AviChat
AviChat is an informal conference and networking event developed by the Young Professionals Advisory Council of Houston Audubon. The inaugural event was held during 2021 Houston Bird Week to great success, and we are excited to continue to grow AviChat as an inclusive space for people to share study findings/ ongoing conservation efforts and learn more about what is going on in the world of bird conservation research in Texas.
AviChat is purposely set up in two parts: 1) to host a series of brief science-based talks pertaining to bird conservation in Texas, with particular focus on the Texas Gulf Coast, and 2) a networking period to foster professional connections and conversation among people who could collaborate productively to further the mission of bird and wildlife conservation in our region.
Please email ypac@houstonaudubon.org with questions.
We’re currently looking for submissions to present your individual or organizational projects related to bird and/or land conservation, including both planned and completed research. Talks with a focus on the Upper Texas Coast will be given priority. Please select whether you would like to give a 5-minute lightning talk (best for planned research or research with limited data) or a 10-minute presentation (best for full, completed projects) on the form below.
Who Can be a Presenter?
Anyone with interest in Texas bird conservation and/or has any level of relevant research, conservation efforts, or experience they would like to share, to participate as either an attendee or apply to present for AviChat. We encourage people from all different backgrounds and industries to participate so we can have the opportunity to hear about different approaches and perspectives on bird conservation. AviChat can also provide a great platform for students to gain some public-speaking experience, share their ongoing research efforts, and meet others in academia/ industry fields.
How is Avichat formatted?
Presenters are allotted five- or ten-minute time slots. Depending on the number of presenters, presentations may run back to back with no time for questions until the break or social. We typically have presenters send their PowerPoints before the event to make setup more efficient and virtual presentations have been allowed in the past.