gulfofmaine
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule of events:
 

Tentative meeting schedule is included in our Schedule at a Glance

Detailed schedule of events:

  • Monday, July 23: Downeast Welcome Day
    • Morning: Arrival in Portland. We will greet you at the airport if you fly into Portland.
      NMEA board meeting starts at 8am.
    • Afternoon: More arrivals, registration, and settling in.
    • Evening:
      • “WELCOME TO DOWNEAST DINNER.” (Lobster Rolls, Seafood Chowder, Salad, Blueberry Cobbler) **
      • Downeast Welcome and Orientation in University of Southern Maine's beautiful new Abromson Auditorium. Welcoming speakers will include Olympic Gold Medalist/Clean Ocean activist Joan Benoit Samuelson and Casco Baykeeper Joe Payne, followed by Stegner Lecture Concert by Schooner Fare.
  • Tuesday, July 24: Gulf of Maine Day
    • Morning: Keynote Address in the Abromson Auditorium- Dynamic UMaine Scientist Bob Steneck will kick off the Conference, followed by Concurrent Sessions throughout the day at USM.
    • Afternoon: Concurrent Sessions
    • Late afternoon: (tentative) Roger Payne and Lisa Harrow of the SeaChange Institute will give a special presentation to close afternoon.
    • Evening: PORTLAND MUSEUM OF ART. Enjoy an incredible underwater slideshow presentation from world-renowned National Geographic Underwater Photographer Bill Curtsinger followed by a scrumptious Buffet dinner. The Museum is a cultural treasure featuring a wondrous collection of Winslow Homer water-oriented art.
  • Wednesday, July 25: Stewardship Day
    • Morning: Keynote presentation in the Abromson Auditorium: Enjoy an inspirational Rachael Carson theatrical performance by Kaiulani Lee, followed by Concurrent Sessions.
    • Afternoon:
      • Concurrent Sessions
      • 4:30 - 5:45: Presidents' Circle
    • Evening: Gather at SMCC for a Downeast Lobster Bake on the ocean (veggie/vegan fare will also be served). There will be free tours of the Portland Harbor Museum, beverages in the Mr. and Mrs. Fish Building, and beach and lighthouse walks. The Twister contest will make its reappearance, and for 140 people who sign up when registering, enjoy a Shakespeare play on the beach.
  • Thursday, July 26: Field Trip Day
    • Morning/Afternoon: Field Trips will depart from SMCC. Some will be half day. Some will be full day. Bag Lunches will be provided as needed.
    • Evening:
      • At 5:00 the Eastland Park Hotel Lobby, the wonderful ballroom will be filled with Exhibitors and NMEA folks who would like the opportunity to showcase their organizations. There will not be a formal dinner served but tables of fresh vegetables, fruit, cheeses, and wonderful appetizers will be available throughout the evening as well as lots of fun beverages. The silent auction tables will also be open at this time in the main ballroom. At 7:30 a joyful party will commence disguised as an auction. There will be fun, laughter, silliness, and lots of community building taking place. An actual auction may happen but the emphasis is on “FUN” and Community Building. GOMMEA’s “Mr. Fish” will serve as Party Master, Community Builder, and Auctioneer. You have heard of American Idol? Wait until you experience NMEA Idol! This will be a great time and maybe raise a few dollars for scholarships too.
  • Friday, July 27: Grande Finale Day
    • Morning: “Perfect Storm” Swordfish Boat Captain and best-selling Author (Hungry Ocean) Linda Greenlaw will Keynote the opening session. Concurrent Sessions in the morning.
    • New NMEA Board meeting
    • Afternoon: Conference “Grand Finale” in the Abromson Auditorium which will include a rousing NMEA meeting, complete with awards, next year’s Conference presentation, etc. The meeting will then culminate with a laughter-filled show by brilliant Maine Humorist Tim Sample who will have folks rolling in the aisles.
    • Evening:The “Grand Finale” pretty much ends the Conference, but NMEA folks can choose to board one of our three chartered boats for a delightful cruise as icing on the cake to a wonderful Conference experience.
  • ** Additional Notes :
    • Housing will be at the Eastland Hotel and at SMCC.
    • Transportation from the Eastland and SMCC to all major events will be provided by GOMMEA. Anyone staying elsewhere is on their own for transportation.
    • Meals will all include a healthy variety of vegetarian and vegan selections in addition to the featured menu.
    • A Concierge committee will be available to advise participants and families who wish to come early or stay late on where to go and what to do.