2015 Annual Conference

LEARN Image Credit: Jenny Martin NETWORK Image Credit: Jenny Martin ENGAGE Image Credit: Ansgar Walk

Learn, Network and Engage

The Wildlife Society 22nd Annual Conference

October 17-21, 2015

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference is one of the largest gatherings of wildlife professionals, students and supporters in North America.  More than 1,500 attendees gathered to learn, network and engage at our 2014 Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, PA.

In 2015, you’ll be able to experience TWS live in Canada! It’s a rare opportunity since it’s the first time the event has been held in Canada in a decade.

You’ll be able to choose from more than 400 learning opportunities on wildlife management, research and techniques through a wide variety of symposia, contributed papers, panel discussions, workshops, contributed posters and field trips. And since there are more opportunities than you can possibly attend in person, your conference registration also includes post-conference access to the presentations so that you can continue to learn all year round from the convenience of your home or office.

At our conference, wildlife professionals make new connections with colleagues in wildlife science, research, management, business and education. Students meet professionals who can provide insights on careers, job opportunities, current research and best practices, and who might even become mentors. Through more than 40 meetings, receptions and special events, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet professionals with similar interests who can be valuable assets to your career growth and wildlife knowledge.

Why should you attend?

Because based on our 2014 conference survey of attendees:

• 90% stated that the range of the educational programs and sessions enhanced their professional development
• 89% said that the meetings, receptions and events increased or strengthened their professional network of contacts
• 69% of the students in attendance reported that the conference experience significantly enhanced their career planning, contacts and development

We’re also developing some unique experiences for wildlife professionals, such as a potential field trip opportunity to visit the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre at the Journey to Churchill section of the Assiniboine Park Zoo, where you’ll learn about the research wildlife biologists are doing with rescued polar bears that are placed in their transition program. You can also get the full Churchill experience with multi-day trips that are planned for just before and just after the TWS Annual Conference (additional registration and fee required). Information on those trips will be available on the conference website beginning March 1.

Fast Facts

Our conference website will be live by March 31 and registration opens on June 1. But in the interim, here are the key facts about this year’s conference:

Location:  RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Host Hotels with Discounts for Attendees*:

• Delta Winnipeg: $149/night CAD
• The Fairmont Winnipeg: $179/night CAD

* Instructions for booking to obtain the hotel discounts will be available on our conference website.

Registration: Rates for this year’s conference have not been finalized. However, for approximated budgeting purposes, you can click this link to review last year’s rates.

Don’t Forget Your Passport!

Most TWS members live outside of Canada, so you’ll need a passport to attend this conference. If you don’t have one yet, get the process started now so you aren’t wondering if you’ll have your passport in time for your trip!

Questions?

If you have additional questions prior to the launch of our conference website, please contact us at tws@wildlife.org.