Dear MARMAM subscribers, *We are pleased to announce **American Cetacean Society's **15th International Conference to be held November 11-13, 2016 in Monterey, CA. * *Celebrating 50 Years of Whale Conservation: Reflections and Innovations* ACS’s International Conference is a highly respected gathering of scientists, educators, conservationists, students, hobbyists – anyone with an interest in cetaceans and their ocean environment. Activities include speaker sessions with world-renowned experts, a poster session including a student research poster contest, a photography contest, a silent auction, book signings and art show. We will also host a pre-event all-day whale-watching trip held on Friday in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. ACS is celebrating its 50th Anniversary as the world’s oldest whale conservation organization. This year, we will reflect back at whale conservation and research history, and look forward to the innovations that are rapidly changing what we know about our world’s whales. Don't delay - register today! *Early Bird Conference Registration rates end September 30*. For more information and to register, please visit the ACS Conference website: http://acsconference.weebly.com Conference-related inquiries can be sent to acsconf1@gmail.com We look forward to seeing you at the conference! Diane Alps President / Conference Chair American Cetacean Society *CALL FOR ABSTRACTS:* *Abstracts for the Poster Session and Student Research Poster Contest will be accepted through September 9th. * - Poster Session - This session will showcase a variety of programs and projects based out of educational institutions, agencies, and non-profit organizations, and is intended to encourage discussion and facilitate the exchange of current information pertaining to marine mammal research, conservation, policy, and education. - Student Research Poster Contest - We invite graduate and undergraduate students to present their work in the Student Poster Contest. First-, second- and third-place winners will be recognized at the conference banquet, with a $250 first-place prize for the top presenter. Winners will also 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 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 the ACS Conference website: http://acsconference.weebly.com Poster session-related inquiries can be sent to acsresearch1@gmail.com ACS Poster Session Committee: Christina Tombach Wright Sabena Siddiqui Joy Primrose