LAS VEGAS - s4story -- Las Vegas, long celebrated for dazzling illusions and bold performance, will host a different kind of magic this May. The Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness, a section of the American Anthropological Association, has named Paul Draper as the keynote speaker for its 42nd Annual Conference, taking place May 1–3, 2025 at The Palazzo Resort.

Draper—a renowned anthropologist, mentalist, and award-winning performer—is known for his unique ability to blend scholarship, storytelling, and stagecraft. A frequent guest on national television, he has mesmerized audiences from Yale University to the United Nations. His keynote aligns with this year's theme: Mystery and Magic.

"I'm thrilled the conference is returning to Las Vegas—a city that thrives on mystery and imagination," Draper said. "Magic connects us to something deeper—belief, culture, even consciousness itself."

More on S For Story

• How to Fast-Track Your Way to the Top with The Code
• "Mindful Moments" Helps Families Cultivate Calm in Chaotic World Through Child-Friendly Mindfulness Practices
• Chapter 3: The Molestation from A Letter to Pawtone
• Lyricalmar Set To Release Powerful New Ep "MARCHIVES" May 16
• Charleston, SC - ACSEC offers Rain Barrels Through Annual Program

The Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness (SAC) is an interdisciplinary community of anthropologists, psychologists, mythologists, archaeologists, sociologists, and scholar-practitioners. Their work spans shamanic and yogic traditions, depth psychology, neuroplasticity, ecological consciousness, human/technological AI interaction and more.

Draper points out that "With interest in mindfulness, consciousness, and wellness at an all-time high—estimated to be a $5 billion industry in the U.S. alone—this conference taps into a growing cultural movement."

This year's theme invites scholars and attendees to explore why mystery and magic continue to captivate human imagination—from rituals, healing, and Jungian archetypes to pop culture illusions, AI, and indigenous wisdom.

"Draper bridges two worlds—academic rigor and performative wonder," said conference organizer John Baker, Dr.phil. President Association for the Anthropology of Consciousness and Emeritus Professor of Anthropology Moorpark College. "His keynote reflects our mission to explore consciousness not just as an object of study, but as a lived, transformative human experience." Baker continued "Plus, he is a major player in the world of magic!"

More on S For Story

• Greek Government Issues Landmark Ministerial Order Addressing Citizenship of Greek-born adoptees
• Former Orange County Commissioner Homer Hartage Announces Heartwarming New Children's Picture Book
• Baltimore Author Crafts Space Opera Where Human Questions Outshine Galactic Scale
• Stout Surpasses 60,000 Acres and 3 Billion Plants Scanned
• OpsVeda Announces Launch of TariffSight, the World's First Comprehensive Platform to Address Tariff-Driven Challenges

About Paul Draper:

A public scholar and entertainer, Paul Draper's work sits at the intersection of culture, consciousness, and wonder. Known for appearances on The History Channel, HBO, and Inside the NBA, he's also presented for Apple, Yale, and Cambridge, and has performed at Hollywood's legendary Magic Castle. As both a trained anthropologist and a professional mentalist, Draper offers rare insights into human behavior and belief.

Event Information:

📅 What: 42nd Annual Conference of the Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness

📍 When: May 1–3, 2025

Where: The Palazzo Resort, Las Vegas

Keynote Speaker: Paul Draper

More Info: https://pauldraper.com/ | https://americananthro.org/ | https://ac.americananthro.org/