That year the conference joined Southwestern Archaeology Inc. and became a 501.c.3 nonprofit. Until then, professional archaeologists still found ways to organize themselves to meet at a new conference location each summer, mostly because they understand the problems of working in isolation in the field and the importance of face time with colleagues.
In the same year, the conference merged with Southwestern Archaeology Inc. and transformed into a 501.c.3 nonprofit entity. Prior to this, professional archaeologists had developed methods to schedule gatherings at new locations each summer, largely due to their understanding of the challenges of working alone in the field and the significance of socializing with peers.