Entomological Society of America to Hold Annual Meeting in Indianapolis

Lanham, MD; November 28, 2006 – Nearly 2,000 entomologists and professionals in related disciplines from around the world will gather December 10–13 at the Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome in Indianapolis to exchange scientific information at the Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). The Meeting will feature 61 symposia on topics such as agriculture, biotechnology, pest control, Integrated Pest Management, invasive species, regulation, ecology and medical entomology.

Some featured symposia include:

* Biotechnology: What Will it Give Back to Us? (Sunday, Dec. 10)

* Women Shaping History in Entomology: Roles and Challenges (Monday, Dec. 11)

* Invasive Species: Real Threats to the Homeland (Tuesday, Dec. 12)

* Department of Defense Entomology: To Serve and Protect (Wednesday, Dec. 13)

* Bugs Did it First: Insect Inspired Technology (Wednesday, Dec. 13)             

Other Meeting events include:

* The 49th National Insect Photographic Salon, with photos of insects, spiders, and related arthropods (Sunday, 1 p.m.)

* The Linnaean Games, a “College Bowl” type competition on entomological facts played between university-sponsored student teams (Tuesday, 5 p.m.)

* The Purdue Cockroach Racing & Cricket Spitting Contest (Monday, 8 p.m.)

In addition, Indianapolis is the home of the 2007 ESA president, Dr. Scott H. Hutchins of Dow AgroSciences, who will assume the position from the current president, Dr. Frank E. Gilstrap, at the closing session on Wednesday, December 13.

Members of the media are welcome to attend the ESA Annual Meeting for free (proper credentials are required). To register prior to December 1, please contact Richard Levine at sro@entsoc.org or 301-731-4535, extension 3009. After December 1, members of the media should register onsite at the meeting, December 10-13, at the ESA Information Booth in the registration area of the Convention Center.

A full list of symposia and events is available at:

http://www.entsoc.org/annual_meeting/2006/wrapup/index.htm

Founded in 1889, ESA is a non-profit organization committed to serving the scientific and professional needs of more than 5,700 entomologists and individuals in related disciplines. ESA's membership includes representatives from educational institutions, government, health agencies, and private industry.