Sneak preview: Your TWS Annual Conference experience

The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference has become one of the largest and fastest-growing gatherings of wildlife professionals in North America. Nearly 1,900 students, professionals and retirees attended last year’s event in Raleigh, North Carolina, making it our third largest ever. This year we’re returning to the home of our first Annual Conference in the beautiful Southwest…Albuquerque, New Mexico!

Based on the growth trend of the conference over the past three years and the fact that we haven’t held a conference this far west in five years, we’re expecting more than 2,000 attendees this year. Take a look at the opportunities that await you in New Mexico as you experience TWS Live!

LEARN

Experience our members’ amazing depth and scope of research, insights and best practices through 12-14 daily concurrent sessions and more than 950 educational opportunities. Increased interactive learning opportunities have been added through the addition of half-day workshops that will be offered throughout the week in addition to our slate of Saturday workshops. And don’t forget about the star-studded cast of plenary and keynote speakers, including 2016 Aldo Leopold Memorial Award recipient Dale McCullough. This year’s plenary theme is “Crossroads of Cultures” to help you learn more about cultural changes in the wildlife profession that impact your wildlife conservation efforts both today and in the future.

NETWORK

With more than 2,000 attendees expected and our 40-plus networking opportunities during the conference, you’ll be able to network with employees and representatives from several hundred different organizations across all sectors of wildlife science, management and conservation. Universities, NGOs, corporations, state and federal agencies, and nonprofits alike will come together to share knowledge, advice and opportunities across all aspects of the profession. Mingle at the opening or closing all-conference networking events, or one of the many associated networking events hosted by wildlife organizations and groups; attend a working group meeting—they’re open to all attendees; ask a wildlife legend for career advice at the Aldo Leopold Reception, or simply introduce yourself; grab lunch, dinner or drinks with new connections in your area of focus.

ENGAGE

Last but certainly not least, TWS Annual Conferences are fun! Engage with the Society, old friends, the city of Albuquerque, and the beautiful Southwest. Be a part of something bigger than yourself. Participate in activities like Quiz Bowl and the Wildlife Photo Gallery and Contest. Get help with your application to become a Certified Wildlife Biologist® or Associate Wildlife Biologist® or give back to students by volunteering for the resume review. Attend the TWS Council Meeting or Annual Members Meeting and be heard. Visit a sky island via the world’s second-longest tramway, the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America, or the site of the Southwest’s largest evolving urban wildlife refuge on one or all of our three incredible conference field trips custom designed for TWS conference-goers!

REGISTRATION

Conference registration opens on Monday, May 15, at twsconference.org. Members save $200 and can save $50 more if you register before July 1! And check out our two host hotels that flank the Convention Center that are offering special rates for conference attendees.

To learn more about the attendee experience, take a look at last year’s blog, Live from Raleigh.