The call for proposals is closed. Below, explore the different ways you can contribute to the IMCC8 program. Please note that all sessions held during the pre-congress day (13 November) may require an additional fee to cover running costs.
Click here to see the accepted sessions.
IMCC Proposal Categories
Symposia (90 Minutes)
Thematically focused sessions featuring multiple speakers presenting research on a specific conservation issue.
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Closed Symposia: Facilitators organize the topic and all invited speakers.
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Open Symposia: Facilitators set the topic, but any delegate may submit an abstract to join.
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Format: Usually five 15-minute talks (12 mins presentation + 3 mins Q&A) plus a 15-minute general discussion.
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Timing: Held during the main congress (14–17 November).
Workshops (1.5 – 8 Hours)
Interactive sessions designed for professional development or technical training.
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Activity: Workshops focus on hands-on collaboration, while Short Courses offer specific skills training relevant to conservation practice.
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Requirements: Organizers must specify the expected number of participants and WiFi needs. Pre-meeting workshops require a separate fee for participants in addition to the congress registration fee to offset the additional costs. The fee is paid by participants or can be covered by the organzier.
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Timing: Scheduled for the pre-congress day (13 November) or during lunch breaks of the main program.
Short Courses (2 – 8 Hours)
Training sessions in specific topics of key relevance to marine conservation.
- Activity: Short coruses focus on hands-on collaboration, while Short Courses offer specific skills training relevant to conservation practice.
- Requirements: Organizers must specify the expected number of participants and WiFi needs. Pre-meeting courses require a separate fee for participants in addition to the congress registration fee to offset the additional costs. The fee is paid by participants or can be covered by the organzier.
- Timing: Scheduled for the pre-congress day (13 November) or during lunch breaks of the main program.
Focus Groups (1.5 – 8 Hours)
Discussion-based sessions aimed at creating tangible outputs, such as policy briefs, white papers, or publications.
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Capacity: Typically smaller groups (10–30 participants).
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Access: Open to all delegates unless marked "by invitation only."
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Timing: Held on the pre-congress day or during lunch breaks of the main program.
Symposia + Focus Groups (3 Hours)
A combined format for organizers wishing to follow a formal presentation session with a related, in-depth discussion group.
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Requirement: You must submit a Symposium proposal before adding an affiliated Focus Group.
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Note: Each component is reviewed separately; one may be accepted without the other.
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Timing: Both sessions run during the main congress.
Panel Discussions (90 Minutes)
Interdisciplinary sessions designed to foster dialogue on emerging research, policy, or community-led initiatives.
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Formats: Choose between a pure discussion-based format or a brief introductory presentation followed by a moderated debate.
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Responsibility: Organizers are responsible for selecting and finalizing their moderator and panelists.
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Timing: Held during the main congress.
Art-Led Conservation Engagement
Interactive, visual, or performance-based projects that bridge science and art to inspire ocean action.