About the Annual Conference

Back to TWS Conference

Remington Bracher, a Nêhiyaw (Cree) member of Muskoday First Nation, speaks at the plenary during The Wildlife Society's Annual Conference in Edmonton, Alberta. Credit: Katie Perkins/TWS

1.9K

Conference Attendance

Five-year average

800+

Learning Opportunities

Plenaries, Presentations, Posters and more

75+

Sponsors & Exhibitors

In our Member Activities Center

50+

States & Provinces Represented

Across all Sectors

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 27 cities across 23 states and two Canadian provinces—each gathering offering a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate and share the latest in wildlife science and conservation. Des Moines, Iowa will mark the 28th city visited by TWS in 33 years.

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.

Attending Your First Annual Conference?

Get ready for a successful conference experience. This webinar, hosted by the Women of Wildlife, Out in the Field, the Student Development Working Group and the Early Career Professional Working Group, offers practical advice on networking, lodging, safety, and conference navigation so you can arrive confident and ready to connect.

Watch Now

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

Akshit Suthar, SC

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

Upcoming Conference Events

Scroll through the list below to see 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

Dallas, Texas

October 29 – November 2
Why we’re excited: You know what they say, it’s bigger’n Dallas! This will be The Wildlife Society’s first conference in Dallas, and we’re hopin’ all y’all are fixin’ to join us. The last time TWS came to Texas was 1999. That’s nearly 30 years ago! Dallas is an emerging tech hub with opportunities abound. This conference is already shaping up to be a big one.

picture of the sky through several trees

2029

The Search has Begun!

We’re excited to see what options are available.

2030

Grand Rapids, Michigan

September 15-19
Why we’re excited: What’s more exciting than a conference in Grand Rapids? A joint conference in Grand Rapids with our friends at the American Fisheries Society. This will be The Wildlife Society’s first annual conference in Michigan and the second time teaming up with AFS. From the land to the sea, we have you covered.

Conference History - See Where We've Been

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
2026: Des Moines, Iowa

“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