53rd Annual Anomalous Absorption Conference (AAC2025)
AAC2025 will be held at the Sedona Hilton Resort at Bell Rock, on Sunday, May 11th – Friday, May 16th, 2025.
On behalf of the Anomalous Absorption Conference Board of Directors, we look forward to seeing you in Sedona. Please refer to the Deadlines and Abstract sections to prepare for your participation and attendance at the conference.
The conference format will be similar to previous conferences with oral presentations in the mornings and afternoons free for individual discussions and recreational activities. Evening plenary and poster sessions will be held Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with Wednesday evening reserved for the conference banquet. A conference reception will be held Sunday evening starting at 6:00pm, so be sure to arrange your travel plans to allow you and your travel companions to enjoy this communal conference activity. The conference will end on Friday at 12:30PM.
The Sedona Hilton is nestled among red rock formations and is located approximately two and half hours away from the Grand Canyon National Park, attendees are encouraged to explore the surrounding natural resources with your colleagues during the conference.
The informational sections across this page were designed to provide all the background information regarding the conference and location, including links for more details and specifics. Should you require more information or have questions, do not hesitate to send an email to AAC2025@AnomalousAbsorption.org.
Program
This year’s program and abstract book are now live
Deadlines
Early Registration: Before March 28th
Late Registration: March 29th to May 11th
Abstract Due Date: April 8th
Hotel Reservations at conference rate: April 4th
Abstract Submission
Please submit abstracts before April 8th (extended deadline) (written using the template below) via Google form.
Abstract Specifications
The abstract should have a title followed by an author list and their affiliations. The abstract dimensions should not exceed 6.5 inches (width) and 9.0 inches (length). The font should be 12-point Times New Roman and the abstract should be submitted in pdf file format.
All presentations at this conference must be unclassified.
Registration
Standard registration: Before March 29th - $1050.00; After March 29th - $1300.00
Student registration: Before March 29th - $600.00; After March 29th - $1300.00
The registration fee includes access to all conference sessions, a printed conference agenda and an electronic abstract book, and a meal plan. The meal plan consists of catered lunches Monday through Thursday. The Sunday evening reception and conference banquet Wednesday night also are included with the registration fee. Dinners during the rest of the week are not included so attendees can take the opportunity to enjoy eating options around the Sedona area with their colleagues.
Guests
Additional meal tickets can be purchased in advance for attendee guests at the following rates. These are per day rates for all meals, so please be sure to purchase the right number
Adults: $60 / day
Children (8-12): $30 / day
Children (under 8): free
There also will be a limited number of seats available for guests at the Conference banquet. Conference banquet tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis at a rate of $110.00 for adults and $30 for kids 8-12 before March 29th. We expect these extra seats to go fast, so please purchase any extra banquet tickets you will need early so you will not be disappointed.
Lodging
We have negotiated the government rate for our conference during the conference dates and the rooms are available at a reduced rate on the Friday & Saturday before and after the meeting. Note that the rates shown on Hilton page includes a $25 resort fee. The rooms are on a first-come, first-serve basis so please make your reservations quickly.
Travel to Sedona
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
Located at 90 Ridge Trail Drive, Sedona, AZ 86351, the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock sits in the heart of the Village of Oak Creek, just south of downtown Sedona. Easily accessible via I-17 and Highway 179, the resort is perfectly positioned near the iconic Bell Rock and the breathtaking Red Rock Scenic Byway, offering guests stunning views and outdoor adventure right at their doorstep.
Traveling to Sedona
Sedona is serviced by two nearby airports:
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) to Sedona
From Flagstaff, you have two main routes to reach Sedona—each offering a unique experience.
Route 1 – Scenic Byway 89A
If you’re looking for a breathtaking drive, take Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon. This 29-mile stretch winds through a lush, forested gorge that feels worlds away from Arizona’s typical desert scenery. It’s easily the more scenic of the two options, with numerous pull-offs perfect for photos, picnics, or simply soaking in the views.
