About the Annual Conference

Over 30 years of conferences

The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference is one of the largest gatherings of wildlife professionals and supporters in North America. For over 30 years, TWS has hosted this unique and informative event that spotlights the latest advancements in wildlife management and research while providing abundant opportunities for networking and career advancement.

We’ve hosted our event in 26 cities across 22 states and two Canadian provinces—each gathering offering a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate and share the latest in wildlife science and conservation.

Whether you attended your first TWS conference in 1994 or joined us virtually during the pandemic, every event has played a role in advancing our mission and strengthening our community.

“The Wildlife Society’s annual conference is such a great experience every year full of learning, networking, serving, and collaborating.”

– Sarah Fritts CWB®, TX

A panel of wildlife conservation policy experts on a panel at The Wildlife Society's annual conference

Explore Our Conference History

Scroll through the list below to see where we’ve been, then get inspired for where we’re headed next.

2026

Des Moines, Iowa

November 1-5
Why we’re excited: Did you know that Aldo Leopold was born in Iowa or that Ding Darling first developed his appreciation for wildlife while living in Iowa? In many ways, our conservation heritage can be tied to the state and we’re excited to tap into that history and see what we discover. We’re also excited to explore the Capitol building as Des Moines will mark the seventh time our conference has visited a capital city.

A table of conservation professionals sit at a table filled with pride flags and art supplies, participating in an icebreaker activity at The Wildlife Society's annual conference

2027

Sacramento, California

October 17-21
Why we’re excited: Nestled between the Pacific coast and Lake Tahoe, the capital city of California offers a vibrant food, arts, and history scene while boasting incredible excursion opportunities to surrounding vineyards and wildlife areas. The natural beauty of the state, unmistakably marked by the effects of a changing climate, offers the perfect backdrop for a conference focused on finding conservation solutions in increasingly uncertain times. We hope to see you down the road.

Three female wildlife conservation professionals discuss conservation policy developments at The Wildlife Society's annual conference

2028

The search has begun!

Check back for updates on future conference locations.

Need support to attend? View available travel grants.

Travel Grants

“The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference served as a vibrant hub of ideas, discoveries, and a shared dedication to wildlife conservation.”

Akshit Suthar, SC

1994: Albuquerque, New Mexico
1995: Portland, Oregon
1996: Cincinnati, Ohio
1997: Snowmass, Colorado
1998: Buffalo, New York
1999: Austin, Texas
2000: Nashville, Tennessee
2001: Reno, Nevada
2002: Bismarck, North Dakota
2003: Burlington, Vermont
2004: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

2005: Madison, Wisconsin
2006: Anchorage, Alaska
2007: Tucson, Arizona
2008: Miami, Florida
2009: Monterey, California
2010: Snowbird, Utah
2011: Kona, Hawaii
2012: Portland, Oregon
2013: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2014: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2015: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

2016: Raleigh, North Carolina
2017: Albuquerque, New Mexico
2018: Cleveland, Ohio
2019: Reno, Nevada
2020: Virtual
2021: Virtual
2022: Spokane, Washington
2023: Louisville, Kentucky
2024: Baltimore, Maryland
2025: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

“In terms of opportunities for networking, professional development, and meeting up with old friends, the Annual Conference is by far the most productive few days of the year.”

Jonathan Derbridge, AZ