Social & networking events
SUNDAY May 17
WELCOME RECEPTION
The SFS 2026 Welcome Reception is the perfect opportunity to catch up, network, and set the tone for the conference ahead.
When: 6:30 PM Sunday, May 17, 2026
Where: Exhibition/Poster Hall, Spokane Convention Center
Cost: Included in your registration fee. Please RSVP via the registration page to confirm your attendance.
Global Connections International Mixer
The International Coordination Committee (ICC) and the Student Resources Committee (SRC) International Committee are co-hosting this International Mixer. This event will feature various interactive networking games, in order to create a welcoming, structured, and fun environment for international attendees and all SFS members interested in building global connections in freshwater science. Pre-registration is required.
When: 6:30 PM Sunday, May 17, 2026
Where: Spokane Convention Center
Cost: Included in your registration fee. Please RSVP via the registration page to confirm your attendance.
tuesDAY May 19
5KM FUN RUN
The 5km Fun Run is a long-standing tradition at the SFS Annual Meeting and all are welcome to participate - whether it’s your 100th run or first run! The 5km route is a loop following Riverfront Park and Centennial paved trails. The start/finish line will be at the river-side grassy area behind the Doubletree Hilton Hotel at the Spokane Convention Center. Easy access for conference attendees, so your friends and colleagues can cheer you on!
When: 6:30 AM marshalling for a 7:00 AM start time, Tuesday May 19, 2026
Where: River-side grassy area behind the Doubletree Hilton Hotel
Cost: US$45/runner and includes a piece of Fun Run swag, bibs, and access to water stations along the route
What to bring: smiles, runners, appropriate clothing and sunscreen or a hat (if the weather is nice)
You can register through the registration portal and spaces are limited, so register early to secure your spot.
If you are interested in participating (and receiving a free swag item), but don’t want to run, we need a few volunteers to assist at the water station, bag security etc. Please contact Shannon Claeson if you’d like to volunteer.
Early-Career Networking Mixer and Professional Development Panel
Are you looking for your next position? About to graduate with your terminal degree? The SFS Early Career Committee invites all SFS 2026 attendees to participate in a free evening mixer and panel event focused on recruitment and professional development. Join us for a peer-to-peer networking event followed by panels on job searching, application materials, and different pathways for finding your next science home. Light hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
This event is free to attend, but spaces are limited, please ensure you RSVP.
When: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Tuesday May 19, 2026
Where: Spokane Convention Centre
Cost: Free to attend, however places are limited. Please RSVP via the registration page to confirm your attendance.
WEDNESDAY May 20
Queer Social
This Queer Social event is an opportunity for identifying individuals to connect in a relaxed, safe environment. All career stages are welcomed and encouraged to join, and we hope to cultivate conversations about queerness in the field of freshwater science. We ask that allies respect this as a safe space.
When: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM, Wednesday May 20, 2026
Where: Spokane Convention Centre
Cost: Free to attend for students. Please RSVP via the registration page to confirm your attendance.
BIPOC Talking CIRCLE
This BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) event is intended to create a safe space for identifying members to connect and share their experiences as marginalized members within freshwater sciences. Meet other BIPOC scientists and use this time to reflect on your experiences back home and at the conference. We ask that allies respect this as a safe space.
When: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Wednesday May 20, 2026
Where: Spokane Convention Centre
Cost: Free to attend for students. Please RSVP via the registration page to confirm your attendance.
offsite evening social
Join us for a night to remember as we celebrate SFS 2026 with an unforgettable evening of food, drinks, music and creative vibes! This casual social is your chance to connect with fellow attendees in a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to network, unwind or put your creative eye to use, this is the place to be.
When: 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM, Wednesday May 20, 2026
Where: Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
Cost: US$25/person
Monday May 18
SFS SRC Orientation and Breakfast
The Society for Freshwater Science (SFS) Student Resources Committee (SRC) invites all student delegates to a student-centered orientation and breakfast. Learn about SFS, the SRC, how we serve the student members of SFS, and the various activities (e.g., student-mentor mixer, live auction, virtual events) we host. Meet other student delegates and get some helpful tips on how to make the most out of the conference. Undergraduate and graduate students from all societies are welcome.
When: 7.00 AM - 8.30 AM Monday, May 18, 2026
Where: Spokane Convention Centre
Cost: Free to attend for students. Please RSVP via the registration page to confirm your attendance.
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 PM Monday, May 18, 2026
Where: Venue to be advised
Cost: Free to attend for students and mentors. Please RSVP via the registration page to confirm your attendance.