Call for Symposia
NZES and SCBO invite members—and the wider New Zealand ecological community—to submit symposium proposals by 10 April.
Anyone wishing to present within an accepted symposium will need to submit an abstract. The call for abstracts opens in May.
What is a symposium?
A symposium (also referred to as a special session, themed session, or focused session) is a curated, pre-organised segment of the conference built around a clearly defined topic or emerging area of interest. Unlike general sessions—which are assembled by the programme committee after abstract submission—symposia:
- Are proposed and organised in advance by one or more conveners
- Present a cohesive narrative, research theme, or sub-discipline
- May include invited speakers, contributed presentations, or a mix
- Are led by designated chairs, ensuring flow and integration
- Highlight topics that benefit from focused discussion and visibility
Photo courtesy of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited
Symposia provide depth in key areas, showcase new or developing research, and connect communities who might otherwise be spread across multiple general sessions.
Submission Guidelines
Proposals should include a description of 250 words or fewer outlining the purpose and focus of the symposium. Please include:
- Relevance to ecology, the conference community or conference theme
- Minimum / maximum size (number of talks or presenters)
- Any proposed presenters or contributors
- Any special requirements (e.g. non-standard AV or room needs)
How to Submit Your Proposal
- Proposals will be entered directly into the online submission form
- The title, leaders, symposium description, and presenters' email adrresses will be entered into separate fields
- Please ensure all text is prepared and ready to upload
Your Role as Symposium Organiser
If your symposium is accepted, you will be expected to take an active leadership role in coordinating and shaping the session. This includes:
- Reaching out to and encouraging participation from potential speakers
- Ensuring invited participants submit abstracts and register
- Reviewing submissions and advising preference
- Corresponding with event organisers to confirm the final line-up
- Chairing or helping with the selection of the symposium chair(s)
Co-organisers are welcome, but one person must act as the primary contact and facilitator.
After Acceptance
- All accepted symposia will be listed on the conference website and promoted by the conference
- When the call for abstracts opens in May 2026, presenters will be able to indicate whether their submission is intended for a specific symposium
- Symposium organisers will be asked to review all relevant abstracts following the abstract deadline, including additional general submissions that align with the theme
- In collaboration with the programme committee, organisers will confirm the final list of speakers
- Event organisers will send out acceptance notifications and release the detailed programme
Additional requirements
- Language: Submissions must be in English (or include an English version).
- Word Count: Maximum 250 words.
- Review & Notification: All proposals will be reviewed. You’ll receive an email (from nzes@confer.co.nz) with the outcome in late April.
- Registration: All symposium presenters must register and pay the conference fee. Presenter registrations must be completed by the early-bird deadline to ensure inclusion in the programme.
Contact
Conferences & Events Ltd
PO Box 24078, Manners Street, Wellington, 6011
+64 4 384 1511
www.confer.co.nz
nzes@confer.co.nz