Social Events

Welcome Reception

The SFS 2025 Welcome Reception is the perfect opportunity to catch up, network, and set the tone for the conference ahead.

When: Sunday May 18

Where: Puerto Rico Convention Centre

Cost: Included in your registration fee. Please RSVP via the registration page to confirm your attendance.

SFS Student Resources Committee Orientation and Breakfast

Students, please join the Student Resource Committee (SRC) for our student orientation. Learn about the SRC’s activities (e.g. live auction, silent auction, student-mentor mixer), opportunities to get involved in the society, and how to have a rewarding meeting experience. We will also seek nominations for leadership and committee positions. 

When: 7:00 - 8:30 AM, Monday May 19

Where: Ground Floor Cafe, Puerto Rico Convention Centre

Cost: Free. Please RSVP via the registration page to confirm your attendance. Undergraduate and graduate students from all societies are welcome.

SFS Committees Lunch Meeting

Committee members will gather for their annual planning meeting. Committees include: Board of Directors, Executive, Finance, Board of Trustees of the Endowment, Journal Endowment, Election and Place, Awards Selection, Long Range Planning, Annual Meeting, Publications, Communications, Constitutional Revision, Student Resources, Early Career Development, Taxonomic Certification, Science and Policy, International Coordination, Conservation and Environmental Issues, Education, and Membership and Data. The event also provides an opportunity for SFS members interested in committee service to learn about each committee’s work from SFS leadership and committee chairs and current members.

When: Monday May 19, 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Where: Puerto Rico Convention Centre

Cost: Free. Please RSVP via the registration page to confirm your attendance. Open to members of the standing and special committees of the Society for Freshwater Science and all those interested in SFS committee service.

Student-Mentor Mixer

The student-mentor mixer is designed to facilitate interactions between students and experienced professionals. Mentors may include aquatic science professors, research associates, post-doctoral researchers, government employees, and private consultants. This mixer provides students a great opportunity to network and engage in lively conversation with mentors and peers in a relaxed environment. Each student will be assigned to a mentor. Pre-registration is required. 

When: 6:00 - 8:00PM, Monday May 19

Where: Puerto Rico Convention Centre

Cost: Free to register for students and mentors. Please RSVP via the registration page to confirm your attendance.

Live Auction

Join us on Tuesday, May 20th at 8:00 pm, following the Endowment reception, for a live auction of crafts, swag, and more donated by fellow SFS members! The Live Auction will be followed by musical bingo! All proceeds will benefit the SRC and fund student opportunities.

When: 8:00PM onwards, Tuesday May 20

Where: El Mirador, Sheraton Hotel

Cost: Free entry, drinks at bar prices

Silent Auction

Check out this year’s SRC silent auction with an assortment of books available, ranging from classic freshwater science works to brand new titles. Payment for items will be collected Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the Silent Auction table! All proceeds will benefit the SRC and funding student opportunities.

When: Sunday May 18 - Wednesday May 21

Where: Exhibition/Poster Hall, Puerto Rico Convention Centre

5km Fun Run

Registration will include a fun run swag and timing equipment to record your run. Route detail and further information will be available closer to the meeting. 

When: Tuesday May 20, Morning

Where: to be advised

Cost: USD $40.00

SFS Membership Business Lunch

SFS leadership–including outgoing and incoming officers–will discuss the Society’s work over the past year. Other agenda items include approval of business meeting minutes and membership votes.

When: Tuesday May 20, 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Where: Puerto Rico Convention Centre

Cost: Free. Please RSVP via the registration page to confirm your attendance. Open to all members of the Society for Freshwater Science.

Evening social

Details to come

When: Wednesday May 21

Where: The Terrace, Puerto Rico Convention Centre

Cost: USD $25.00 includes catering and 2 beverage tickets