Conference
Join marine science educators and professionals from around the state at FMSEA's 2024 Annual Conference, featuring keynote and seaside sessions with prominent speakers in ocean science, interactive professional development sessions, networking socials, and dynamic exhibitors.
FMSEA CONFERENCE 2024
Keeping Current in Ocean Education
Juno Beach, Florida
April 25-April 28, 2024
#FMSEA2024
All conference attendees must be a FMSEA member. There will be no non-member rates. Please email membership@fmsea.org to inquire about the status of your membership.
2024 Conference Rates:
Early bird (through March 1): $195.00
Standard (March 2 - April 12): $230.00 REGISTRATION CLOSED
Click below for an overview of the Conference Weekend:
Located less than a 10-minute walk from Conference location
CONFERENCE HOTEL
Holiday Inn Express- North Palm Beach and IHG Hotel
13950 U.S. Highway 1
Juno Beach, FL, 33408, US
Room Rate per Night*: $179.00+ tax (Double); $189.00+ tax (King)
Amenities include: complimentary parking, pool access, complimentary hot breakfast and direct beach access.
*Room Rates available for those booking before March 15. Standard Rates apply after March 15, 2024.
2024 Keynote Speaker
Jessica Harvey, Chief Executive Officer, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation
Jessica Harvey, daughter of marine life artist Guy Harvey, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, working with her team to expand STEAM-driven marine educational resources provided by the foundation and it’s partners to move our global community towards a greener economy and healthier environment – one country at a time.
Jessica earned her Bachelors Degree in Zoology at the University of Edinburgh. She then served as a Research Officer in the Terrestrial Resources Unit at the Cayman Islands Department of Environment (DoE) for 3.5 years. She assisted with terrestrial wildlife population assessments, invasive species management, guidance notes, educational and legislative initiatives. She also served as a member of the National Conservation Council providing terrestrial and marine expertise with a team whose responsibility is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of Cayman's natural resources and biological divserity under the National Conservation Act.
Partnering with local NGOs, Government departments, corporations and private citizens, Jessica and her team bring awareness to the importance of a balanced and healthy marine ecosystem.
2024 President's Circle SciCafé
Enjoy the much-anticipated President's Circle SciCafé on Friday evening, April 26, 2024 at the beautiful John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. The President's Circle SciCafé is moderated and specially curated by FMSEA executive leadership and features engaging speakers, light bites and cash bar in an outdoor, relaxed atmosphere. A popular event of the Conference weekend and a fun way to kick-off the Conference, get ready to meet new friends during social hours and hear from Florida-based leaders in marine science and conservation. Ticket to attend included with registration.
Event made possible thanks in part to the SciCafé Sponsor, Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park.
Dr. Stephen Kajiura
Florida Atlantic University, Elasmobranch Research Laboratory
Dr. Lauren Eve Simonitis
NSF/FAU Post-Doctoral Fellow, Minorities in Shark Sciences
FMSEA Field Experiences
Enjoy optional FMSEA Field Experiences on Friday, April 26, 2024. Field Experiences may be added to each registration
🌊 Exploring the ESC & the Indian River Lagoon Field Experience
Overview: Experience a day in the life of the Environmental Studies Center: guided tour of the Indian River Lagoon aboard the River Scout, ESC experience, maybe even ending with a seining adventure. A simple lunch will be provided.
🌊 Swamp Tromp Field Experience
Overview: Take a walk on the wild side during this hike through the cypress swamp. Be prepared to get wet and muddy! This hike is on a rugged trail that requires stepping over and ducking under vegetation and other obstacles. Expect knee-deep water levels. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet and muddy. Shoes should fit tightly enough not to be pulled off by the mud (water shoes or old sneakers are best). Bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, towel, and change of clothes.
🌊 Sea Turtle Hospital & Husbandry Tour Field Experience
Overview: Join husbandry and veterinary staff to see Loggerhead Marinelife Center behind-the-scenes. Tour includes access to treatment areas and imaging suite in addition to a meet and greet with current sea turtle patients and Dr. Heather Barron, LMC's Chief Science Officer.
🌊 Pura Vida Guided Snorkel Tour Field Experience
Overiew: A local treasure, Phil Foster Park and the Blue Heron Bridge are world renowned for unusual marine creature sightings! This one-hour tour takes place from a shore entry at Phil Foster Park, just 5 blocks from our store. Mask, fins, and snorkel are included. Snorkeling vests and wetsuits are available by request. Depths range from 0-22ft. This tour is perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers!
🌊 2-Tank SCUBA Field Experience with Pura Vida Divers
Overview: 2-tank Scuba Diving offshore Charter: Guided drift dive off of West Palm Beach. Exact reef site TBD as it will be weather dependent; sites range from 40-100 ft in depth.
🌊 MacArthur Beach Hang Field Experience
Overview: The MacBeach Meet Up is for those looking to make connections with fellow FMSEA members while enjoying the beauty of MacArthur Beach State Park.
Exhibitors
Enjoy interacting with these dynamic exhibitors throughout the Conference sessions.
ANGARI Foundation
Cayman International School
Eckerd College
Florida Atlantic University Marine Lab
The International SeaKeepers Society
Lionfish Jewelry & Accessories
Living Porpoisefully
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Mangrove Education
Marine Science Research Institute - Jacksonville University
Ocean First Institute
OctoNation
Reef Relief
Sassy Spines
... and more!
Thank you to our Sponsors
Pacific Sponsors
Southern Sponsors
Transportation Provided by:
Friday SciCafe Sponsor
Caribbean Sponsor
CALL FOR PRESENTERS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Topics on cutting edge marine science and pedagogy, sea turtles, habitat restoration and recovery, endangered species, adaptations, evolution, sustainability, ocean conservation, climate science, Florida standards, fisheries management, scientific research, teaching methods, professional development opportunities, interpretation and new & innovative marine science content, activities, and curriculum are encouraged.
FMSEA Invites you to submit your session proposal and scholarship applications for our 2024 Annual Conference
Concurrent Session proposal opens - November 13, 2024
Concurrent Session proposal closes - February 7, 2024
Concurrent Session acceptance notifications - February 9, 2024
Scholarship application opens - December 1, 2023
Scholarship application closes - January 31, 2024
Scholarship acceptance notifications - February 2024
EXHIBITORS
Exhibitor fees:
FREE for Nonprofit Organizations*
$150.00 for For-Profit Organizations
Interested in showcasing your work in our FMSEA 2024 Exhibit Row?
📧 Email our Exhibit Chair (southeast@fmsea.org) to exhibit or for details.
*Nonprofit organizations must donate a silent auction item at a $50 minimum value
Important Dates and Times for Exhibitors:
Exhibitor registration opens - November 27, 2023
Exhibitor registration closes - March 15, 2024
Exhibitor Load-in - 8:00 am- 8:45 am
Exhibitor Row hours - 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Exhibitor Load-out - 4:30pm-5:15pm
CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP
2024 Conference Sponsorships are now available. Deadline for print materials is April 15.
For more information or to build a custom sponsorship, contact the 2024 Conference Chair (past-president@fmsea.org).
We are a 501c3 non-profit organization, and your donation may be tax deductible.
SILENT AUCTION
If you are interested in donating to our silent auction, please contact our Silent Auction Chair, panhandle@fmsea.org
Our Teacher Scholarship Fund is directly funded by our silent auction. Without generous community donations, we could not help teachers attend our conference.
