The Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) is pleased to announce a call for Conference proposals to be held in 2025 or 2026. The ATBC is a professional organization that promotes research, education, and science outreach in tropical biology and conservation. The ATBC annual conferences provide a platform for scientists and conservation practitioners worldwide to present and discuss their work and experience on tropical biology and conservation.

We welcome proposals from members, institutions, and organizations worldwide. In an effort to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and to advance the understanding and conservation of tropical biodiversity globally, we especially encourage proposals from institutions and organizations based in the global south; these proposals will be given priority during the selection process this time. We encourage creative, diverse, and innovative proposals, especially those focused on novel solutions to pressing conservation challenges.

Proposals should be submitted by the meeting chair on behalf of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). Proposals should be submitted here no later than June 26th, 2024 following the “Proposal Guidelines” (see below). Proposals will be evaluated by the ATBC Conferences Committee, and the ATBC Council will make a final decision. Successful applications will be notified by August 31, 2024.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

  • Dedication to Tropical Biology and Conservation: The host institution must have a strong commitment to tropical biology and conservation, while the proposal should also demonstrate a strong commitment to the ATBC mission.
  • Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The composition of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) should be diverse in terms of gender, geography, expertise, and career stage. At least one member of the LOC must be based at the host institution.
  • Institutional Support: The hosting institution must have strong institutional support, including financial, logistical, and human resources support, to ensure the success of the event.
  • Meeting Facilities and Financial Viability: The proposed venue must have adequate facilities and resources for the conference. Additionally, a clear budget must be submitted demonstrating the financial feasibility of the event, including costs associated with conference facilities, services, and operational expenses.
  • Experience in Event Organization: The hosting institution should have previous experience in organizing and successfully executing scientific and/or conservation events.

CONFERENCE STRUCTURE:

  • The proposed Conference should be five days long, although workshops, short courses, and field trips can take place before/after those dates,
  • The five days should include an opening ceremony and welcome mixer on the first evening (held on Sunday), followed by four days of plenaries, scientific talks, poster presentations, and social events.
  • Pre- and post-conference workshops can be offered at the venue or other locations, before and/or after the main conference.
  • Field trips led by local conservation experts to nearby conservation sites are encouraged.
  • The primary language for the meeting is English, but inclusive opportunities should be given for delegates to participate using other languages.
  • Registration fee should include the delegate’s materials, participation at the welcome mixer, two coffee/tea breaks daily, and lunch for each day of the conference.

Please direct any questions or concerns to ATBC Conferences Coordinator at conferences@tropicalbio.org.
We look forward to receiving your proposals!

PROPOSAL GUIDELINES:

Location and Contacts:

  • Host Institution
  • Unit / Division / Institute / Department / Center / Other
  • Location
  • Specific venue for the meeting, including town/city
  • Tentative list of Local Organizing Committee (LOC) members

Meeting dates and theme:

  • Proposed dates
  • Proposed theme
  • Justification for the theme and its relevance to conservation biology needs/challenges globally

Proposal Preamble:

  • Background on the appropriateness of the host institution for hosting the meeting
  • Overall aims and justification for hosting the meeting in the context of the call
  • Expected benefits from the proposed meeting (locally and globally)
  • Potential partners and other sources of support for the meeting organization
  • Brief statements on each of the participating institution’s conservation biology activities and experience in hosting conferences

Meeting Logistics and Facilities:

  • Capacity to host such a meeting (e.g., hosted similar events, involvement of LOC in previous meetings)
  • Meeting facilities (meeting halls/room numbers/occupancy/availability; rooms for presentation testing/rehearsal; internet access/projectors/presentation equipment; spaces for exhibitors; security/safety)
  • Detailed information on local, regional, and international air travel to the meeting venue, including connections and availability of flights
  • Detailed information on local and regional road/ground transportation and how it favors the meeting venue, including town ride & hotel pickups

Costs and Budget:

  • Estimates for registration-related facility costs
  • Estimates for registration-related delegate costs and optional costs (if any) to delegates
  • Estimates for additional costs attributed to awards and plenary speakers’ invitationRegistration fees
  • Plans on registration support (sponsorship, especially for students and oral presenting professionals from low- and middle-income countries)
  • Meeting sources of income.

Host Institution Support Letter:

Please provide a support letter signed by the Institution authorities. The letter must express the institution's commitment to the conference and, if possible, detail the resources, facilities, or assistance it will offer for the organization of the event.

Potential field trips:

These field trips can provide educational experiences aligned with the conference theme, as well as promote sustainable tourism practices

Additional comments or information (optional)