Three Brothers in Biology: Bugs, Birds, Books, Conservation, and Politics 

The Cannings brothers – Rob, Syd, and Dick – have a long history as biologists in Canada. Growing up in the diverse habitats of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, they immersed themselves in birds and insects, botany and geology. Their careers have taken them all over the world but their hearts are in Canada, where they have worked in nature interpretation, parks development, museum collections and research, conservation biology and, in Dick’s case, even national politics.

This plenary session will provide diverse and international Indigenous perspectives relevant to modern scientific inquiry and will include an open reading by poet and evolutionary biologist Brandon Kilbourne.

Michael Blackstock will present “Blue Ecology: climate change from an Indigenous water perspective". Michael is an Independent Indigenous Scholar from the Gitxsan Nation who will share Elder's teachings on water, and how that knowledge can provide a fresh perspective on climate change.

Join ESA President, Lina Bernaola as we kickoff Entomology 2025: Bridging Generations with Innovation, Legacy, and Passion.

Sunday, November 9
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

The Opening Plenary sets the tone for the conference, highlighting all that ESA has accomplished throughout the year, recognizing this year's Fellows and Honorary Members, and more. 

Have a great idea for a symposium topic for the Joint Annual Meeting? Unsure where to get started? Join members of the Joint Annual Meeting Program Committee for a conversation on how to submit a successful symposium proposal. We will cover the differences between types of symposia, what makes a strong proposal, and key considerations for developing your submission. Join us to discuss your ideas and find collaborators to build a successful submission.

Submission criteria vary by each program and/or Section. Be sure to check the submission criteria for any programs to which you are submitting. Unsure which category is appropriate? Check out the submissions infographic.

All symposia and workshops submissions should take into consideration the recommendations from ESA’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee.

The ESA Annual Meeting depends on the following volunteers to ensure the meeting runs smoothly. Thank you for considering serving in one or more of these capacities.

Moderators and Judges

Moderators are responsible for keeping their session running on schedule and facilitating discussion where necessary. Training for moderators will be provided onsite during the meeting. Up to two moderators will be assigned to all oral presentation sessions.