The conference guidebook, in addition to providing descriptions of the workshops, also offered helpful information on where to eat and what to do if arrested. Sightseeing highlights listed in the guide included the intersection where the police shot three protesters in a general strike in 1932, the site of a bomb explosion on War Preparedness Day in 1916 that led to the suppression of the anarchist movement in this city, and the home of Mary Eleanor Fitzgerald and Alexander Bergman, publishers of the anarchists' magazine ''The Blast.''

This year's conference was the fourth annual one to be held in North America. In 1986, 300 people gathered in Chicago to mark the 100th anniversary of the Haymarket bombings, which killed seven policemen and resulted in the execution of four anarchists. Since then, the conventions have grown, with more than 1,500 participants this year.

While those at this year's conference disagreed about what anarchism is, they did agree that they shared a distaste for the state and a belief in direct action. (While a liberal would write his Congressman in opposition to the arms race, an anarchist would set blockades at the factory, explained Jim Squatter, a participant.) One reason for the disparate concepts of anarchism is the different routes that have led people into the movement. Many have come to it through causes like the anti-nuclear struggle, the women's movement or the gay liberation movement. ''Anarchism is the bastard child of failed liberal values,'' reflected Patrick Hughes, one of those here.

Standing in torn jeans and worn sandals, with silver streaks in his flowing hair and beard, Antar Kaba, who traveled from the West Indies to attend the conference, reflected on the week's events.

Riot or not, Mr. Kaba said, ''this is not anarchism to me.'' He added: ''They don't want you to go naked here and they don't want you to smoke pot here. But it's been great.''