AAEC Returns to Sacramento for Its 2026 Annual Convention

The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists (AAEC), one of the leading professional organizations dedicated to editorial cartooning in the United States, has officially announced that its 2026 Annual Convention will be held September 17–20, 2026, in Sacramento, California. The event marks the association’s return to California’s capital after nearly twenty years.  

This year’s convention will feature both members-only professional sessions and a series of public events, giving visitors the opportunity to meet editorial cartoonists, learn about the profession, and explore the role of political cartoons in documenting history and shaping public discourse.  

Among the highlights of the public program are “Drawing the Capitals” at the Sacramento History Museum and “Sacramento’s History Through Editorial Cartooning” at the Sacramento Central Library (Archival Room). These exhibitions will showcase how editorial cartoons have chronicled California’s political, social, and cultural history over the years.  

The convention will also include public caricature workshops, museum programs, and “Drawing Democracy”, a special event at the Crocker Art Museum, where AAEC members will discuss the importance of editorial cartooning, freedom of expression, and the role of visual commentary in a democratic society.  

For AAEC members, the convention schedule includes the association’s business meeting, professional workshops, networking opportunities, presentations by leading editorial cartoonists, and the annual awards ceremony. Organizers describe the convention as one of the year’s most important gatherings for professionals working in editorial and political cartooning.  

Founded in 1957, the AAEC is dedicated to promoting editorial cartooning while defending free speech and a free pressas essential pillars of democracy. The organization also supports the professional, artistic, and human rights of editorial cartoonists and works with international partners to strengthen the profession worldwide.  

Convention registration is now open, with discounted rates available for AAEC members, students, and affiliated organizations. Participants will also have access to special accommodation rates at Sacramento’s historic Citizen Hotel, the convention headquarters.  

Held in a different host city each year, the AAEC Annual Convention continues to serve as one of the premier events for editorial cartoonists, offering a unique platform to exchange ideas, celebrate excellence in political cartooning, and reinforce the importance of visual journalism in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape.

Sources

• Association of American Editorial Cartoonists (AAEC) – 2026 Convention
• AAEC – 2026 Convention Registration
• The Daily Cartoonist – The AAEC 2026 Convention Dates and Preliminary Schedule
• Association of American Editorial Cartoonists – About Us