on November 10-11 at the Vic and Mary Jane Morgan University Center, nestled in the heart of the Alpine campus. This two-day event promises an engaging exploration of the history, archaeology, and culture of the Big Bend region and northern Mexico.
With over 30 informative presentations on the agenda, attendees can look forward to a comprehensive and enlightening journey into the rich tapestry of the Big Bend’s past and its intricate connections with its southern neighbor.
This year’s keynote speaker is none other than Dr. Matthew R. Bennett, a distinguished geographer, geologist, and a world-renowned expert in the study of footprints. Dr. Bennett serves as the head of the Institute for Landscape and Human Evolution at Bournemouth University. His groundbreaking work includes the recent discovery of ancient human footprints in White Sands National Park, a discovery that has captured global attention and garnered widespread media coverage from esteemed outlets such as National Geographic, PBS, Science magazine, NPR, and The Atlantic, among others.
Dr. Bennett’s presentation, titled “Stepping towards a paradigm shift: the White Sands footprints,” will delve into the remarkable findings and unveil their implications for our understanding of life on the playa during the Ice Age. He will explore how these footprints could reshape our knowledge of the peopling of the Americas, heralding a paradigm shift in American archaeology.
The Friday night banquet, where Dr. Bennett will deliver his keynote address, will be held at the historic Granada Theater in downtown Alpine, adding a touch of local charm to the conference.
For those eager to join this intellectual journey into the Big Bend’s history and culture, the conference registration fee is $55 for the general public before November 3, rising to $60 thereafter. Tickets will also be available at the door. CBBS members enjoy a discounted rate of $50, while SRSU students, staff, and faculty can attend for free.
The banquet, a highlight of the event, is priced at $40 for CBBS members, students, staff, and faculty, and $45 for the general public.
To secure your spot at the conference and banquet, as well as for vendor registration, visit the official conference website: CBBS Annual Conference Registration
For additional information, visit the CBBS website at http://cbbs.sulross.edu, or reach out to the CBBS team via email at cbbs@sulross.edu or by calling 432-837-8179.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to delve into the captivating history and culture of the Big Bend region and northern Mexico at the 29th Annual Conference hosted by the Center for Big Bend Studies. It’s an event that promises to enlighten and inspire attendees from all walks of life.
