TCS 21

Conference Evaluations
TCS Planning Committee Responds to TCS20 Evaluations

You’ve just spend several days at a conference presenting a paper or poster, listening to talks on innovative ideas and solutions to coastal management issues, meeting new people and reacquainting with old friends, and while there were so many highlights there were just a couple aspects about the event, facility, or program that drove you crazy. Luckily, the conference planners have a survey for you to fill out and provide feedback. Next year you attend again, anticipating some changes based on your comments and ideas. But alas, you are still rushed through your presentation and there isn’t a single vegetarian item on the lunch menu.

Does this scenario sound familiar?

Well, you’re in for a surprise. The Planning Committee for TCS 21 has listened and is taking into consideration many of the comments and suggestions offered by TCS 20 participants. Below are just a few ways that your comments have helped shape TCS 21.

Last year’s evaluation responses included some great suggestions for concurrent session topics at future TCS conferences. Many of them are part of TCS 21. These include:

International Practices, Case Studies, and Trends;
Invasive Species Management;
Human Dimensions of CZM;
Ports and Harbors Issues;
Climate Change and Impacts;
Marine Protected Areas and Sanctuaries; and
Appling coastal/ocean data to policy (Early Warning Systems for Coastal Ecosystems).

Respondents also suggested Workshop topics such as “professional development or training strategies;” TCS 21 offers “Take the Challenge to be a Leader in Coastal Management” workshop on Sunday afternoon.
You asked for “Coastal Hazards” and “Global Climate Change,” we responded with “Coastal Resiliency” which will address community preparedness for the risks associated with coastal hazards and climate change.

The theme throughout many of the evaluations was “more time for discussion.” TCS 21 responded with several more Panel-type sessions than we’ve ever had. The panelists will provide topic background information, case studies, and lessons learned. Discussion will follow allowing for more audience participation and in-depth exploration of the topics. Be sure to check out the panels on wave energy, coastal erosion, financing coastal protection and management, area-based management, and the human dimensions in the coastal zone.

The selection of field trips that will be offered provides both educational and recreational opportunities- as requested on last year’s evaluation. Interested in working waterfronts? Take the tour of the Port of Los Angeles- the busiest seaport complex in the U.S. See the results of a long-term restoration project at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Wondering if your pants will still fit after two receptions, sit down lunches, and cocktails on the beach? Get a head start kayaking, surfing, or biking along the Santa Monica Bay Bike Path. You asked for it. We got it!

Also in response to very thoughtful comments on last year’s evaluations, TCS 21 is going to be Greener than Ever! This year, we are off-setting our carbon footprint. We are also working with the hotel on several additional green initiatives. The Green Committee is making a special effort to coordinate with the hotel to serve a larger variety of healthy food options including offering more sustainable choices such as locally and sustainably grown, raised, and caught food items. See the Reduced Ecological Impact webpage for more information.

So while the Planning Committee can’t promise you’ll get “more hugs from Paul” (yes, that was a comment), we are trying to plan a conference that will exceed all of your expectations. Please be sure to fill out this year’s evaluation so we can assure you a fabulous experience at TCS 22 as well.