Schedule

Wake up with an optional morning yoga session underneath the Oculus. Space is limited, please indicate on the presurvey if you plan to attend.

Get your badge and Symposium materials! Pastries and coffee will be available until 9:50 a.m.

Kick off the Symposium by mingling with poster presenters as they showcase their work.

Opening remarks by Dana Wusinich-Mendez, Atlantic and Caribbean Management Team Lead for NOAAs Coral Reef Conservation Program Plenary by Keri O'Neil, Director & Senior Scientist of the Coral Conservation Program at the Florida Aquarium.

Catch up with colleagues and make new connections over a buffet lunch on the level 5 terrace.

Hosted by Laura Cherney, Senior Ecologist/ Project Manager at AECOM. More information to come!

Hosted by Erika Mayor, Adjunct Professor, University of Miami & Digital Marketing Consultant. In this workshop, we will explore how social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram and X can be powerful tools to amplify your mission and raise awareness about critical topics related to Florida’s Coral Reef. Attendees will learn strategies to broaden their audience, engage stakeholders, and attract new supporters. Whether you're an expert or a beginner, this session will provide actionable insights into creating compelling content, driving engagement, and leveraging social media analytics to strengthen your impact in the conservation space.

Hosted by Caroline Castro, Creative Director of the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science Learn how to utilize readily available graphic design tools for your projects. Please create a free Canva account prior to attending this session, and come with a topic in mind that you'd like to create a graphic for!

Panelists: Angela Delaney, Marine Resources Environmental Program Manager, Broward County Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein, Monroe County Katelyn Armstrong, Sr. Environmental Analyst - Reef Coordinator, Palm Beach County Loren Parra, Chief Bay and Water Resources Officer, Miami-Dade County Synopsis Florida's Coral Reef is a national treasure that demands conservation and sustainable management. This panel brings together key government representatives from various counties along Florida’s southeast coastline to discuss their pivotal roles in safeguarding these delicate marine ecosystems. Panelists will explore strategies for integrated management, policy implementation, and community engagement to protect the health of Florida’s Coral Reef for generations to come. Moderated by Alex Harris, Lead Climate Reporter for the Miami Herald.

Join us on the vista to reunite with old colleagues and meet some new faces! Dinner and refreshments provided. Thank you to our sponsors Tripping Animals Brewery!