Local Society MVP Award
Local Society MVP Award recognizes AIA members whose extraordinary service helps AIA-sponsored events overcome unexpected disruptions, sharing examples to inspire and reassure other local societies.
Funder: Archaeological Institute of America
Due Dates: December 1, 2026 (Nominations)
Funding Amounts: Recognition award for extraordinary service
Summary: Recognizes AIA members whose extraordinary efforts help AIA-sponsored events succeed despite unexpected disruptions.
Key Information: Nominees must be AIA members.
Description
The Archaeological Institute of America’s Local Society MVP Award honors members who persevere when unexpected disruptions threaten an AIA-sponsored event. It recognizes people who go above and beyond the call of duty to make an event the best it can be, including responses to freak storms, delayed flights, power outages, and other venue problems.
The award celebrates resourcefulness and service while sharing examples that can help other local societies. These experiences can inspire societies to create new kinds of events or reassure them that existing events can succeed even when arrangements go wrong. Before 2026, the award was known as the Life Saver Award.
