We are in the final planning stages of the 2024 Bays and Bayous Symposium, scheduled for Nov. 19-20 at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center in Biloxi. We have an exciting update and some new opportunities that should satisfy a range of interests.
Are you interested in learning more about a wide range of coastal issues?
The fundamental parts of the Bays and Bayous Symposium (high-quality presentations and excellent networking opportunities) will remain a core aspect of our two-day event. Presenters were notified last week, and we will have 199 oral presentations, 73 poster presentations, keynote speakers, a lunch panel and plenty of networking opportunities.
Many people are involved in making this happen, but we need to recognize the five program co-chairs that have spent hours in leadership roles developing the call for abstracts, coordinating abstract reviews and notifying presenters. This week, the co-chairs are building the program, which we look forward to sharing soon. Thank you to Ana Wheeler, Blair Morrison, Haliee Nigro, JoAnn Moody and Rusty Grice for their incredible service.
Thank you also to the 32 program committee members that have also significantly contributed to this effort through conducting reviews and providing feedback. It truly takes a village to build a symposium program such as this, and it is an incredible opportunity to work with such dedicated people that are passionate about their work.
Do you have an interest in art or have you created original works of art that you would like to display for hundreds of people to enjoy?
Throughout the symposium, we will have art created by Bays and Bayous attendees and presenters displayed in an art exhibit. The theme of the art will align with the Bays and Bayous sessions.
The call for artists to submit applications is now open! Please go to the event website to get more details. Note that all applications must be received by Monday, Nov. 4. Even if you do not have art to display, please stop by the exhibit to learn more about the artists and their works. Thank you to the inaugural Bays and Bayous Art Exhibit Committee for its willingness and interest in supporting this effort.
Do you like participating in service projects or have interest in stretching your legs on the beach after 1.75 days sitting in meeting rooms?
Another first for the symposium is a volunteer service project: a beach cleanup event that will take place directly across from the Bays and Bayous venue. The event, led by the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Lab's Marine and Estuarine Graduate Student Association (MEGSA), will start at 3:15 p.m. after the final symposium presentations conclude. Registration is free, and cleanup supplies will be provided by the Mississippi Coastal Cleanup Program.
Visit the Bays and Bayous website for more details or to register. And, thank you to MEGSA and the Mississippi Coastal Cleanup Program!
Finally, you don’t want to miss this event that only happens once every two years. Early bird registration closes Friday, Oct. 18, so please register soon. We look forward to seeing you next month!
Meet the author
Steve Sempier, Ph.D.
Director
Steve Sempier serves as Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant's director. Steve joined MASGC in 2007 and became director in 2026. As director, he provides overall leadership and management for all MASGC... Read more
Phone: 228-818-8830
Email: [email protected]