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Registration, call for abstracts, travel assistance

Registration is open (earlybird prices end on 15 Sept 2008), plus abstracts and travel grant applications are currently being called for (deadline 15 Sept 2008). Supporting information is available within sub-pages under the “Registration & Travel Grants” tab on our website <http://www.turtlesbrisbane2009.org>. After their success in Loreto, speed sessions make a return as a format option for presentations so expect a vibrant and stimulating program of full talks, speed talks and posters. Once ready to register, follow the link provided to the Registration Portal. Authors are strongly encouraged to consider, where relevant, the theme of the symposium in their presentations.

Theme - Creating Community Collaboration

This year’s theme prompts recognition and awareness of the importance of humans, and the way we relate to each other, in the conservation and management of sea turtles. To get you thinking here are some questions to ask yourself: What does the theme mean to you? Are collaborations important to the success of your own work? How does your work contribute to creating collaborations? Which community/ies are relevant in your context – local, international, research/science, landholders, spiritual, industry, indigenous? Where is there a need for more community collaborations? What makes a successful community collaboration?

Workshops

Several training/information workshops are slated to occur after the main session days. A turtle necropsy workshop (supported by the University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science) and a stable isotope workshop. Participation is free for delegates, but places will be limited so express your interest when you complete the registration process.

Lodging

Accommodation can be self-booked direct with providers. We have also made a limited number of block room bookings with selected hotels and these are available for purchase (first in, first served) through the online Registration Portal accessed via the symposium website.

Auction items

Please start thinking about items you might donate for the silent and live auctions that take place at the symposium. These annual auctions are a crucial in raising funds for travel grants and rely on delegates (and supporters) contributing items. The range of things donated in previous years has been wonderful, weird and generous. Guidance for item donation for 2009 is available on the website within social program information. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be found at <http://www.turtlesbrisbane2009.org/page-7-50-AuctionitemFAQs.htm>

Regional meetings
A diverse selection of important satellite meetings will be held at the symposium venue in the days preceding the 29th Symposium. They include a one-day Australian Sea Turtles Mini-symposium on 16th February and regional meetings such as: Africa, IOSEA, IUCN Marine Turtle Specialist Group Mediterranean, RETOMALA, SPREP – Pacific Islands Region, SWOT, and Western Pacific Regional Leatherback meetings. In addition, there will be a one-day mini-symposia on Freshwater and Terrestrial Turtles in the Australasian region.

IUCN SSC Red-listing meetings are planned for the same pre-symposium period for Australian freshwater turtles and sea-snakes.

Destination

I’ve always wanted to…
See a flatback turtle
Swim on the Great Barrier Reef
Learn to surf
Know more about indigenous Australian culture
Wander museums and art galleries
Take some wild rides at a theme park
Take my family along to a sea turtle symposium knowing they’ll find plenty to do

Are any of the above true of you? Then now is the time to book your adventure to the 29th Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Where to get information

The website <http://www.turtlesbrisbane2009.org> is the “go to” reference for details on the 29th symposium, and continues to be updated with new information. It is also the home of the now infamous “Koala Challenge” photos. Email magazines (ezines) on the symposium are distributed periodically to the CTURTLE listserv and individual subscribers (see the website home page). The website contains information on
Visas – how to apply for visas and what we are doing to assist
Symposium tour options
Other tourist options/attractions – websites & tips from the locals
Cross-cultural info – indigenous protocols, Aussie slang etc.
Customs – what you can and can’t bring into Australia

See you in Brisbane for warmth of many kinds – meteorological, intellectual and social!