Welcome to Atlantic City
Sunday, August 19, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Hard Rock Seminole Ballroom, The Famous Steel Pier, and Beach at the Famous Steel Pier
Come visit with colleagues and old friends on the 2nd floor* of the newly opened Hard Rock Seminole Ballroom to kick off the 2018 AFS meeting! When entering Hard Rock from Boardwalk, take escalator to your left just beyond glass door entrance.
After networking and dinner in the Ballroom, kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes on one of New Jersey’s finest beaches or wander on to the historic Steel Pier. The Pier, built in 1898, has one of the best views in town and is Atlantic City’s oldest theme park. We will have a variety of treats available on the Pier, but if you are in search of quieter place for networking, the Grand Ballroom will be available throughout this event.
Tradeshow and Poster Networking Event
Monday, August 20, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Atlantic City Convention Center – Exhibit Halls
At the end of the first exciting day filled with plenary sessions and professional presentations, mingle with businesses providing the latest technology and tools used in fisheries science, explore what local crafters have to offer, and discuss the projects and findings of over 100 poster displays with their presenters. This is a great opportunity to meet contracts, learn new things, and come up with ideas, while also sampling some great food and beverages provided for meeting attendees.
Student Networking Event
Tuesday, August 21, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Claridge Grand Ballroom
Come network with professionals, fellow students, and test your luck on games of chance at this 1920s themed event! Dressing to the theme is encouraged, but not mandatory. The Claridge, also known as the “Skyscraper by the Sea,” has décor styled after the Boardwalk Empire era, which will bring you back to the time when icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra walked the halls of The Claridge themselves. This atmosphere combined with the games of chance provided by Tumbling Dice and the opportunity to interact with professionals and peers will make for a show stopping networking event you do not want to miss! Students will receive a catered meal including a free drink.
Grand Networking Event
Wednesday, August 22, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Bally’s Beach Patio
A casual night outdoors, viewing the ocean on Bally’s Beach Patio, is the perfect way to relax after a long day of being indoors. Within walking distance from the Convention Center and host hotels, Bally’s Beach Patio is next to Atlantic City’s famous boardwalk. The boardwalk was built in 1870, is about four miles long, and is home to Miss America’s annual Show Us Your Shoes Parade. The Grand Networking Event’s menu was specially designed by Bally’s chef and will feature distinctive foods including items such as slider bars, carving stations, and gourmet desserts. And we’ll cap off the evening with a fun fireworks show. It’s an event that’s sure to impress and provides a unique opportunity to converse with fisheries colleagues from around the world.
** In the event of inclement weather, this event will be moved to a private room inside Bally’s Resorts. It is the Resort’s policy to not allow guests under the age of 21 into this venue, so alternate arrangements have been made at Buca Di Beppo (https://www.bucadibeppo.com/), also inside Bally’s, for any minors attending the AFS conference if we have to move indoors.