The Invertebrates in Education and Conservation Conference wrapped up on Saturday, August 3. A final round of paper presentations was held in the morning; one that I particularly enjoyed was the problem-solving and accessibility-themed Arthropod Scents: An Interactive Exhibit Upgrade at the Milwaukee Public Museum, presented by Jon Bertolas. There were some workshops in the afternoon that I didn’t attend, and I’m kicking myself for not registering for the Pokémon-themed one! Participants created their own bug-type Pokémon based off of real arthropods, and the artwork that I did see was great.
The banquet was held that evening, along with a silent and live auction, both of which were quite exciting! The proceeds all went to the Steve Prchal Scholarship Fund, which enables chosen first-time conference registrants to attend with all expenses covered. There were three recipients this year, all women, and that makes my heart sing!
The tables were decorated with wonderful arrangements, and there was plenty of alcohol, and lots of music and festivities.
In conclusion, IECC was wonderful. I met some incredible people, learned a whole lot, observed some great bugs, and traveled to some really beautiful places. I would love to attend again in 2020. There is really something to be said about being surrounded by over a hundred like-minded people, all of whom share an interest and passion for bugs! A good percentage of those in attendance were in my age bracket (millennials), and at least half were women.
I collected several dozen insects, which over the course of the conference I pinned and labeled. Next comes the hard part, identification, but it will be a fun challenge.
Up next: the bugs of August!
Bug Talk 