REGISTRATION | LOCATION | LODGING | FORMAT | WORKSHOP | TRIPS | ABSTRACTS | AWARDS | SPONSOR/VENDOR | CONTACT |
FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA
AND THE MOLLUSKS IN BETWEEN
FOR SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM
CLICK HERE
(Unlike past years, the Symposium will be held Monday through Friday to accommodate the Easter holiday weekend.)
Options for live and in person in Portland or virtual attendance (limited program).
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
If you have specific or urgent questions, please contact:
Emilie Blevins (Emilie.Blevins@xerces.org ) or Megan Bradley (megan_bradley@fws.gov )
REGISTRATION
The Symposium schedule will be similar to previous years except that we will begin on Monday (instead of Sunday) and have field trips on Friday (instead of Thursday).
Onsite registration will be possible, however meal tickets may not be available for all who register onsite.
| ATTENDEE STATUS | EARLY REGISTRATION (ENDS 1/27/23) |
LATE REGISTRATION (1/28/23 thru 3/31/23) |
VIRTUAL * (ENDS 3/31/23) | DAILY REGISTRATION (ENDS 3/31/23) |
| Member | $415 | $465 | $275 | $155 |
| Non-Member | $500 | $550 | $355 | $155 |
| Student/Retiree Member | $275 | $325 | $185 | $95 |
| Student/Retiree Non- Member | $315 | $365 | $225 | $95 |
• In-Person Workshop: $55
• Field Trip 1: $100 AT CAPACITY, CONTACT US TO BE PUT ON THE WAIT LIST
• Field Trip 2: $100 AT CAPACITY, CONTACT US TO BE PUT ON THE WAIT LIST
• Field Trip 3: $100 AT CAPACITY, CONTACT US TO BE PUT ON THE WAIT LIST
• Field Trip 4: $100
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CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION
We welcome you to join us in Portland, Oregon! The goal for this Symposium is to highlight the unique natural history, mollusks, Tribal culture, and compelling river and landscape features in the Pacific Northwest, an area of the United States where one of our Symposia has not previously been held. This event will be the first opportunity in four years for FMCS members to gather at a symposium in person. We will bring together researchers, resource managers, consultants, and enthusiasts in a forum that will allow for collaboration opportunities and easy information exchange.
If you are unable to attend in person, we will be supporting virtual access and interactions for some of the symposium components.
The hotel is easily accessible via the MAX light rail system directly from the Portland airport (PDX), Amtrack/Union Station, and Portland Transit Mall, so it is not necessary to rent a vehicle.
https://www.travelportland.com/plan/
https://trimet.org/
https://www.amtrak.com/stations/pdx
If you are diving, the Doubletree by Hilton Portland has the largest on-site parking structure in the city; attendees can appreciate the convenience of parking on-site in a secure garage. The discounted rates negotiated for symposium attendees are $22 for overnight parking with in-and-out privileges and $20 per day for daily parking.
There are many things to taste, see, and do in Portland.
For information on many ways to enjoy Portland’s music, art, food, beer, outdoors, and cultural opportunities during your visit, check out Travel Portland: https://www.travelportland.com/
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LODGING
DEADLINE EXTENDED
The deadline to reserve your room with the FMCS group rate has been extended to 3/31.
Additionally, some extra rooms have been added to the group reservation inventory so if you were told previously that the rooms were sold out, there should be some available now through next Friday, March 31.
The Symposium will take place at the DoubleTree hotel in Portland, Oregon. Lodging rates are based on the prevailing federal per diem rate for the area (see below). The standard room per diem rate for Portland in April 2023 is $152. The room block for the Symposium includes standard single queen, single king, or double queen guestrooms, and you can request a microwave and fridge in the room for no additional charge. All rates include complimentary basic guestroom WIFI. These negotiated rates are available 3 days prior and 3 days after the event dates if you would like to arrive early or extend your stay.
To reserve your room:
CLICK HERE
If you reserve your room by phone, be sure to ask for the “Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society group rate” to ensure you receive the reduced rate.
