An official website of the United States government.

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

National Invasive Species Information Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture
  1. Home
  2. Conferences and Events

Conferences and Events

Provides upcoming Conferences and Events related to invasive species. The calendar displays events for previous years (by selecting dates) which can be helpful in finding relevant experts and papers.

See also: Calendars and Meetings for invasive species-related conference calendars on other Web sites, and Public Awareness Campaigns for additional awareness-related events; current events are listed below.

Please Note: If you would like to suggest an invasive species-related conference or event for inclusion on our calendar, please Contact Us.

Public Awareness Events

  • Lionfish Challenge

    • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

    • The Lionfish Challenge is a free summer-long (June 1-October 1, 2023) lionfish tournament open to recreational and commercial competitors of all ages around the state of Florida. Our goal remains the same -- remove as many lionfish as we can in just four months. Are you up for the Challenge?
      See also: FWC Announces 2023 Lionfish Challenge Presented by Zookeeper (May 18, 2023)

  • The Great Chesapeake Invasives Count

    • Coastal Conservation Association Maryland.

    • Report your catch of invasive fish species (northern snakehead, blue catfish, flathead catfish) in the Chesapeake Watershed for a chance to win great prizes! The Great Chesapeake Invasives Count is an annual angling-based effort (April 1-October 31, 2023)  to provide important data to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, USFWS, and other management agencies on what you're seeing on the water. Information related to the number of fish you catch during a given time, as well as the length and weight of the fish you catch is important to fishery managers. It is also vital to investigate the feeding habits of invasive fish to help understand the short and long-term impacts that their existence may cause on native species. It is important that the public recognizes the impacts that these species can have on our natural ecosystems, and does not continue the spread of these fish.

      Monthly drawings for prizes are based on your catches reported. Every invasive you catch-photo-enter (via the iAngler app) earns you a chance of winning.

Search Conferences

  • 2023 RiversEdge West Conferences and Workshops

    • Date
      Apr 14, 2023 - Oct 20, 2023
    • Notes

      Since 2001, RiversEdge West has been conducting riparian restoration research and management conferences and workshops with a focus on impacts to riverside habitat in the arid western U.S. These gatherings are driven by RiversEdge West's commitment to advance the knowledge and practice of riparian restoration. Events planned:

      • April 14, 2023 - Albuquerque, New Mexico
      • June 8, 2023 - Rangely, Colorado
      • October 20, 2023- Tucson, Arizona

  • 2023 10th World Conference on Ecological Restoration

    • Date
      Sep 26, 2023 - Sep 30, 2023
    • Location
      Darwin, Australia
    • Email
      ser2023@agentur.com.au
    • Notes

      Conference Theme - Nature and people as one: celebrating and restoring connection.

      The virtual component of the 10th World Conference on Ecological Restoration will take place on 7 – 8 November 2023

  • 2023 Washington State Lake Protection Association 36th Annual Conference

    • Date
      Oct 04, 2023 - Oct 06, 2023
    • Location
      Takoma, Washington
    • Notes

      This year’s theme, "Fish and Beyond in Our Lakes," was chosen to highlight effects of climate change, lake pollution, and lake management strategies on fisheries in Pacific Northwest lakes.

  • 2023 Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) - Fall Meeting

    • Date
      Oct 04, 2023 - Oct 05, 2023
    • Sponsor

      Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force

    • Venue
      Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Donald F. Jones Auditorium
    • Location
      New Haven, Connecticut
    • Notes

      Virtual participation available.

  • 2023 South Carolina Aquatic Plant Management Society Annual Conference

    • Date
      Oct 09, 2023 - Oct 11, 2023
    • Venue
      Ocean Drive Beach and Golf Resort
    • Location
      Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
    • Notes

      Annual meetings provide updates on South Carolina & North Carolina control programs in public water bodies along with efforts of utility companies. New treatment options are presented along with success stories of current treatments. Diverse programs include information on biological control, habitat enhancement, wildlife and waterfowl, hands-on workshops, and many other varied topics. 

  • 2023 Great Lakes Conference

    • Date
      Oct 12, 2023 - Oct 13, 2023
    • Sponsor

      Healing Our Waters - Great Lakes Coalition

    • Venue
      Hilton Cleveland Downtown
    • Location
      Cleveland, Ohio

  • 2023 66th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference

    • Date
      Oct 13, 2023 - Oct 18, 2023
    • Sponsor

      The Association for Biosafety and Biosecurity

    • Venue
      Hybrid - CHI Health Center / Virtual
    • Location
      Omaha, Nebraska

  • 2023 31st North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) Annual Conference - Foundations for Success

    • Date
      Oct 16, 2023 - Oct 19, 2023
    • Venue
      Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel
    • Location
      Lincoln, Nebraska
    • Contact
      NAISMA
    • Email
      info@naisma.org
    • Phone
      414-775-8220
    • Notes

      The 31st Annual 2023 NAISMA Conference will be co-hosted with the Nebraska Invasive Species Council. We expect 350+ attendees from a broad range of backgrounds, invasive species, and natural resource professions to attend from across North America and beyond. This year’s theme will highlight the foundations needed to implement management strategies that work, partnerships that impact diverse geographies, and policy and funding successes that can be tailored to fit your landscape. The program will allow generous opportunities for sponsors and exhibitors to connect with the invasive species management community.

  • PestWorld 2023

    • Date
      Oct 17, 2023 - Oct 20, 2023
    • Venue
      Hawaii Convention Center
    • Location
      Honolulu, Hawaii

  • 2023 Urban Forest Pest Virtual Summit

    • Date
      Oct 17, 2023 - Oct 18, 2023
    • Sponsor

      The Washington Invasive Species Council and the Urban and Community Forestry Program at the Washington Department of Natural Resources

    • Location
      Virtual
    • Notes

      A variety of speakers will share the latest developments on emerging invasive pests in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest region, their profound impact on our landscapes, the complex interplay with climate change, existing pest response structures, and program spotlights. Participants will learn information and foster dialogue about preparing for current and emerging pests of concern. The target audience includes arborists, urban foresters, natural resource managers, Master Gardeners, and anyone else interested in pests that threaten urban trees.