Florida Chapter of The Wildlife Society
2019 Spring Meeting
10-12 April 2019
Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront
Join us for the annual Spring Meeting of the Florida Chapter of The Wildlife Society. The Meeting will include a symposium, business meeting, plenary session, technical sessions, poster session, networking social, storytelling, bingo for students, banquet dinner, awards ceremony, field trips, and a workshop.
The Meeting is an excellent opportunity for students and professionals engaged in wildlife research or habitat management in Florida to present recent results, talk about ongoing projects, discuss collaborations, and share ideas. The conference theme is A Celebration of 50 years of the Florida Chapter: Wildlife Professionals Making a Difference. Papers and posters dealing with any wildlife-related topic are encouraged, including ecology, economics, management, restoration, risk assessment, policy and regulation, evolutionary biology, and interdisciplinary projects.
Several unique aspects of the Meeting will honor this being the 50th anniversary of the Florida Chapter of The Wildlife Society. The Symposium will highlight several senior chapter members who will share their Reflections on a Career with Wildlife in Florida. An evening storytelling session will highlight entertaining stories and encounters members have experienced while working with wildlife. Lastly, the Plenary will showcase TWS President Dr. Darren Miller, SETWS president Dr. Mike Megak, and SETWS Representative Dr. Mike Conner, presenting on Leadership, Collaborations, and Mentorship in the Wildlife Profession.
The deadline for submitting presentation and poster abstracts is 8 March 2019. Abstracts will be edited and included in a meeting program booklet; proceedings will not be published. For more information, including submission details and guidelines, please visit CALL FOR PAPERS.
STUDENTS: Papers and posters from students are highly encouraged. We are offering several incentives. First, there is a reduced registration fee for all students. Second, we will award cash prizes for the best student paper ($150) and best student poster ($75). Lastly, we offer a FREE 1-night double occupancy room stay, available on a first-come first-serve basis. Please contact Monica Folk at monica.folk@fltws.org to inquire about the free room stay; some volunteer time will be required.
PROFESSIONALS: A limited number of non-student travel grants are available. See TRAVEL GRANT [please hyperlink this] for the grant application and submission instructions. Travel grant applications are due by 8 March and notification will be given by 15 March. If your grant application is submitted on time, even if it is not approved, we will honor the early registration fee.
REGISTRATION - Register online below. (Prices include conference program, evening socials, morning coffee, meeting breaks/snacks, and Thursday banquet. Wednesday morning and Friday morning field trips and workshop are available on first-come first-serve basis, with slight charge for logistics as required).
· Members - $115 prior to March 13; $135 after March 13
· Nonmembers - $145 prior to March 13; $165 after March 13
· Students - $70 prior to March 13; $90 after March 13
-additional expenses
· Banquet dinners for additional guests can be purchased for $35 each
· Friday morning workshop = location and cost TBD
· Field trip A = location and cost TBD
· Field trip B = location and cost TBD
-A $25 cancellation fee will apply to registrations cancelled after March 31.
***EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS 13 March 2019***
Lodging
The Meeting will take place 10-12 April 2019 at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront, 2605 North A1A, Melbourne, FL 32903. The special meeting room rate is $128 per night (standard room) or $159 (coastal room) with a valid tax exempt certificate. Please reference “The Wildlife Society Florida Chapter” or group code “WSC” when reserving by phone at 1-877-701-9252 or online at www.cpmelbourne.com. Our room block will be held until March 20, 2019, so make your room reservations soon!
Be a Sponsor or Exhibitor! The FLTWS Meeting is a great opportunity to build relationships and support wildlife research and management by registering as an exhibitor and/or sponsor. Sponsor opportunities include door prizes, silent auction items, refreshment breaks, education/research grants, and field trip coordination, just to name a few. If you have additional questions, please contact Mark Ausley, Fundraising Co-Chair at mark@btc-inc.com.
Workshops and Field Trips
The meeting includes your choice of one of three concurrent activities on Friday morning. The activities on Friday include a workshop and two local field trips. Each of the Friday activities will finish by lunchtime. Plan to bring appropriate field gear, water and sun protection for the field trips. Check the Field Trip page for additional information, and please pre-register for chosen activities, as they will fill up quickly.