For more information on the venue:
CLICK HERE
And HERE
| ROOM | SINGLE RATE | DOUBLE RATE | TRIPLE RATE | QUAD RATE |
| STD SINGLE QUEEN | $152 | $152 | N/A | N/A |
| PREMIUM SINGLE KING OR DOUBLE QUEEN | $172 | $172 | $187 | $202 |
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SYMPOSIUM FORMAT
Registration rates and deadlines are provided below. There will also be an option to join the Society or renew your Society membership during registration.
| MON. 4/10 | TUES. 4/11 | WED. 4/12 | THUR. 4/13 | FRI. 4/14 |
| Workshop | Plenaries and Concurrent Talks | Concurrent Talks |
Concurrent Talks |
Field Trips TRIP 1: 9am-3pm TRIP 2: 9am-3pm TRIP 3: 8am-4pm TRIP 4: 9am-3pm |
| Committee Meetings | Committee Meetings | All Members Business Meetings and Lunch | ||
| FMCS Board Meeting | Concurrent Talks | Concurrent Talks | Concurrent Talks | |
| Student-Mentor Mixer | Poster Session and Mixer | Dinner | Explore PDX | |
| Welcome Reception | Possible Movie | Auction | ||
IN-PERSON AND REMOTE (VIRTUAL) ATTENDEES:
The 2023 Symposium is a hybrid event, meaning we will have both in-person and remote attendees.
To facilitate navigation of this hybrid event, we are using the Whova event management app which facilitates web (computer or smart phone) or mobile (smart phone app) access. Whova not only provides remote users access to symposium plenary, platform, lightning talk, and poster sessions and board and business meetings, but also facilitates both in-person and remote attendees navigation and planning for attending sessions and presentations.
Thus, instead of taking out your highlighter to the printed program and trying to navigate the meeting, the Whova app allows you to search presentations and sessions (by topic, speaker, etc.) and then add the presentation or event to your agenda so you know where and when this event or presentation is! Very cool!
Further, the Whova event management app serves as printed program as well as a symposium attendance platform.
Once logged in to Whova via web or mobile app access, please find the navigation menu and explore the various pages including home, agenda (sessions, speakers, posters), attendees, community, messages, and resources (session Q&A, Floor map, Logistics, Documents, Polls, Twitter, and Whova Guides). Please review the resources page to find the hotel floor map, access logistics information (hotel information and parking, travel info, childcare options, etc.), access handouts (e.g., printed program, FMCS Code of Conduct), and Whova use guides.
If registered, get Whova now using this link:
Get Whova Now
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IN-PERSON WORKSHOP DETAILS
Monday, April 10, 2023
Underwater Photography and Filmography
A picture is worth a thousand words, especially in today's visually driven world of social media. Are you interested in improving your underwater filmography or photography skills to better capture and communicate the importance of freshwater mussels and snails? Join us for a workshop led by experts in the fields of nature photography and filmography, as well as science communication. You'll receive information and training regarding equipment and technique and learn more about using digital media for conservation.
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FIELD TRIPS DETAILS
Friday, April 14, 2023
TRIP 1: WATERFALLS, STURGEONS AND DAMS
AT CAPACITY, CONTACT US TO BE PUT ON THE WAIT LIST
9:00am to 3:00pm
This field trip will take participants along the Columbia River corridor in Oregon, stopping at Multnomah Falls https://www.travelportland.com/region/multnomahfalls/,
then traversing on to Bonneville Dam
https:// www.travelportland.com/region/bonneville-dam/).
Attendees can take a tour of the dam, see the fish ladder, visit Herman the Sturgeon
https://myodfw.com/articles herman-sturgeon
and take a short self-guided hike to nearby Wahlclella Falls.
The trip is less than an hour's drive from the hotel and will allow time for participants to enjoy some of the highlights of the Oregon side of the Columbia River.
TRIP 2: CONSERVATION and RESTORATION SUCCESSES of the LOWER COLUMBIA IN WASHINGTON
AT CAPACITY, CONTACT US TO BE PUT ON THE WAIT LIST
9:00am to 3:00pm
This field trip will take participants along the Columbia River corridor in Washington, first heading to Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge (https:// www.fws.gov/refuge/steigerwald-lake), following a 2- year closure and $31 million floodplain habitat restoration project.
The site is home to native freshwater mussels, salmon and steelhead, and a variety of bird life.
Following a tour hosted by USFWS staff, the field trip will continue on to Cape Horn for stunning views of the Columbia Gorge (hike optional, with stops at the overlook: https://gorge friends.org/hike-the-gorge/cape-orn.html).
The trip also is less than an hour's drive from the hotel and will allow time for participants to enjoy some of the highlights of the Washington side of the Columbia River.
