At Annual Conference’s opening night, wildlife rocks!

The Wildlife Society’s 25th Annual Conference will take place Oct. 7 to 11 in Cleveland, Ohio. Go to twsconference.org for more information.

Rock ’n’ roll and wild living may go hand in hand, but when the TWS Annual Conference comes to Cleveland this October, rock ‘’n’ roll and wildlife will come together.

The conference’s opening night networking event takes place at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — or Rock Hall, as it’s known. What may be the most striking part of Cleveland’s skyline — a futuristic pyramid-inspired structure on the banks of Lake Erie — Rock Hall hosts memorabilia stretching from the roots of rock to more recent hitmakers.

The opening reception is always a great chance to meet up with old friends and make new ones. This year, it also presents a rare opportunity to get a sort of backstage pass to view the museum’s relics in private —from Elvis’ sequined jumpsuit to Michael Jackson’s sparkling glove.

Visitors can immerse themselves in items from their favorite musicians, whether their tastes lean toward the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen or Bon Jovi. Peruse lyrics penned by John Lennon. Gawk at guitars played by Jimi Hendrix. Some of the museum’s recent acquisitions include Jerry Lee Lewis’ piano and an outfit worn by Notorious B.I.G.

The Rock Hall opened in Cleveland in 1986, but its founders credit the city with playing a crucial role in the history of this distinctly American music long before that. It was Cleveland deejay Alan Freed who first called the R&B he was spinning on his radio show “rock and roll,” and he is credited with promoting the first rock ’n’ roll concert ever — a 1952 performance at the Cleveland Arena.

To get a sense of the breadth of the inductees accepted in the hall of fame over the years, take in the Power of Rock Experience in the Connor Theater. Directed by Academy Award-winning director Jonathan Demme, the film takes audiences through stunning moments in its history of induction ceremonies, from Paul McCartney’s golden words to a stunning Beatles homage by a purple-clad Prince.

As you mingle with colleagues, wind your way through the Rock Hall’s six levels and more than 50 exhibits of legendary musicians, and show Cleveland that wildlife rocks!

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2018 inductees join their predecessors on the museum’s signature wall. ©Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

A suit designed for Elvis Presley sparkles amid his collection of memorabilia. ©David Frey

John Lennon’s cartoons appear on the acoustic guitar on which he recorded “Give Peace a Chance.” ©David Frey

Visitors to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame pass between images of the genre’s icons. ©David Frey