SOCIETY FOR MARINE MAMMALOGY 18th BIENNIAL CONFERENCE, 12-16 October 2009 in quebec city, Canada This is a reminder that the deadline for abstract submission is fast approaching. Abstract submissions will be accepted until 30 April 2009, at Midnight. We will be monitoring the abstract submission process and website. In the event of a traffic jam, we recommend that you try submitting your abstract at a later time; we will maintain the website open to abstract submission a bit longer, so please, don't give up and try again. We have received 25 applications for pre-conference workshops and symposia, and we will be able to accommodate all of them. Please visit the conference webpage to find out about the list of workshops, and to register on-line (http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=ca tegory&id=918&Itemid=215). We encourage you to register early, and to visit the conference webpage regularly to find out about new additions to the program (http://www.marinemammalscience.org/conference). TRAVEL AND ACCOMODATION Experient has negotiated room rates for Biennial participants at the Hilton and Delta hotels. Both hotels are right beside the conference centre and a block away from the walls of the Old City and its restaurants, pubs, etc. (http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=ar ticle&id=227&Itemid=211). We strongly urge you to stay at one of these hotels as these preferred rates were negotiated based on filling a minimum number of rooms. If we do not achieve the minimums, then the society will have to pay a penalty. If we exceed the block booking, then the conference is able to collect free rooms that it can then make available for third world participants. We are looking very much forward to see you in the Old City of Quebec for a conference to be remembered!!! Mike Hammill Conference chair congres_smm2009@dfo-mpo.gc.ca