Be prepared for some sharp switchbacks along the way—they add to the adventure but can be a bit intense for nervous drivers.
Route 2 – The Smoother Alternative
If you prefer a more straightforward drive, take I-17 South to Highway 179. While this route skips the canyon vistas, it offers a smoother ride and quicker arrival. Plus, you’ll still be treated to iconic sights like Bell Rock Vista as you approach Sedona. Both routes have their perks—it just depends on whether you’re in the mood for scenic beauty or a speedier trip.
Getting from Phoenix to Sedona
If you’re flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Sedona is about a 2-hour drive north—roughly 117 miles along I-17. The journey takes you from the sprawling Sonoran Desert up into the stunning red rock country, offering some of the most breathtaking desert scenery in Arizona. There are two main routes from Phoenix to Sedona. Both take about two hours without stops:
- I-17 to Highway 260
- I-17 to Highway 179
For the most scenic drive, take I-17 north and then exit onto Highway 179. This route takes you along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, renowned as one of the most beautiful drives in the country. The closer you get to Sedona, the more dramatic and colorful the landscape becomes.
Things to Do in Sedona
Sedona, Arizona, is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and spiritual explorers. With over 400 miles of scenic trails, it’s a hiker’s dream. Discover iconic landmarks like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and the stunning Devil’s Bridge, a natural sandstone arch offering incredible photo opportunities.
For a fun and refreshing outing, head to Slide Rock State Park, where you can glide down an 80-foot natural waterslide carved into the smooth, algae-covered sandstone of Oak Creek. Nature enthusiasts will also enjoy Red Rock State Park, known for its picturesque hiking trails and wildlife sightings.
Craving adventure? Hop on a Pink Jeep Tour to explore Sedona’s rugged red rock backcountry. If you’re curious about Sedona’s mystical side, visit one of its renowned energy vortex sites, like Boynton Canyon, known for its spiritual energy and panoramic views.
Beyond the outdoors, Sedona shines with creativity and culture. Wander through the charming Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, where galleries, artisan shops, and boutiques await. For hands-on experiences and local artwork, visit the Sedona Arts Center, which also offers classes like pottery and painting.
Wine lovers can venture into the Verde Valley Wine Region. Enjoy a tasting at Merkin Vineyards or one of many nearby wineries offering rich reds, crisp whites, and sweeping views.
As night falls, Sedona’s status as a Dark Sky Community makes it ideal for stargazing. Head to spots like Fay Canyon for clear, awe-inspiring views of the Milky Way and star-filled skies.
For more details and to plan your trip, visit the official Sedona Tourism Bureau or check out top attractions and reviews on TripAdvisor.
The Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock offers a comprehensive wellness experience through its eforea Spa and Sedona Athletic Club, set against the stunning backdrop of Sedona’s red rock formations.
eforea Spa: A Sanctuary of Healing
Spanning 20,000 square feet, eforea Spa provides a serene environment for rejuvenation, featuring nine treatment rooms, a solarium, and relaxation areas. Signature treatments include the Terra Roja Experience, a 105-minute session with honey and sage exfoliation, a sacred red mud body wrap, and a full-body massage. The spa also offers the Full Circle massage, integrating cleansing, exfoliation, grounding stones, and energy work. For skincare, the Sedona Stone Facial utilizes warm stones to alleviate tension and fatigue. Additional services encompass chakra balancing, smudging ceremonies, and sound therapy, all inspired by Sedona’s spiritual heritage
Sedona Athletic Club: Fitness with a View
Adjacent to the spa, the Sedona Athletic Club offers a 25-meter heated lap pool, three lighted tennis courts, and a variety of fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and tai chi. The facility also features the Warrior Pit, an outdoor cross-training area equipped with sledgehammers, tires, and ropes, providing a unique workout experience . The hotel also has tennis and pickleball courts available via reservation.