Our vision is to set a new benchmark for the sustainability of SMM conferences. We are committed to sourcing ethical goods and services for delegates, eliminate single use plastics and to minimize waste. We are also mindful of the carbon footprint associated with conferences and have secured $25,000 AUD to offset carbon emissions resulting from our community coming together. Our scientific program will focus on contemporary issues including human dimensions, climate change and the development of new technology that can also reduce potential impacts of our research.

The SMM is dedicated to enhancing diversity in its membership, leadership, and readership.

The society recognizes that the field of marine mammal science is only strengthened by the participation of people representing all ages, career stages and professional status, races, national, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, and physical abilities. We have a dedicated DEI coordinator that will ensure all aspects of our conference align with our DEI vision. We have already secured $125,000 AUD for a student and developing country delegate bursary and are committed to cater for delegates travelling with their children. We have appointed a coordinator who will assist families in their travel planning. In fact, we encourage delegates to combine the conference with a bucket-list family holiday to Australia.