TRIP 3: ASTORIA AND THE OREGON COAST
AT CAPACITY, CONTACT US TO BE PUT ON THE WAIT LIST
8:00am to 4:00pm
A trip to Oregon is never complete without a visit to the Pacific coast. This field trip will take participants to Fort Stevens State Park on the Oregon coast
(https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park. profile&parkId=129),
followed by an afternoon in Astoria
(https://traveloregon.com/places-to-go/cities/ astoria/).
Attractions include a historic shipwreck, the Astoria Column (https://astoriacolumn.org/),
and the Columbia River Maritime Museum (cost is $16, to be paid by attendee; https://www.crmm.org/).
The trip is approximately 2 hours (one way from the hotel), with about a half hour additional driving between the coast and Astoria.
TRIP 4: WILLAMETTE RIVER FIELD TRIP
9:00am to 3:00pm
This field trip will take participants on an urban canoe trip around Ross Island in the Willamette River. This is a great opportunity to see the river up close, and view the City of Portland from a different perspective.
Join Willamette Riverkeeper staff at the Portland Boathouse Boatyard (directions to come) and learn about restoration efforts on Ross Island, mussel work that is occurring upstream, and some of the ongoing riverine issues in the City of Portland. Bring a waterproof shell and insulating layers. The trip will take about three hours depending on water levels. Please note that,depending on conditions, cancellation is possible.
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CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
CLICK HERE for information on Abstracts
Abstracts will be due by 11:59 pm Eastern time (U.S.) on Friday, January 27, 2023.
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AWARDS
FMCS awards are divided into professional and student categories.
FMCS presents four professional awards, including the Clench Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Meritorious Service Award, and the Regional Mollusk Meeting Assistance Award. FMCS also grants three types of student awards, including student travel awards, best platform presentation and best poster presentation.
Details on each of these six award types can be found HERE
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SPONSORSHIP/VENDORS
SPONSORSHIP:
The Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society’s (FMCS) 2023 Symposium will be held in Portland, Oregon April 10-14, 2023. The goal for this symposium is to highlight the unique natural history, mollusks, Tribal culture, and compelling river and landscape features in the Pacific Northwest.
The mixers, breaks, and meals provide opportunities for networking among members and attendees.
The FMCS is a not-for-profit, dedicated to the advocacy and conservation science of freshwater mollusk resources. The FMCS symposium provides a great opportunity to network and build relationships with conservation professionals from state and federal government, industry, and conservation organizations. The Society has a membership of 500, and 275 members generally attend the biennial symposia. These professionals are constantly working to conserve freshwater mollusks, and we need your help. We are requesting monetary sponsorship to help cover the costs of the symposia facilities and activities.
Below is a breakdown of our sponsorship levels.
To become a Sponsor click HERE
| RIVER | >$2,000 | Two Complimentary Registrations (One Virtual and One In-Person), Logo on Website Registration Page, Recognition in the Program |
| STREAM | $1,000 - $1,999 | One Complimentary Registration (Virtual or In-Person), Logo on Website Registration Page, Recognition in the Program |
| EDDY | $500 - $999 | Logo on Website Registration Page and Recognition in the Program. |
| MUSSEL | $100 - $499 | Recognition in the Workshop Program. |
VENDORS:
We are excited to be able to provide vendor space at The Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society’s (FMCS) 2023 Symposium in Portland, Oregon April 10-14, 2023 to set up exhibits to showcase their products and services. The vendor tables will be located in the same space as the coffee and refreshment breaks and will be a location where symposium attendees can take breaks and relax throughout the symposium.
The vendor booth fee is $800 and will include a display space with a 8’ table and chairs and one complimentary symposium registration.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AS A VENDOR
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SYMPOSIUM CONTACTS
For more information about the symposium or specific symposium planning committee contacts, please get in touch with the meeting organizers below.
Megan Bradley, FMCS Meeting Chair and President-Elect US Fish and Wildlife Service
megan_bradley@fws.gov
Emilie Blevins, Local Committee Co-Chair Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
Emilie.Blevins@xerces.org
Michele Weaver, Local Committee Co-Chair Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
michele.h.weaver@odfw.oregon.gov
Patty Morrison, Program Committee Co-Chair
pearlymussel@gmail.com
Alexa Maine, Program Committee Co-Chair Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
alexamaine@ctuir.org
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