CONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY

Our conference aims to push boundaries and will be more inclusive than ever!

Marine mammal science is only strengthened by the participation of people representing all ages, career stages, races, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, physical abilities, as well as national, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.

The SMM is dedicated to enhancing accessibility and diversity in its members and conference attendees.

ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES

CONVENTION CENTER

The Palm Beach County Convention Center makes every effort to accommodate patrons with disabilities and to adhere to all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2010. Their staff will happily work with you to assist patrons and to address any questions or issues that arise.

For the safety and comfort of all our visitors, animals are not permitted in the PBCCC except in conjunction with an approved exhibit or a display or performance that requires the use of an animal. Guide, signal, or service animals (as defined by Law) are allowed in the PBCCC. Customers are responsible for obtaining all appropriate permits in the case of approved animals and are responsible for the sanitary needs for those animals.

During the conference, a “Resting” Room for prayer and meditation and we will also have a “Forage Grounds” for food purchase throughout the day. The “Rookery” room is for those attendees with children of a wide age range, as well as breastfeeding mothers. If parents require special passes for caregivers or partners not participating in the conference, please contact conference@marinemammalscience.org for more information.

FRAGRANCE SENSITIVITIES

As attendees to our conference may experience multiple chemical sensitivities, we ask all attendees to please refrain from wearing all perfumes and use fragrance-free, unscented personal care products for the duration of our conference.

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

SMM will offer an assortment of food & beverage options during the conference to try and accommodate individuals with dietary restrictions.  Unfortunately with over 100 food allergies and countless diet trends SMM is not able to cater to each individual attendee’s requests.  We appreciate your understanding!

ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATIONS

All of the hotels participating in the official SMM2022 hotel block provide a number of options for guests with accessibility needs. If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the hotel directly using the information on the reservation site.

 

We are committed to providing accessibility enhancements to our conference, such as sign language interpreters, accessible transportation, mobility devices, and an accessibility information desk.

Additionally, our virtual conference platform will allow for thousands of marine mammal scientists and enthusiasts that have previously been unable to participate. SMM2022 will reflect the Society’s true desire to make the conference accessible and inclusive to the widest audience.

"In a sea of change, be the change you wish to see."