As many as 9,500 geographers, geographic information system specialists, and environmental scientists from the around the world are headed to the Big Easy to hear the latest industry research, learn about recent trends in geologic ideas and technologies, and make connections with other leaders.

Organization: American Association of Geographers

Conference: 2018 Annual Meeting

Venue: Marriott French Quarter

City: New Orleans

AAG 2018 begins on Tuesday evening with an opening session that includes the Presidential Plenary. AAG President Derek Alderman will explore the role of struggle in the making, unmaking, and remaking of New Orleans. Also worth noting:

Focused discussion. Each year, the AAG Council and executive director identify a few themes to provide a structure to the conference program. This year’s topics include public engagement in geography and the role of black communities in advancing geographic knowledge.

Student attendees. As part of AAG’s Advancing Diversity initiative, the Emerging Workforce Scholars program enables community college and undergraduate students from underserved New Orleans-area communities to attend the annual meeting and interact with geography and geoscience professionals to learn about the work they do and the preparation required for careers in their field.

Family friendly. To make it easier for parents to attend, AAG will provide onsite childcare services. Camp AAG will offer activities for children ranging from 6 months to 12 years of age, including curriculum-enriched, creative activities, arts and crafts projects, active games, and more. Thanks to an AAG subsidy, parents will pay no more than $6 an hour for childcare.

Head to Twitter (#AAG2018) for more meeting details.

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