2026 S.C. Marine Educators Association Conference
November 6th - 8th, 2026 in Charleston, SC
S.C. Department of Natural Resources: Marine Resources Research Institute (Fort Johnson)
217 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
S.C. Department of Natural Resources: Marine Resources Research Institute (Fort Johnson)
217 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
Lessons from the Lowcountry: Changing Coasts and Cultural Connections
This year’s conference theme, Lessons from the Lowcountry: Changing Coasts and Cultural Connections centers on how we educate about our dynamic coastal ecosystems, and the connection to our cultural histories of the Lowcountry.
Call for Presenters
We welcome abstract and session proposals for our 2026 Conference from those who support the field of marine education including formal and nonformal educators, science communicators, researchers, and professionals. Sessions will be organized to follow themes, but we welcome a wide range of topics that support the communication and teaching of marine science topics. We additionally encourage presentations that highlight connecting our natural and cultural histories.
Proposal Options Include:
Call for presenters will close on Sunday, September 13th, 2026 at Midnight.
Presenters will be notified by October 1st, 2026 of acceptance and receive a $25 discount code for registration. Presenters must be current SCMEA members, but you may renew your membership at the time of registration. More information about registration tiers are below.
Proposal Options Include:
- Oral Presentation: 15 Minute time slots. We recommend aiming for 12 minutes for your presentation with 3 minutes for questions.
- Workshop Presentation: Select between 30 minutes or 1 hour for a hands-on demo or activity presentation. We recommend this format if you would like to engage attendees with an activity or resource. STEAM activities are strongly encouraged!
- Poster Presentation: Present a project, lesson, resource, and more with a poster presentation!
Call for presenters will close on Sunday, September 13th, 2026 at Midnight.
Presenters will be notified by October 1st, 2026 of acceptance and receive a $25 discount code for registration. Presenters must be current SCMEA members, but you may renew your membership at the time of registration. More information about registration tiers are below.
2026 Registration Rates
Registration is scheduled to open on Monday, July 13th, 2026 and will close on Friday, October 30th, 2026.
For any questions regarding registration rates, please contact us at: [email protected]
For any questions regarding registration rates, please contact us at: [email protected]
Current Members
Standard Member Rate - $125.00
Member Presenter Rate* - $100.00
Student Member Rate** - $65.00
Student Member Presenter Rate* - $40.00
Non-Members or Member Renewal
Standard Rate with Membership Renewal - $150.00
Standard Rate with Membership Renewal, Presenter* - $125.00
Student Rate** with Membership Renewal - $75.00
Student Rate** with Membership Renewal, Presenter* - $50.00
Standard Rate Non-Member - $160.00
Student Rate Non-Member** - $85.00
Saturday Banquet Guest Ticket(s)
Silent Auction and Dinner Ticket - $40.00
Standard Member Rate - $125.00
Member Presenter Rate* - $100.00
Student Member Rate** - $65.00
Student Member Presenter Rate* - $40.00
Non-Members or Member Renewal
Standard Rate with Membership Renewal - $150.00
Standard Rate with Membership Renewal, Presenter* - $125.00
Student Rate** with Membership Renewal - $75.00
Student Rate** with Membership Renewal, Presenter* - $50.00
Standard Rate Non-Member - $160.00
Student Rate Non-Member** - $85.00
Saturday Banquet Guest Ticket(s)
Silent Auction and Dinner Ticket - $40.00
*Presenters will be notified of acceptance of proposals by October 1st, 2026 and receive a discount code to receive $25 off of registration.
**For Student Rate, please use your email address associated with your institution.
**For Student Rate, please use your email address associated with your institution.
Included in Conference Registration
Friday, November 6th, 2026
Sunday, November 8th, 2026
- Welcome event on James Island from 6 pm - 8 pm (stay tuned for official location announcement!)
- Conference day at S.C. Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Research Institute
- Keynote speaker, concurrent presentations, and poster session
- Conference day meals, including a light breakfast and lunch, and
- Evening banquet with silent auction at SCDNR's Outdoor Classroom overlooking the Charleston Harbor*. *Guest tickets for folks not registered for the conference are available for $40/person.
Sunday, November 8th, 2026
- Optional FREE post-conference field trips in the Charleston area. Stay tuned for more info!