A Special Invitation from the Co-Chairs of the International Congress of Entomology (ICE) 2016
Dr. Alvin Simmons
Dr. Walter Leal
Dear Entomology Colleagues from All Corners of the World:
We are absolutely delighted to invite you to participate in the largest entomological event in history-the XXV International Congress of Entomology (ICE 2016), to take place in the United States from September 25-30, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. You will be a part of history in the making, as ICE 2016 blends traditional with non-traditional events. You will be offered unparalleled opportunities to discuss and share entomological research, presentations and products with a record 6000 to 8000 of your associates. Connect, communicate and collaborate—that’s what it’s all about.
The theme, “Entomology without Borders,” will reflect the geographic distribution of arthropods as well as the global entomological community. We are developing an extraordinary vigorous scientific program that will include 30 scientific sections covering every discipline of entomology. The Organizing Committee has selected eight stellar plenary speakers and we also are honored to include two Nobel Laureate keynote presentations. Other scientific presentations will cover symposia, submitted papers, and posters. The symposia will highlight the most recent entomological advances, such as “Frontiers in Entomology.” We are also excited to seek virtual poster and remote presentations, using the latest technology. Each section convener took part in the selection of symposia organizers.
ICE 2016 will be student friendly. For example, we will reduce the student registration fee and we’ll be offering several student recognition programs. Students will compete in the international oral and poster research presentations, and teams will square off in the International Linnaean Games (an entomological quiz competition) as well as the Student Debates. We anticipate a large attendance of students and junior scientists. Over the five-day conference, they will be able to engage with the other ICE delegates in professional connections that may significantly influence their goals, dreams and aspirations.
The venue is the award-winning Orange County Convention Center. We have contracted housing accommodations ranging from luxury resort hotels to limited budget rooms. Not surprisingly, Orlando is the No. 1 tourist destination in the United States. Orlando abounds in attractions (natural, scientific, tourist and cultural) in a safe family-friendly setting. Nicknamed “The City Beautiful,” Orlando is also known as “The Theme Park Capital of the World.”
The Orlando conference will be the third ICE venue in the United States since 1928 when entomologists gathered in New York. The only other U.S. meeting took place in Washington, DC in 1976. In conjunction and coordination with the ICE 2016 meeting, the Entomological Society of America (ESA), Entomological Society of Canada, Florida Entomological Society, and International Branch of ESA will be co-locating their annual meetings. The Entomological Society of Brazil, Entomological Society of China, and the Union of Japanese Society of Insect Sciences (composed of nine entomological societies in Japan) will hold satellite events. Also, the Australian Entomological Society and Coleopterists Society will hold events. More than 20 societies and organizations support ICE 2016.
We have assembled a diverse team of entomologists from around the world to serve on the ICE 2016 Organizing Committee, and provide you with a first-class, one-of-a-kind, memorable congress. We are eager to meet you as we travel to regional, national and international conferences to reach out and update you on what will be happening in Orlando and why you should be a part of it!
“Entomology Without Borders!” Get ready for a world-class conference that will rock your entomological world!
Walter Leal and Alvin Simmons
Co-chairs, ICE 2016
