Event Details

Opportunities available throughout the week. More event details will be added this spring and summer.

Whether you’re new to the profession or a seasoned wildlifer, The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference is a great place to grow your network and learn something new. Throughout the week, we include activities specifically focused on advancing your professional development. Here’s a list of some of the opportunities we have planned in Des Moines. We will update this list as more details become available.

The value of attending an in-person conference goes far beyond the educational content. Make personal connections that can help shape your career for years to come.

Student-Professional Networking Event
We’re excited about this event in Des Moines. Like in past years, attendees can prepare for an evening focused on networking across sectors, but that’s not all. Our team is working on some new enhancements and maybe some friendly competition to liven things up.

Working Group Receptions and Meetings
Working Group Receptions and Meetings are a huge part of the Annual Conference. These are some of the best places to network and engage with professionals in highly specialized areas of focus. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to sit in on working group meetings of interest to them. There’s no better place to meet people who share your same interests.

Not presenting at this year’s conference? Don’t worry. There are plenty of other ways to engage as a student, early-career professional, professional or retiree.

Live and Recorded Sessions – Q&As
Throughout the conference, there will be abundant opportunities to view Symposia, Contributed Oral Presentations, and Posters. Many of these sessions will include time for Q&A. However, much of this year’s content will also be available on-demand through the conference mobile app. If you miss a session or the chance to ask a question, send your question directly through the app. We’re giving attendees more ways than ever to make personal connections with fellow attendees.

“Meet” and “Ask” Sessions
Keep an eye out for sessions starting with “Meet” or “Ask.” These are interactive times to meet with TWS staff and leaders or ask questions to professionals within certain disciplines. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights on things like getting published or contributing your ideas on topics that could help shape the very landscape of the wildlife profession.

Workshops, Field Trips & Trainings
Workshops, field trips and trainings can be a great place to network and learn at the same time. Participating in these sessions provides opportunities to gain hands-on experience alongside peers and knowledgeable professionals alike. They often cover a wide range of skills you’ll need as a professional. And students receive discounted rates!

Leadership Institute and Native Student Professional Development Program
It may be too late to join this year’s cohorts, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t engage. Take a moment to talk to this year’s participants. Perhaps you’re considering applying for next year or maybe you want to serve as a mentor/mentee. Start the dialogue and see where it leads.

Student Chapter Leaders and Advisors Lunch (by invitation)
This luncheon, organized by the Student Development Working Group, is an opportunity for student leaders from around North America and beyond to connect and share ideas with leaders from other chapters. Participation is limited to student chapter officers and advisors.

Do you know you want to be a part of the wildlife profession but are still trying to chart your professional course? Maybe you’re seeking your next big break. We can help!

Resume Review
Meet with experienced professionals to gain valuable and constructive feedback on your resume. Know what potential employers are looking for and how you can avoid common mistakes when applying to your dream job.

Certification Application Assistance
The market for wildlife jobs is competitive. Often, little divides a successful candidate from the rest of the field. Give your resume a boost with certification through The Wildlife Society. During these sessions, our Certification Review Board and staff will help you navigate the rigorous (but rewarding) requirements of certification.