NMEA 2008 is approaching quickly!  Full conference registration, which includes all meals and special events, is now closed!  Late Registration does not include meals, however tickets for special evening events are available for an extra fee until 26 June
2008.

See the information below on details of registration, then go to the Registration Form at the University of Southern Maine.

All NMEA 2008 attendees must be either a NMEA member in good standing, renew membership at registration, or purchase a new membership to participate. If you’d like to renew your membership, mark appropriate boxes on registration form and include your payment. Full conference registration for non –NMEA members (listed on registration form) includes one year of active Membership in NMEA. If you have questions about the status of your NMEA membership, contact Johnette Borsarge.

FULL CONFERENCE
Full Conference registration is closed. You may still register as a late Registrant, but meals will not be included. Some special events are still available. ALL meals and special events will be ticketed. Late registration fees now apply.

SINGLE DAY
Single Day registration is available, but no longer includes meals. Some evening events may still be available. Single Day registration fees are $150.

LATE
Late Registration rates are effective June 6 through July 19, 2008. Please note that Late Registration does not include any meals or special events. Late Registration for NMEA members is $450 and for Non-Members is $490 (includes one year active NMEA Membership)

WALK IN
Walk In Registration will be available at Savannah Riverfront Marriott July 20-24 at late registration rates. Walk In registration does not include meals or special events.

MEALS Prepaid full conference or single day registration prior to June 6th includes breakfast, lunch and an evening meal daily. Special events serve as evening meals. Prepaid Single Day Registrants by June 6th will receive breakfast, lunch and an evening meal for one day. Breakfasts and lunches are buffet style. A range of foraging options will be available, including those suitable for vegetarians. Guests will not be served breakfast or lunch unless they are prepaid Full or Single Day registrants by June 6 2008. All meals will be ticketed.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Join us for the social feasting events that are the back bone of every lively NMEA conference. Network, reminisce, and make new memories with us! These events will serve as evening meals for Full and Single Day registrants paid by June 6. Full and Single Day registrants may purchase guest tickets with registration. A few last minute Special event Tickets MAY be available for purchase on site, but are not guaranteed.

Monday July 21, Opening Reception
Reconnect with old friends and colleagues, meet new NMEA members and mingle with the NMEA board and the evening’s guest speakers. Join us in Savannah Riverfront Marriott’s breathtaking Olympic atrium overlooking the Savannah River. Enjoy heavy hors d’oevres and light musical entertainment from Bob and Judy Williams.

Tuesday, July 22 - Banquet Dinner and Auction
Gather with friends and colleagues for a buffet dinner with various foraging options for carnivores and herbivores alike. The banquet goes hand in hand with the highly anticipated Annual Auction, NMEA’s only scholarship fundraiser. Out bid your friends on Silent Auction items and stick around for an entertaining Live Auction, Georgia style!

Wednesday, July 23 - Skidaway Soiree
Journey to nearby Skidaway Island, where nestled along the banks of the beautiful Skidaway River, lies the Skidaway Marine Science Campus, home to the University of Georgia Marine Extension Service, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, and the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. Take an evening stroll along the easy walking paths that wind along beautiful salt marsh vistas and through stately maritime forests. Mingle with researchers and educators whose work makes the Skidaway Marine Science Campus the heart of coastal studies in Georgia. Tour the UGA Aquarium, teaching labs and research vessels. Then feast with your friends on a traditional coastal Georgia low country boil with fresh Wild Georgia shrimp. Dance under the big tent or the stars with new friends for a night you’ll not soon forget! Live music will be provided by Call the Cops, Savannah’s premier dance party band with tunes that are sure to appeal to old timers and newcomers alike!

Thursday, July 24 - Cousteau Keynote and Reception
Listen to the ocean adventure and filmmaking tales of world reknowned ocean explorer Fabien Cousteau as NMEA 2008 Keynote Presentation. Fabien comes from a long line of distinguished ocean explorers. He has studied the ocean from a variety of vantage points, including coastal Georgia, and experienced unique views of the majesty of the ocean and the links humans have to it. With Jacques Ives Cousteau for a grandfather and Jean-Michele Cousteau for his dad, Fabien was diving long before most of us were riding bikes. Meet and greet Fabien, purchase his autographed book, and help us close out NMEA 2008 in style!

GUEST TICKETS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS
Full and Single Day registrants may purchase guest tickets for special events at time of registration. A few last minute special event tickets MAY be available for purchase onsite, but are not guaranteed.

FIELD TRIPS AND WORKSHOPS
All trips are planned for Thursday, July 24. All field trips and workshops will be ticketed. Tickets for field trips may be purchased with registration. Field trips and workshops are available until filled. As trips fill they will be removed from the list of fieldtrip options. Payment for field trips is due with registration. Field trip fees listed are per person and include transportation. Box lunches will be provided for Full and Single Day Registrants on field trip day. Full and Single Day registrants may purchase guest tickets with registration. Last minute field trip tickets MAY be available onsite, but are not guaranteed. For field trip and workshop options, see the Field Trips or Workshops pages.