TWS supports professionals unable to attend annual conference

In response to many U.S. federal employees’ inability to attend this year’s annual conference due to new budget and travel restrictions, TWS is extending free access to the conference mobile app.

“Losing such an important segment of our community during one of the largest annual gatherings of wildlife professionals can have lasting negative effects on conservation science and collaboration in the coming years,” said Cameron Kovach, TWS’ chief program officer.

TWS’ 32^nd Annual Conference will take place in Edmonton, Alberta, from Oct. 5 to Oct. 8, without the presence of many federal agency partners and their employees. However, researchers will discuss important advances in wildlife science and management from across the continent. “The Wildlife Society wants to ensure that agency employees do not become isolated within a discipline dependent upon coordination across sectors and geographic boundaries,” Kovach said.

While access to the app won’t be a true virtual conference experience for agency employees, they will be able to track emerging research topics and view prerecorded content from educational sessions uploaded within the app. Users can also message presenters, express support for colleagues, participate in forum discussions and receive real-time updates through our conference social feed.

“We hope that by sharing this access, you continue to feel connected to the broader community of wildlife professionals and students—even from afar,” wrote TWS CEO Ed Arnett in a recent letter about the decision. The letter contains more information about requesting virtual access. The deadline to complete the online form is Thursday, Sept. 25. 

If you have any questions about this announcement, please contact tws@wildlife.org