Call for expressions of interest to host IMCC8 in 2026

[k.walters]

Dear Community Members, 

To effectively conserve our oceans, we must not only advance scientific understanding but also translate it into policy and management actions that catalyze meaningful change. The Society for Conservation Biology's International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) serves as a pivotal gathering for marine conservation professionals and students, fostering innovation in both science and policy.

IMCC8 is anticipated to draw over 700 attendees during a week-long period between June and August 2026, making it the premier international event in marine conservation. For a glimpse into what IMCC8 will offer, please visit the websites for IMCC6 and IMCC7.

We are particularly keen on hosting IMCC8 in Latin America or the Caribbean, though we remain open to venues worldwide. Ideally, the venue should accommodate between 500 to 1000 participants. Given the diverse backgrounds of our attendees, including many students and professionals from low- and middle-income countries, we seek a location with affordable lodging options and accessible airfare.

If your organization is interested in hosting IMCC8 as an in-person and hybrid meeting, please email the following details to ear...@stanford.edu by July 31:

• Host city and country
• Host venue/institution
• In-person venue capacity (minimum and maximum)
• Requirements for engaging meeting managers (We are open to working with venue-specific meeting management or utilizing our own independent management.)
• Availability to establish a local organizing committee
• Availability of local or regional funding

Based on initial expressions of interest, we will be inviting bids in August, 2024. 

We look forward to exploring potential collaborations to make IMCC8 a resounding success in advancing marine conservation efforts worldwide.

Warm regards,

SCB Marine Program.