In its early history, the organization was presided over by notable figures in computer science such as Allen Newell, Edward Feigenbaum, Marvin Minsky and John McCarthy.

The AAAI sponsors many conferences and symposia each year as well as providing support to 14 journals in the field of artificial intelligence.

[6][7] In addition to AAAI Fellowship,[8] the AAAI grants several other awards: The ACM-AAAI Allen Newell Award is presented to an individual selected for career contributions that have breadth within computer science, or that bridge computer science and other disciplines.

Past recipients:[11] The AAAI Squirrel AI Award for Artificial Intelligence for the Benefit of Humanity is a $1 million award that recognizes the positive impacts of AI to meaningfully improve, protect, and enhance human life.

Applications should include information that details the candidate's scholarship, leadership, and/or professional service.