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STUDENT REGISTRATION
$250
$50-off early bird rates are in effect through August 21.
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
$300
$50-off early bird rates are in effect through August 21.
Where Virginia's Coastal Future Takes Shape
October 14-15, 2026 | Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront
A regional event for undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, and university partners, the 2026 Coastal Leadership Conference seeks to spark scientific and professional imaginations, highlight cutting-edge research, and expand professional networking channels.
With innovative research, communication strategies, and insights into the science-policy interface, the conference is a forum for researchers, policymakers, resource managers, and employers. Attendees will be able to engage with other professionals from nonprofit organizations, private industry, as well as state and federal agencies.
The Virginia Sea Grant 2026 Coastal Leadership Conference will feature breakout sessions held over two days. Each session will be led by expert instructors or offer insights from thought-leading and influential panelists. You will learn about:
- Science communication
- Leadership at different levels
- Designing for resilience
- Putting science into action
- Research and wellness
- Community engagement
Speakers and session descriptions will be announced as the schedule is finalized. Follow us on social media so you don’t miss any important announcements!
Group rate sponsorships available for academic departments and student organizations.
Academic departments and student organizations that wish to register groups of five students receive $100 off the total early-bird student rate and $350 off the regular rate. This sponsorship package will continue to be available after the early-bird deadline and includes sponsor recognition on Coastal Leadership Conference materials. Learn more about purchasing a student group sponsor package.
Speakers, Panelists, and Presentations
Keynote Speaker
Virginia Sea Grant takes an outside-of-the-box approach when it comes to science and collaboration. VASG is always interested in making new connections and sparking new ideas, and our Coastal Leadership Conference presents an opportunity to hear a variety of fresh and new perspectives from outside of the science community. Past keynote speakers have highlighted creative dimensions within science communication, the performing arts, and the social sciences. Our conference speaker will be announced this summer. Check back for more information!
Research Presentations
A competition featuring Lightning talks delivered by some of Virginia’s top students. These multidisciplinary talks focus on the power of ideas to inspire innovative thinking and change the world. Audience members vote to determine which speaker has the best presentation.
Poster Presentations
Posters will be judged on effectiveness of infographics, images, and overall design. Explain your research in a 5-7-minute presentation during the poster session. Prizes will be awarded for the best-designed posters, voted on by VASG staff and conference attendees.
Panels and Sessions
Our two-day workshop program will help you gain insights into multiple areas of research, career paths inside and outside of academia, and science communication. We welcome proposals from all who work in marine and coastal research, design, and education.
“As an early graduate student, I found the VASG Symposium to be a welcoming and relaxing experience to talk about my own research and learn about the research of other students. The feedback was great and really helped me think more about how my research would be used in Virginia and beyond.”
SHELBY WHITE
Marine Business Specialist,Virginia Institute of Marine Science Marine Advisory Program
conference sponsors
Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor
Support Virginia Sea Grant and let us connect you with a highly talented group of students and professionals.
“It was such an open, welcoming room—it didn't feel at all intimidating or competitive. It was a community of scientists and graduate students that were enthusiastic to talk about issues and learn things.”
A.J. JOHNSON
Ph.D. Student, Biological Sciences