{"id":45,"date":"2019-12-24T19:22:31","date_gmt":"2019-12-24T19:22:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/esa.org\/2019\/?page_id=45"},"modified":"2020-02-05T17:01:46","modified_gmt":"2020-02-05T17:01:46","slug":"2019-annual-meeting","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/esa.org\/2019\/2019-year-in-review\/2019-annual-meeting\/","title":{"rendered":"2019 Annual Meeting"},"content":{"rendered":"

From August 11-16, 2,800 ecological students and professionals congregated at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville for a week of science, networking, and bridge-building under the theme of \u201cBridging Communities and Ecosystems: Inclusion as an Ecological Imperative.\u201d The 104th ESA Annual Meeting was held in partnership with the U.S. Society for Ecological Economics, but the theme of inclusion and connection extended much further, as ESA made deep efforts to focus on communication and community engagement, diversity and inclusion among meeting participants, policy in and out of science, education, and career development.<\/p>\n

Living Up to Our Theme<\/h2>\n

Inclusion \u2014 both human and scientific \u2014 was at the fore of the Annual Meeting. As the Extending the Tent initiative continued to explore ways to bring more diverse people from more diverse backgrounds into the Society, we nonetheless faced the challenge of welcoming all to our event despite a new state law that legalized discrimination on religious grounds and other states responding by enacting travel bans. The Governing Board responded by setting up a special travel fund, supported by member donations, that distributed more than $30,000 in total to 75 individuals who lacked institutional support to attend.<\/p>\n

On the ground, the leadership, staff, volunteers, and Louisville community extended a warm welcome and ensured that all who joined us felt safe and comfortable.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

And, as has been the case ever since they were added to the Annual Meeting agenda, the Diversity Luncheon and Diversity Forum both proved to be hot tickets. The Diversity Forum<\/a> included a panel discussion featuring Dr. Steward Pickett and Natalia Lopez and a facilitated reflection. The Diversity Luncheon<\/a> featured a moderated panel of scientists whose personal stories of challenge and success could inform and inspire all who attended.<\/p>\n

Plenary Sessions<\/h2>\n

For the first time, ESA captured every plenary session and keynote address on video. These special sessions and deep dives into important research are available for the entire ecological community to view and share!<\/p>\n

Opening Plenary Keynote<\/h3>\n

All the Variations Matter: Bridging Disciplines and Communities to Study Diversity in Life History and Sexual Behavior<\/strong>
\nKaren Warkentin<\/p>\n