The International UFO Congress is an annual conference that was established in 1991 in Arizona. Its primary purpose is to share information related to various facets of ufology. The conference was initially held in Laughlin, Nevada, but it was relocated to the Phoenix, Arizona area in 2011. The event spans a week and typically features over thirty speakers. It includes a film festival, vendor booths, and sessions for discussing experiences and findings.
The topics covered at the conference range from alien abductions, UFO sightings, and UFO crashes to crop circles, paranormal experiences, and government conspiracies. Notable speakers from past events include Richard Dolan, Travis Walton, Yvonne Smith, Kathleen Marden, George Knapp, and many more. The Congress was originally owned by the Brown family, but it changed ownership multiple times, with the most recent transfer in 2017 to Out of This World Media and Events Incorporated.
History
The International UFO Congress was established in 1991 in Arizona with the primary aim of disseminating information related to various aspects of ufology. Initially, the conference was held in Laughlin, Nevada. However, in 2011, it was relocated to the Phoenix, Arizona area. The Congress has been a platform for authors, researchers, experts, enthusiasts, and those who claim to have witnessed paranormal or anomalous phenomena from all over the world to share their experiences and findings.
In terms of ownership, the International UFO Congress was originally owned by the Brown family. In 2010, the Brown family sold the conference to Open Minds Production. Later, in 2017, the ownership changed hands again, and the Congress is now owned by Out of This World Media and Events Incorporated.
Structure and Organization
The International UFO Congress is an annual conference that takes place over a week. Established in 1991 in Arizona, its primary focus is on disseminating information related to various aspects of ufology. The structure of the event includes:
- Presentations: Given by authors, researchers, experts, enthusiasts, and individuals who claim to have witnessed paranormal or anomalous phenomena.
- Speakers: The event usually features over thirty speakers from all over the world. Notable past speakers include Richard Dolan, Travis Walton, Yvonne Smith, Kathleen Marden, and others.
- Film Festival: A segment dedicated to showcasing films related to ufology.
- Vendors: Booths and stalls where various products and services related to the field are sold.
- Discussion Sessions: These are sessions where experiences (“experiencer” sessions) and findings are discussed among attendees.
The topics covered during the conference range from alien abductions, UFO sightings, and UFO crashes to crop circles, paranormal experiences, and government conspiracies.
Functions and Operations
The International UFO Congress, established in 1991 in Arizona, serves as a pivotal platform for the dissemination of information related to ufology, the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and associated phenomena. The primary function of this annual conference is to provide a space for experts, enthusiasts, researchers, authors, and individuals who claim to have witnessed paranormal or anomalous events to share their experiences, findings, and insights.
One of the core operations of the Congress is organizing presentations. These presentations are given by individuals from all over the world, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. The topics covered are vast, encompassing alien abductions, UFO sightings and crashes, crop circles, paranormal experiences, and even government conspiracies.
In addition to presentations, the Congress hosts a film festival, showcasing films that delve into ufological topics. This provides attendees with a visual and cinematic exploration of the subject matter.
Another significant operation is the organization of vendor booths. These booths offer various products and services related to ufology, allowing attendees to purchase merchandise, books, and other related items.
Furthermore, the Congress organizes “experiencer” and findings-discussion sessions. These sessions are designed for attendees to discuss their personal experiences and share their findings in a more intimate setting.
Over the years, the Congress has seen participation from notable figures in the ufology community, such as Richard Dolan, Travis Walton, and George Knapp, among others. The event’s operations and functions have made it a cornerstone in the ufology community, fostering discussion, exploration, and understanding of the unknown.
Impact on Ufology
The International UFO Congress, since its inception in 1991, has played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse around ufology. As one of the most significant annual gatherings dedicated to the study of UFOs and related phenomena, its influence on the field is undeniable.
Firstly, the Congress has provided a platform for researchers, enthusiasts, and witnesses from around the world to share their experiences, findings, and theories. This has fostered a global exchange of ideas, ensuring that ufology remains a dynamic and evolving field. The presentations and discussions held at the Congress have often set the tone for the year’s research and investigations.
Secondly, by featuring a diverse range of speakers, including notable figures like Richard Dolan, Travis Walton, and George Knapp, the Congress has elevated the credibility of ufology. Their rigorous research methodologies and compelling narratives have attracted attention from both the mainstream media and academic circles, bridging the gap between skeptics and believers.
Furthermore, the Congress’s film festival has played a crucial role in popularizing ufological topics. By showcasing documentaries and films that approach the subject with seriousness and depth, it has changed public perception, moving away from dismissive stereotypes and towards a more nuanced understanding.
Lastly, the Congress’s consistent focus on topics like alien abductions, government conspiracies, and paranormal experiences has ensured that these subjects remain at the forefront of ufological research. By highlighting these areas year after year, the Congress has driven researchers to delve deeper, leading to groundbreaking discoveries and insights.
Conclusion
The International UFO Congress, established in 1991 in Arizona, stands as a premier annual event dedicated to the study and discussion of UFOs and related phenomena. Serving as a global platform, it brings together experts, enthusiasts, and witnesses to share insights, research, and experiences. Over the years, the Congress has significantly influenced the discourse in ufology, offering a blend of academic rigor, firsthand accounts, and a diverse range of perspectives. Its commitment to fostering understanding and promoting serious discussion has elevated the credibility of the field, bridging the gap between skeptics and believers. As a cornerstone in the ufology community, the Congress continues to drive exploration, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of the unknown.