ICYMI: Highlights From Entomology 2021
The in-person portion of Entomology 2021 took place in Denver, Colorado, October 31 to November 3.
Two weeks ago today, the in-person half of Entomology 2021 wrapped up in Denver, Colorado. For those onsite, it marked a measured but happy return to face-to-face connection in the insect science community. And those participating from afar were able to share their research and perspectives and connect with colleagues virtually through the conference virtual platform.
It was ESA’s first truly hybrid Annual Meeting (after going fully virtual in 2020), and in fact the conference isn’t really over, as all of the on-demand and recorded live sessions remain available for all registered attendees through January 31, 2022. If you haven’t yet, you can still register for access to the virtual content at any time.
Below are highlights from the event, featuring photos from onsite plus social media reactions, and more.
By the Numbers
- 3,194: Total attendees, both in-person and virtual
- 55: The number of countries represented among attendees
- 17,000+: Logins to the conference website
- 1,950+: Presentations on the schedule (in-person and virtual)
- 450+: Posters on the schedule (in-person and virtual)
- 4,220,676: Total steps logged in the Arthro-Pedometer Step Challenge
- 1,000: Hygiene kits assembled by attendees to be donated to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
- $1,995: Money raised to be donated to the Food Bank of the Rockies (and there’s still time to donate!)
Science on Display
Symposia and presentations got underway Sunday morning, October 31, with the Opening Plenary on Sunday evening rounding out the day, featuring Society updates from President Michelle Smith, BCE, and Executive Director Chris Stelzig, followed by a keynote presentation from Joseph Graves, Jr., Ph.D., evolutionary biologist at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and author of The Race Myth: Why We Pretend Race Exists in America (2005) and Race and Racism: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (forthcoming in 2021, with co-author Alan Goodman). Tuesday, meanwhile, featured the Professional Awards Breakfast and Founders’ Memorial Lecture in the morning and the Entomology Games championship round and Student Competition awards ceremony in the evening. And throughout all four days, symposia, workshops, and poster sessions filled the schedule.
Connection (and Costumes)
The first day of Entomology 2021 fell on Halloween, which several attendees made sure to observe. And throughout the event, in sessions, hallways, and the Exhibit Hall, connections were made and renewed. (And, as past ESA Annual Meeting attendees have shared, today’s connections often turn into tomorrow’s collaborations.)
Online Engagement
Both from Denver and around the world, Entomology 2021 attendees shared their enthusiasm for insect science.
Many #insects appear to be declining. We are often asked why insects are important. I suggest every #entomologist know the “5 Ps” by heart. Here it is (slide from prior talk)👇 #EntSoc21 pic.twitter.com/MDK5AoaP05
— Dr. Akito Kawahara (@Dr_Akito) November 2, 2021
Had a blast celebrating Halloween (a few days late) at #EntSoc21! You know you're among your people when most don't even have to ask what this costume is. (It's a peacock jumping spider) 🕷️ pic.twitter.com/EfhvQJ4azE
— Dr. Ashley 🔬 (@DETickTalk) November 3, 2021
Great energy and enthusiasm at the #EntSoc21 workshop on #scicomm and #sciencepolicy! A really fun way to kick off the in-person conference! Huge thanks to @BugLessons for leading this! pic.twitter.com/3hRMlXRIrq
— Erin Cadwalader (@ErinCadwalader) October 31, 2021
These are just a few of the invertebrate species collected from my study site at Dragonfly Pond-Meadow last year. Check the link to see more and to hear about the aquatic and terrestrial communities associated with a temporary pond in Jamaica #Entsoc21 #TemporaryWaters https://t.co/hZv0PfBAyo pic.twitter.com/UJcfFlDxyr
— Gavin Campbell (@dragonecology) October 26, 2021
This morning I overheard someone's parents check in to #EntSoc21 to listen to their daughter present. Whomever you are, your parents are clearly awesome.
— Dr. Lauren Diepenbrock 🐞👩🔬 (@LMDiepenbrock) November 1, 2021
Kind of sad to not be going to #EntSoc21 in person, but happy about the cool #virtual badges they have for online conference attendees. 📗🐛 pic.twitter.com/QTImaV49rF
— Ashley Schulz 🌳🌲🐛🍄 (@anschulz) October 27, 2021
@EntsocAmerica and I launched EntoMentos, a mentorship program for entomologists & entomology students of color. It was built upon the mentorship program created by #EntoPOC. We met in person for the first time, closed 2021, and started planning for 2022. #EntoDEI #EntSoc21 pic.twitter.com/TLr5q7AV0H
— Stacie East (@ClaimingSpace) November 2, 2021
Sitting at the airport gate about to leave Denver, reflecting on my time at #EntSoc21. It was my first time in-person, having joined last year, and I am so stoked to continue conversations and pursue ideas sparked by meeting so many awesome people!
— Elaine Tan (@elntangle) November 3, 2021
Looking Ahead
While Entomology 2021 on-demand content remains open, ESA is already preparing for its next Annual Meeting in 2022, which will return to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to be co-hosted as the Joint Annual Meeting of the Entomological Societies of American, Canada, and British Columbia. At the Entomology 2021 Closing Plenary, incoming President Jessica Ware, Ph.D., announced the 2022 theme will be “Entomology as Inspiration: Insects through art, science, and culture.” Submissions for symposia and workshops are already open. See you in 2022!
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