Society for Marine Mammalogy

Every two years, the Society organizes a conference on the biology of marine mammals.

The conference has become the premiere venue for scientists, faculty, students and guests to discuss recent research and related marine mammal science topics.

The 19th biennial conference is coming up!
Location: Tampa, Florida, USA.
Date: 27 November - 3 December, 2011

See the schedule for a full listing of past and future locations.

2011 Society for Marine Mammalogy Biennial Conference in Tampa, Florida, November 27-December 3, 2011

Location

The Tampa Bay area is an ideal location for the 2011 SMM conference – great weather, beautiful beaches, outstanding meeting venues, exciting attractions, and easy access. Centrally located on the West Coast of Florida, the Tampa Bay area offers a unique blend of urban sophistication set in a natural marine environment. With these appealing amenities to offer, the 2011 SMM Conference promises to be our best conference ever!

Convention Center

The conference will be held at the Tampa Convention Center, located directly on the waterfront in the heart of downtown Tampa. The Convention Center hosts a variety of conventions, tradeshows, and other special events year-round. The Convention Center offers ample exhibit space, a huge ballroom, and many dozens of breakout rooms, some with waterfront views. Outdoor areas overlook the beautiful waters of Tampa Bay. The Marriott Tampa Waterside, our designated hotel for the conference, is within close walking distance of the Convention Center.

Attractions

While attending the conference at the Tampa Convention Center, SMM attendees will be able to enjoy the many attractions and venues that make Tampa an exciting meeting destination. Within walking distance or trolley car ride from downtown hotels and the Convention Center is the Florida Aquarium, with its collection of creatures from Florida bays and beaches as well as marine creatures from all over the world. Also nearby is the Channelside shopping and entertainment complex, which has several great restaurants and meeting spots. Also nearby is the Performing Arts Center, the Tampa Museum of Art, and the American Victory Mariners Memorial and Museum Ship. Very close to downtown is the Florida Museum of Science and Industry, and the Adventure Island and Busch Gardens theme parks. And don't miss the dolphins and sea turtles at the Clearwater Aquarium and the Manatee and Aquatic center at the Lowry Park Zoo, voted #1 family friendly zoo in America.

Entertainment

For nighttime entertainment, West Central Florida's hottest spot is Ybor City. The turn of the century Spanish Architecture accents this entertainment district, which is connected to downtown via trolley car. SMM conference attendees can enjoy a wide array of music, clubs and restaurants throughout this historical district, as well as traditional entertainment in Centro Ybor, home to historic cigar factories, movie theatres, and comedy clubs.

Weather

Tampa Bay's weather is a combination of bright sunny days tempered by gentle bay breezes. In late November/early December, the days are pleasantly warm, and Tampa Bay is known for its spectacular sunsets. The Tampa Bay area is also famous for its 30+ miles of white sand and surf on 20 barrier islands. Families flock to the area for its great beaches, as we have some of the best in the country. With sands of shimmering quartz, and water as green as emeralds, Tampa Bay truly is a beach-lover's paradise.

Wildlife

Tampa Bay is also home to an incredible array of wildlife. Whether paddling on the Hillsborough River, sailing alongside dolphins in Tampa Bay, birdwatching on the beach, or watching manatees at nearby Crystal River, attendees are sure to enjoy the area's incredible variety of natural wildlife and beauty.

To and From

Getting to Tampa is convenient and inexpensive. The Convention Center and Marriott Tampa Waterside are located only 10 minutes away from the Tampa International Airport (TPA), one of the nation's top rated airports for passenger convenience. With almost 600 daily domestic and international flights, easy accessibility for attendees is assured. Major carriers into Tampa include Delta, Southwest, US Airways, Continental, American, United and Northwest. Air travel costs into Tampa are some of the lowest of any convention destination.

From our fabulous amenities to our beautiful waterways, Tampa is "The Perfect Fit. The Perfect Place." for the 2011 SMM Conference!