Dear Marmamers, We are excited to announce that the 2019 World Whale Conference (7-9 October) and Whale Heritage Sites Summit (10-11 October) will take place in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia. The event will be hosted by Fraser Coast Tourism and Events <https://www.whalesherveybay.com.au/World-Whale-Conference-2019> and the World Cetacean Alliance <http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/>. Learn more here <https://www.whalesherveybay.com.au/World-Whale-Conference-2019>. In the lead up to the first World Whale Conference ever to be held in Oceania, the World Cetacean Alliance is contacting people working with and interested in cetaceans across Oceania and beyond to ask for your views on how the conference can be most useful to you! TAKE THE SURVEY Please help us make this a conference that you really would benefit from attending by completing our short questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/whaleconferenceideas *WHAT'S HAPPENING?* The theme of the Conference and Summit is 'Journeys that Inspire Change.' Topics will include: 1. Understanding whale migrations and their significance for marine conservation; 2. Promoting sustainable whale and dolphin tourism for tourists and local communities; 3. Exploring our cultural and artistic connections with migrating whales; 4. Maximising the power of cetaceans to inspire positive human behaviour change to protect our oceans. Delegates will hear from speakers, and discuss and share evidence, to better understand how we can improve and ensure the protection of cetaceans in Oceania and worldwide. In addition, delegates will participate in themed workshops and share ideas and best practice on the work already underway to protect cetaceans through the WCA partnership and beyond, focusing on tourism, cultural heritage, research, and marine conservation. *WHALE HERITAGE SITES SUMMIT AND AWARDS!* The Whale Heritage Sites Summit (10-11 October) will showcase destinations, businesses, charities, events, and communities leading the way in marine conservation, community engagement, and sustainable development. Awards will be given to world-leading initiatives in front of representatives from tourist destinations, international institutions and the private sector, along with global experts in tourism, sustainability, the arts, marine conservation, scientific research and commercial whale watching. Delegates will then discuss and explore opportunities for the development and promotion of new sites, and networks of sites, worldwide. WHAT IS WCA? The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 100 organisations and individuals in 40 countries worldwide working collaboratively to protect cetaceans and their habitats. AND FINALLY... We welcome your thoughts and feedback, and hope to see you in Hervey Bay in 2019! With best wishes, *Dylan Walker*Chief Executive Officer *World Cetacean Alliance* Studio 3, Lower Promenade Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK. t: +44 (0) 1273 355011 c: +44 (0) 7900 471490 e: dylan@worldcetaceanalliance.org <sophie.lewis@worldcetaceanalliance.org> [image: http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/get-involved/become-a-partner/] <http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/get-involved/become-a-partner/> The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 100 organisations and individuals in 40 countries worldwide working collaboratively to protect cetaceans and their habitats. World Cetacean Alliance, the Secretariat to the Partnership, is a UK registered Charity no. 1160484. The content of this e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this communication in error, be aware that forwarding it, copying it, or in any way disclosing its content to any other person, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the author by replying to this e-mail immediately. Please consider the environment before printing this email or it's attachments.