Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the American Cetacean Society's 16th International Conference to be held November 2-4, 2018 in Newport Beach, CA. Whales & Us: The Next Generation ACS's International Conference is a highly respected gathering of scientists, educators, conservationists, students, hobbyists and anyone with an interest in cetaceans and their ocean environment.This conference will focus on the future of whale, dolphin and porpoise conservation. Activities will include speaker sessions with world-renowned experts, a poster session including a student research poster contest, a photography contest, a silent auction, book signings, an art show, vendor exhibits, and much more. We will also hold our traditional pre-conference all-day whale watching trip on Friday November 2nd, and will venture out into the rich southern California waters between Catalina Island and Orange County. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: Abstracts for the Poster Session and Student Research Poster Contest will be accepted through August 5th, 2018. - Poster Session: This session will showcase a variety of programs and projects based out of educational institutions, agencies, and non-profit organizations. It isintended to encourage discussion and facilitate the exchange of current information pertaining to cetacean research, conservation, policy, and education. - Student Research Poster Contest: We invite graduate and undergraduate students to present their work in the ACS Conference Student Contest. The contest is for poster presenters, with a $250 First-Place prize for the top presenter, a $150 Second-Place prize, and a $100 Third-Place prize. First, second- and third-place winners will be recognized at the conference Sunday morning and will be featured in an upcoming issue of the ACS Spyhopper newsletter. The student contest provides an opportunity for students at universities and institutions to gain presentation experience in a professional environment and provides a forum in which existing professionals and scientists may meet their rising peers. Abstract submissions will be accepted from current undergraduate or graduate students, student interns, and recently graduated students (within the past year) who conducted their work prior to graduation. Student authors must be from accredited institutions of higher education. For submission guidelines and details, please visit : http://www.acsonline.org/assets/docs/ACS_2018_Conference/poster%20session%20... Poster session-related inquiries can be sent to [ posters@acsonline.org ]( mailto:posters@acsonline.org ) See you in November! Sincerely, The American Cetacean Society Conference Poster Committee AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY P.O. Box 51691 Pacific Grove, CA 93950