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Southeastern Fishes Council
52nd Annual Meeting
18-20 November 2026
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
Jackson, MS
We're excited to invite the SFC membership to Jackson, MS for the 52nd annual meeting of the Southeastern Fishes Council held at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, 2148 Riverside Dr. Jackson, MS 39202.
Meeting Space Details
Established in 1932, MMNS serves as the state's non-game and endangered species program and maintains biological collections including amphibians, reptiles, birds, freshwater mollusks, mammals, plants, crayfish, paleontology, and of course... fish! Since last hosting in 2016, MMNS has undergone several renovation projects including modernized meeting spaces, updated exhibits, a new giftshop, and an award-winning playground. During breaks, feel free to step outside and enjoy over 2.5 miles of trails along the banks of the Pearl River and through LeFleur's Bluff State Park.
Thursday and Friday's oral and lightning presentations will take place upstairs in the theatre at MMNS which accommodates approximately 200 people. Also available to membership is an overflow room that accommodates an additional 50 people where we will be live-streaming presentations.
Agenda
The agenda will include a Wednesday evening social at a local brewery followed by 2 days of presentation sessions and a Thursday evening poster social located at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Friday we will offer a lightning talk session of 5-minute talks with the business meeting and student awards to follow.
Hotel Information
Click to Reserve Room at Special Rate
A special group block rate of $163/night + tax (breakfast included + free parking) has been secured for members at Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson Fondren Medical District (Click for Hotel Amenities). The hotel is an 8-minute drive from MMNS and is located within the historic Fondren District within walking distance of several taverns and restaurants. While double-queen suites are available (sleeps 6), they're limited. The majority of rooms are single-king suites (sleeps 4). All rooms include a convertible sleeping sofa and full kitchen. When booking, please use compatible browsers such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari to receive the discounted rate by following the reservation link above. The last day to reserve in the block is 18 October 2026.
Pre-meeting Workshop
Space for a Wednesday morning workshop has been reserved at MMNS. If membership is interested in a workshop, please reach out to Calvin Rezac (calvin.rezac@mmns.sm.gov) with any ideas or suggestions.
Social Information
Click for Fertile Ground Website
Wednesday night's no-host social will take place starting around 6 pm at Fertile Ground Beer Co. located at 800 Manship St., Ste. 101, Jackson, MS 39202. Non-beer and non-acholic beverages are also available for purchase. No food will be provided but there are lots of options within walking distance nearby and food is welcome inside the taproom (Click for Food Options). Reserved seating for membership will be available as well as outdoor patio seating. Please car pool or find safe transportation.
Thursday night's poster social will be hosted at MMNS at 6 pm. Shuttle services will only be provided from Homewood Suites and back. Dinner will be catered by Pig & Pint which offers award-winning BBQ and craft beverages. Vegetarian and vegan options will be available, but please reach out to us so we can accommodate any dietary restrictions (calvin.rezac@mmns.ms.gov). While supporting student led research, please feel free to roam the museum's temporary and permanent exhibits and explore our 10,000-gallon aquarium network. This fall our traveling exhibit will feature nature themed art sculptures and interactive activities using LEGO bricks (Click for more Info). Museum educators will be available with some of our educational outreach animals. Natural science collection tours will be scheduled and led by museum staff.
Saturday Field Trip
Logistics and location TBD at a later date.
Registration, Abstracts, and Key Dates
A call for abstracts and registration details will be at a later date. Look for an email to follow.
Abstract submission deadline Friday 2 October
Early Registration deadline Friday 9 October
Late Registration deadline Friday 13 November, with higher cost for walk-up registration
Special Homewood Suites room block deadline Sunday 18 October
Meeting Sponsor and Vendor Information
If you'd like to be a sponsor or vendor at the meeting, please contact Calvin Rezac (calvin.rezac@mmns.ms.gov).
Recommended Food Options and Activities
Will be updated at a later date.
Call for Auction Items
We'll be holding a silent auction, so please begin to gather items, and consider donating to support student travel awards.
Lifetime Achievement Award Nominations
Please consider nominating your fellow colleagues and mentors. Look for an email to follow with more specifics.
Questions or Concerns?
We'd like to be as accommodating as possible to those with any disabilities, special needs, or dietary restrictions but please give us plenty of notice ahead of time. We cannot accommodate if not given appropriate heads up. Contact Calvin Rezac (calvin.rezac@mmns.ms.gov) with any special requests.
