The fall semester has started and we are back in full swing. The NCB-ESA 2014 team has been meeting regularly to prepare for the upcoming program in Des Moines, March 9 – 12, 2014. Matt O’Neal is the Program Chair, aided by Kelley Tilmon (SDSU) and Mitch Stamm (UNL). He has already been encouraging the development of some outstanding symposia. Erin Hodgson is the Local Arrangement Chair, and she is aided by Donald Lewis, John VanDyk, Adam Varenhorst, and Thelma Heidel-Baker all of Iowa State University. Her team is developing some great events in conjunction with the scientific meeting. We are working on program deadlines and will get that information to you as soon as we can so you have plenty of time to contemplate your involvement with NCB-ESA in 2014.

 

Special events will include a 6K Fun Run (Hexapod Scamper) so be sure to pack your running shoes. We will also have the preliminary Linnaean Games and encourage every institution to field a team, or why not two? [If you are not familiar with Linnaean Games visit their web page and watch some of the videos http://www.entsoc.org/am/cm/linngame] Sunday evening will be capped with the welcome reception and a chance to meet, greet, and visit your colleagues from across the region. ISU challenges you to bring your best state wine for a north central region wine tasting competition at the welcome reception. Dr. Larry Pedigo will also bring his Dixieland-jazz band to entertain us at the reception.

Monday will be dedicated to student events both undergraduate and graduate. The student paper and poster competition, student luncheon, Linnaean Games finals and a student-sponsored symposium will be held on Monday.

 

Tuesday and Wednesday offers a choice of symposia, and submitted paper and poster sessions and other events of entomological interest.

 

Please continue to visit our webpage as we post updates and important deadlines.

The NCB-ESA team looks forward to seeing you there.

 

 - Sue Blodgett, NCB President