February 5–7, 2026 • Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock (Sedona, AZ)
The Program Committee for the 2026 Joint Annual Meeting (JAM) of the Arizona and New Mexico Chapters of The Wildlife Society and the American Fisheries Society invites you to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations.
This year’s theme, “Staying Relevant While Managing Fish and Wildlife,” highlights how conservation professionals across the Southwest are adapting and maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing environmental and social landscape.
Important Dates
- Abstract Submission Deadline: December 15, 2025
- Conference Dates: February 5–7, 2026
- Location: Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, Sedona, Arizona
Submission Details
We’re accepting abstracts for a wide range of fisheries and wildlife topics, including completed projects and works in progress.
Both professionals and students are encouraged to participate!
Oral Presentations
- Time: 20 minutes total (15-minute talk + 5-minute Q&A)
- A laptop PC and projector will be provided for PowerPoint presentations.
Poster Presentations
- Size limit: up to 32” × 44” (portrait or landscape)
- Each presenter will have a 4′ × 4′ space for setup and display.
- Posters must be assembled and removed by presenters; please bring your own push pins.
Student Awards
Students are strongly encouraged to participate!
Awards will be presented for:
- Best Student Paper (Graduate & Undergraduate) – Wildlife and Fisheries
- Best Student Poster (Graduate & Undergraduate) – Wildlife and Fisheries
Special Fisheries Sessions
We’re also hosting two focused symposia this year:
Sportfish Management in Arizona and New Mexico
Organized by Julie Carter (AZGFD)
Topics may include fisheries monitoring, adaptive stocking, hatchery modernization, invasive species management, and angler engagement.
Fish Habitat Management and Restoration in Arizona and New Mexico
Organized by Zach Beard (AZGFD)
Presentations may cover stream or reservoir restoration, habitat monitoring, fish barrier construction, and nonnative removal efforts.
To be considered for one of these sessions, indicate it in your submission and cc the session organizer listed in the Call for Papers PDF.
How to Submit
Please email your abstract (max 250 words) to the appropriate Program Chair by December 15, 2025.
Follow the formatting example in the Call for Papers PDF and include:
- Title
- Author(s), affiliation(s), and email(s)
- Abstract text (importance, methods, findings)
- Note whether you are a student and whether your submission is for an oral or poster presentation.
Download the full instructions and example format here:
Join Us in Sedona!
The Joint Annual Meeting is an excellent opportunity to share your work, connect with other professionals, and gain valuable presentation experience. Whether you’re a student, agency professional, or conservation partner, your participation helps make JAM one of the most collaborative and inspiring meetings in the Southwest.
We can’t wait to see your submissions and to see you in Sedona this February!