This is a call for the submission of proposals for ESA or joint ISEM/ESA workshops, evening sessions/discussions, and any other special nonsocial events outside of the formal program for ESA. It is recommended that those submitting joint proposals also communicate with the ISEM program chair at the address below. Proposals may be from any area of ecology, but those that relate to overall theme— coastal processes and global change —are especially encouraged. We also welcome proposals that explore connections with the social or natural sciences, or that are directed to ecological education at any level. Workshops and discussions are considered supplementary to the main program of symposia, contributed papers, and posters. Although proposals are not generally peer-reviewed, they are checked for relevance and substance.

All proposals MUST follow the format of the online Allen Press submission forms, on the ESA website, for Workshops and Evening Sessions/Discussions. Incomplete and inaccurate information provided on these forms may result in the proposal not being accepted. Information requested includes complete contact information, accurate email addresses for all Organizers and Co-Organizers, descriptions (400 word maximum), section/chapter outside group sponsorships, lists of speakers/panelists, and any requests that would require financial expenditures.

For the Savannah meeting, any proposal deemed “educational” will also be reviewed and ranked by members of ESA’s Education Section and Education Committee to determine consistency with tracks adopted at the Annual Meeting in Madison (2001). Limits of space and time may make it impossible to accommodate all worthy submissions. Criteria for acceptance include scientific merit and breadth of interest. If accepted, the workshop or evening session/discussion will have a brief (400-word maximum) description in the preliminary and final official programs naming the organizers. This description should be written with special attention to attracting attendees. Other contributors and their topics can be mentioned in the description, but there is no room for a detailed agenda. If you feel it is critical that participants have more detailed information, it will be your responsibility to distribute it to them. All workshops and discussions must have a lead organizer who serves as the point of contact and who will be readily available by e-mail and phone in the months leading up to the meeting. This person must also register and pay all fees for the meeting. Note that the organization of, or participation in, a workshop or discussion does not preclude a person from also being first author or presenter on a paper, poster, or symposium talk. (See the Call for Papers and Posters for a fuller explanation of the “one-paper rule.”)

An important note regarding funds: Acceptance of your proposal does not obligate ESA beyond assuring you of a meeting space and inclusion in the official program. We stress especially that no ESA funds are available for honoraria or travel expenses for workshop and discussion participants. Further, registration is not waived. Anyone participating in any capacity in a workshop or discussion must be registered. Organizers are responsible for making these facts clear to persons they invite to participate.