August 10 – August 31, 2021
19th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles.
We, the TSA and IUCN TFTSG, invite you to join us this August for the 19th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles. The 2021 Symposium, beginning August 10th, will again provide an unmatched virtual opportunity for those in our field to share their research, initiatives, techniques, and accomplishments, while engaging safely and comfortably from our own homes and offices. As always, our dedicated Program Committee is working to bring together a wide variety of presentations from around the world, ranging in topic from captive husbandry to field techniques to conservation.
We believe that going virtual is the safest approach for the well-being of our global audience and we are thrilled that a virtual event makes possible broadening learning opportunities and engagement for everyone interested in turtles and tortoises, no matter where they are located. While it saddens us that we will not see one another in person within a communal setting this year, we must look at some of the benefits that a virtual symposium will bring us. Near the top of that list is the ability for EVERYONE to attend the symposium and share in the experience. As we witnessed in 2020, this will once again be a global gathering of “turtle minds.”
Last year, the Program Committee, with TSA staff, built a world-class virtual platform for the 2020 Annual Symposium that exceeded expectations. In fact, it was so successful, the TSA partnered with many of our colleagues to help run their own conferences and symposia. We already have begun implementation of new enhancements and opportunities for the 2021 Symposium, based on attendee and presenter feedback from 2020. The TSA and IUCN TFTSG are committed to holding an annual meeting where you can present your research. We feel the decision to go virtual is in the best interest of our attendees, yet will provide an interactive experience where we can continue to share our passion for turtles and their conservation.
This year, we have opted to run the symposium more like a lecture series over a course of 3.5 weeks in August, starting on August 10th. The Symposium will take place on Tuesdays and Fridays, most days beginning at 11:00 Eastern Daylight Savings Time, but check the schedule for each day.
Sincerely,
Andrew Walde and Cristina Jones
Co-chairs, Annual Symposium
We would like to thank our sponsors for supporting this year's symposium! Please click their logos to visit their websites. Learn more about becoming a sponsor or vendor.
Title Sponsor
Turtle Survival Alliance promotes equal opportunities for all. We do not condone any form of discrimination, harassment, or objectification based on gender, race, age, nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. For more information see our Code of Ethics and our Whistleblower Policy. You can see the TSA Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion by clicking HERE. This statement is endorsed by TFTSG. *As part of the registration process, you will be asked to read and agree to the Symposium Code of Conduct, which you can read HERE.