Every year the original twelve Parties to the Treaty and those Parties that demonstrate their interest in Antarctica by conducting substantial research activity there - together called the Consultative Parties - meet "for the purpose of exchanging information, consulting together on matters of common interest pertaining to Antarctica, and formulating and considering and recommending to their Governments measures in furtherance of the principles and objectives of the Treaty" (Art. IX). This forum is the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM).

From 1961 to 1994 the ATCM generally met once every two years, but since 1994 the meetings have occurred annually. The ATCM is hosted by the Consultative Parties according to the alphabetical order of their English names.

The meeting consists of representatives of:

• The Consultative Parties;
• The Non-Consultative Parties;
• Observers: currently the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP); and
• Invited Experts, such as the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).

Measures, Decisions and Resolutions, which are adopted at the ATCM by consensus, give effect to the principles of the Antarctic Treaty and the Environment Protocol and provide regulations and guidelines for the management of the Antarctic Treaty area and the work of the ATCM. Decisions, which address internal organizational matters of the ATCM, and Resolutions, which are hortatory texts, are not legally binding on Contracting Parties. In contrast, Measures are legally binding on the Consultative Parties once they have been approved by all Consultative Parties.

Only the Consultative Parties take part in decision-making. Other participants in the meeting, however, may contribute to the discussions.

In 2013, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) developed a multi-year strategic work plan. The plan, created in Decision 3 (2012), is updated every year, and helps the ATCM focus on matters of priority and timely importance, operate more effectively and efficiently, and schedule its work appropriately.

The entry into force of the Environment Protocol in 1998 saw the establishment of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP). The CEP usually meets concurrently with the ATCM to address matters relating to environmental protection and management and provide advice to the ATCM. Besides the regular ATCM and CEP meetings, the Consultative Parties also convene occasional Special Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings and Meetings of Experts to address specific subjects.