Registration is open for the AOS & SCO-SOC 2021 Virtual Meeting

[Christine Schmidt]

Registration is open for the virtual joint meeting of the American Ornithological Society (AOS) and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists‑Société des ornithologistes du Canada (SCO-SOC) scheduled for 9-14 August 2021. Our meeting theme “Birds of Many Feathers Flock Together” is particularly meaningful in today’s world as we make every effort to celebrate and promote diversity and collaboration. We are working towards a meeting that will further the reach of ornithology and build a stronger and more diverse community of scientists, conservationists, managers, and educators, who are guided by principles of equity, inclusion, and justice.

The online meeting format will have something for everyone. Using the EventPilot platform (which was also used for NAOC VII), we have organized a diverse set of events to promote both science and socializing. Workshops and training opportunities will be held during the week before the scientific program, from 2–6 August. Our Scientific Program will span five days and include plenaries, symposia, roundtable discussions, contributed papers, and virtual posters (view our Abstract booklet). Additionally we are meticulously planning networking, outreach, and social activities to give everyone a chance to meet new and old friends. 

A virtual conference allows us to be more creative and inclusive. We have adapted many of the much-loved traditions from past meetings and carefully selected new and innovative formats to promote engagement in a virtual setting. As we have in the past, we do our best to keep costs low and create the greatest value for attendees. Our Societies are committed to chipping away at these types of barriers to participation. For the first time ever, this year’s meeting organization includes an advisory Accessibility Committee.

Registration is also open for the extremely popular Quiz Bowl competition, our Tales from a Mixed-species Flock: Stories from across ornithology storytelling event (Do YOU have an exciting or meaningful story to share? We'll provide coaching!), and the Rainbow Lorikeets LGBTQIA+ Social.

AOS & SCO-SOC are committed to supporting members impacted by the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We strived to keep meeting c­­osts low for participants but recognize that these can still be a barrier. We are pleased to provide relief if the cost of registration is a financial barrier to participation. Details about this relief can be found on the registration page of the meeting website.

We look forward to "seeing" you in August!