Since 1967, MESA has held an annual meeting in the fall where members gather to share research. MESA has been the hub for scholarly exchange from its first meeting at The University of Chicago in 1967, where a small group gathered for eight sessions, to MESA's 50th anniversary meeting in Boston in 2016, where 312 sessions delighted more than 2,000 attendees. The meeting features panels and special sessions on a variety of topics related to Middle East studies. It is complemented by meetings of MESA's affiliated groups, an exciting 4-day film festival, a comprehensive book exhibit featuring the latest books and software in the field, and other informal events. The meeting provides an opportunity for friends and colleagues from a variety of disciplines to gather to share their common bond: the study of this important region of the world.