2027 NAME Conference
July 23–25, 2027 | Nanaimo, BC
Join the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators for connection, learning, and discovery at the 2027 NAME Annual Conference, happening July 23-25, 2027. Educators, researchers, students, and resource professionals from across the Pacific Northwest are invited to gather at Vancouver Island University, nestled between Mount Benson and the Strait of Georgia in Nanaimo, British Columbia. The conference will feature plenary sessions, workshops, presentations, field experiences, social events, and plenty of opportunities to meet and network.
Conference Location
Located on the traditional territories of the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as, Qualicum and K’ómoks First Nations, Nanaimo and the surrounding watersheds offer many opportunities to explore and learn about coastal dynamics, including the impacts of climate change and the connections between our fresh and saltwater communities. In this beautiful island location, you will have the opportunity to discover and share new curriculum opportunities, experiences, programs, lessons, and educational resources for students of all ages and educational settings.
A highlight of this year’s conference will a day spent at VIU’s Deep Bay Marine Field Station, a research station dedicated to sustainable shellfish aquaculture (oysters and other species), kelp forest restoration, and marine science.
Before or after the conference, extend your island experience by exploring nearby natural areas, such as Buttertubs Marsh, the Morrell Nature Sanctuary, Neck Point Park, Piper’s Lagoon Park, Petroglyph Provincial Park, Englishman River Regional Park, Moorecroft Regional Park, Mount Benson Regional Park, and Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.
Come Find Your People!
We invite anyone who has a passion for water and believes that every human on earth should be water-literate, that using the allure of water enriches and facilitates learning, and that sharing our knowledge and experience with others creates a community of informed stewards to participate in NAME and this conference. We welcome:
- Formal and informal educators
- Researchers and scientists with interest in ocean and aquatic education
- Undergraduate and graduate students
- Resource managers and professionals
- Anyone interested in aquatic and marine education
Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators (NAME) is a dynamic organization of professionals dedicated to sharing the world of water by connecting, engaging and supporting people of all ages and backgrounds to learn and teach about freshwater and ocean ecosystems. Our goal is to help create a world where communities respect, experience and share the wonders of healthy ocean and freshwater ecosystems, and work towards the sustainability of these ecosystems.
Stay in Touch
NAME members are the first to receive updates about the 2027 NAME Conference in Nanaimo, BC. If you’re not a member yet but would like to stay informed about the conference, please complete and submit the form below. (This email list is for conference updates only and does not enroll you as a NAME member.)