As many of you are now aware, the International Sea Turtle Society Symposium for 2024 is being planned for Pattaya, Thailand. Those of you who recently attended the enjoyable Symposium in Cartagena and were present for the announcement, know the excitement that was generated around bringing the ISTS Symposium back to Southeast Asia for only the second time in history (it was held by Nick Pilcher in Malaysia in 2003), and for the first time in the country of Thailand. We’re hoping for wide representation from many of the Southeast Asian and Pacific Island nations who are often unable to attend the symposia when held in the United States, Europe, or Central America.

At the meetings in Cartagena, we announced the dates for the Thailand meetings would be March 17 – 22, 2024. However, as a result of a conflict with a large, city-wide music festival taking over Pattaya, we’re making a slight change in our dates to avoid the large crowds, road closures, overcrowded restaurants, and limited beach access during that time. At the encouragement of the Pattaya Mayor and our Dusit Thani hotel venue, we’re moving the ISTS to one week later. Our new dates will be March 24 – 29, 2024. Please make note of this change of date, and share with all your sea turtle networks, students, and friends.

The organization of the meetings and social events are well underway, and my team and I look forward to welcoming you all to Thailand for what is sure to be an incredible experience at our 42^nd ISTS Symposium, March 24 – 29, 2024. Make sure to book several extra days before or after the conference so you can take in other areas around Thailand while you’re in the country. You’ll enjoy the culture, people, travel, and food, and have memories for a lifetime!

I look forward to seeing you at the 42^nd ISTS in Pattaya, Thailand!

Cheers,

Steve