The American Meteorological Society’s 96th Annual Meeting begins in New Orleans over the weekend.

More than 3,000 scientists, researchers, educators, students, and other professionals from across the weather, water, and climate community are headed to New Orleans to share, learn, and collaborate.

Association:  American Meteorological Society

Conference:  AMS 96th Annual Meeting

Venue: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

 Location: New Orleans

While a number of activities will take place on Saturday and Sunday, the AMS 96th Annual Meeting will officially kick off on Monday morning with the 2016 Presidential Forum, titled “Serving Society in Times of Crisis: Past, Present and Future.” Also in the forecast:

Fun for the family. Sunday afternoon’s WeatherFest is a free event that’s open to the public. It will feature science exhibits and activities, local broadcast meteorologists and other special guests, and the opportunity for kids to give a weather forecast in front of the green screen. Maybe the next Al Roker will be discovered?

Weather talks. Back again is the popular AMS program “23|5 Talks.” This hour-long set of talks will follow the format of the well-known TED Talks  and feature various views and perspectives on weather, water, and climate from four engaging, thought-provoking people. Among the speakers are Bill Read, former head of the National Hurricane Center, and Mike Smith from AccuWeather.

Always prepared. AMS volunteers will help build a “WeatherReady Nation” by joining 200 Boy and Girl Scouts as they learn about weather and emergency management. Scouts will have the opportunity to earn the new Weather-Ready Nation Patch, as well as their respective Weather Merit Badges. During this program, they’ll learn how to interpret symbols on a weather map, discuss what items need to be in an emergency kit, and determine ways families and communities can be prepared in the event of a weather emergency.

Stay updated on meeting’s conditions by turning to The Front Page blog, Twitter (#AMS2016), and Facebook.