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=Components of an NMEA Conference=

The NMEA Conference includes the following components: (in no particular order here). The greatest challenge of producing a conference schedule is minimizing overlap of events and meetings which might require people to try to be in two places at once!

Concurrent Sessions

Papers

Poster sessions

Workshops/Hands‑ on:

Keynote address: Stimulating, dynamic presentation.

Stegner Memorial Lecture: Be creative. A talk, musical presentation, or other type of presentation that goes well with conference theme or site.

Symposia: Scientific emphasis tied into theme. Several sessions by renowned scientists, concurrent or panel.

Exhibits: Commercial/Non-Profit

Sea Fair and Sea swap: Board Meeting: A full day for the board meeting is usually scheduled a day before the conference itself begins. At the end of the conference, set aside about 2-4 hours for a new board meeting.

Board of Directors Dinner: Cash bar, usually the evening of the pre-conference board meeting.

Committee Meetings: Allocate space

Field Trips: 1/2 day and full day

NMEA Auction: Raffle for small items

Big ticket items

Special Events: Opening & Closing ceremonies

President's Reception: Classy VIP or Dressy (arrangements are handled by Presidents' Circle, but needs to be in the schedule)

General Membership meeting: Run by President. Include time for presentations by board: Awards, History, Next-year conference, and turnover of President's gavel, among other presentations, are made in a gathering of all conference attendees.