Written by Nancy Miorelli

Hello from Minneapolis!

Bobak Ha’Eri (CC by SA 3.0)

Joe and I have been really busy at the Entomology Society of America conference, doing what we like most: listening to other people talking about cool science and talking to people about cool science.

Joe and I were working on our talk for tomorrow this afternoon!

What Is a Professional Conference?

Professional conferences are for all kinds of people who go to them. Professors can present their latest research and recruit new students. Students can present their research, meet other students, seek out potential advisers and employers.

Miles nailing his presentation about parasitoid wasps.

Employers can search for employees. Teachers and professors can talk about new teaching strategies, talk about common problems, new courses, and buy new equipment. Artists can display their work, people can buy it. Artists can learn science, scientists can learn art.

Carly is an amazing scientist but also is a talented artist! She’s totally decking out our name tags.

We hang out, laugh, question, shop, listen, and talk about things we’re interested in both formally and not formally. We meet people we admire for the first time. We collaborate with old friends. We make new ones over lunch.

We’re all just so excited to meet up and talk with people we may know through the internet, or someone who’s work we admire, or we might just be catching up with old friends.

Some people take this opportunity to document the trending affairs in fashion and to admire the amazing outfits and accessories we choose to ornament ourselves with.

Basically it’s just a great time during the four straight days (and sometimes nights!) of bug love. And thanks to everyone who helps make it possible. And thanks to everyone who’s so passionate that they make it so much fun.

Katherine wears her wasp research on her nail polish and it’s adorable.

Don’t feel left out though! You can follow all the fun though the #EntSoc15 hashtag or by following the ESA official Twitter.