Note: The application portal will open on June 22, 2026. A link to apply will be added to this page the morning of June 22. The Wildlife Society is excited to announce the availability of travel grants for TWS student (and recent graduate) members presenting a technical paper or poster during TWS’ 2026 Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. Travel grants of up to $500 and complimentary conference registration will be awarded to a limited number of applicants. Two travel grant recipients will also receive an additional $500 scholarship thanks to the generosity of past TWS Aldo Leopold Memorial Scholarship recipients. The Aldo Leopold Memorial Student Scholarship is awarded each year to the two highest-ranked travel grant applications. Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility standards: An Active Member of The Wildlife Society, A student or recent graduate with a degree received during 2024-2026, Primary author of an accepted abstract that you are presenting. Applications and all supporting materials for travel grants must be received by July 6, 2026. Required information includes: Academic degree program Graduation year Abstract ID, title and abstract Draft of presentation slide deck or poster 200-word description of how attending a TWS Annual Conference would benefit you Academic Reference name and email address (e.g. Advisor, Professor, Committee Member) All applicants will be notified of action taken. Thank you to our 2026 TWS Travel Grant Contributors The Wildlife Society thanks Bass Pro Shops, Carl Wolfe’s Estate, Energy and Wildlife Action Coalition and past recipients of the Aldo Leopold Memorial Award for their support of this year’s travel grant program. If you are interested in supporting student travel this year or beyond, please contact tws@wildlife.org.

2026 Annual Conference

Q: Call for Abstracts

Call for Proposals for Educational and Training Sessions: Closed Call for Abstracts: Closed Call for Working Group Meetings: TBA

You’re Invited to TWS’ Annual Conference

The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference is one of the largest gatherings of wildlife professionals and supporters in North America. Over the past three decades, TWS has hosted the conference in 27 different cities across 23 states and two provinces. Des Moines, Iowa will mark the 28th city visited by TWS in 33 years. We hope you join us, as TWS once again prepares for a memorable event filled with engaging speakers, immersive workshops and numerous networking opportunities.

Join us on November 1-5 to experience the latest advancements in wildlife management while getting opportunities for networking and career advancement.

A city scape with a centrally located green space is lit up against a dusky sky

Program Info

Travel Grants Student travel grants for TWS2026 presenters

Note: The application portal will open on June 22, 2026. A link to apply will be added to this page the morning of June 22.

The Wildlife Society is excited to announce the availability of travel grants for TWS student (and recent graduate) members presenting a technical paper or poster during TWS’ 2026 Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa.

Travel grants of up to $500 and complimentary conference registration will be awarded to a limited number of applicants. Two travel grant recipients will also receive an additional $500 scholarship thanks to the generosity of past TWS Aldo Leopold Memorial Scholarship recipients. The Aldo Leopold Memorial Student Scholarship is awarded each year to the two highest-ranked travel grant applications.

Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility standards:

An Active Member of The Wildlife Society,
A student or recent graduate with a degree received during 2024-2026,
Primary author of an accepted abstract that you are presenting.
Applications and all supporting materials for travel grants must be received by July 6, 2026.

Required information includes:

Academic degree program
Graduation year
Abstract ID, title and abstract
Draft of presentation slide deck or poster
200-word description of how attending a TWS Annual Conference would benefit you
Academic Reference name and email address (e.g. Advisor, Professor, Committee Member)

All applicants will be notified of action taken.

Thank you to our 2026 TWS Travel Grant Contributors

The Wildlife Society thanks Bass Pro Shops, Carl Wolfe’s Estate, Energy and Wildlife Action Coalition and past recipients of the Aldo Leopold Memorial Award for their support of this year’s travel grant program. If you are interested in supporting student travel this year or beyond, please contact tw*@******fe.org.

Venue Iowa Events Center + Hilton Des Moines Downtown & Des Moines Marriott Downtown

Most conference events will occur at the Iowa Events Center, the state’s premier event convention center located in the heart of Des Moines. Our host hotels will include the Hilton Des Moines Downtown and Des Moines Marriott Downtown.

Call for Abstracts The calls for proposals and abstracts have closed.

Call for Proposals for Educational and Training Sessions: Closed

Call for Abstracts: Closed

Call for Working Group Meetings: TBA

Featured Artists

This year’s plenary theme will be centered on “the role of the arts in conservation.” We look forward to spotlighting several artists in Des Moines this November. Please complete this art submission form if you’re interested in being featured.