February 24, 2015 – Update

This is likely the last RAW website update before the conference commences next week.  It’s almost go time! 

Please visit our new “Things to Know” tab for information about conference check-in / registration times and locations. 

While we won’t be holding a formal evening event on Monday, March 2^nd, we encourage you to join us that night at Alvarado Street Brewery for dinner and/or drinks (at your own expense).  That night, we’ll be releasing the official RAW beer – 300 gallons of brew made in recognition of RAW 2015!  Make sure to call Alvarado at (831) 655-2337 if you want to sit down to dinner.  It will get crowded.  $3 pints of the RAW brew to all conference attendees! 

Don’t forget to pre-register for the lunchtime professional development session on Wednesday.  Registration for that session will be closing soon! 

We can’t wait to see you all in Monterey! 

Paul Clarkson
pclarkson@mbayaq.org

February 3, 2015 – Update

RAW is now a mere 27 days away! 

If you’d like to register for the Professional Development Session during lunch on Wednesday the 4^th, please follow the registration link to reserve your spot (and lunch) now!

http://secure4.gatewayticketing.com/MontereyBayAquarium/shop/ViewItems.aspx?Merchant=RAW&CG=RAW&C=RAW

The preliminary schedule of speakers and activities is now live on the “Schedule” and “Presentations” tabs here. 

Want to join our FREE whale-watching trip on Friday the 6^th?  Head to the “Activities” page to make your reservation!

January 16, 2015 – Update 

RAW registrations are SOLD OUT.  If you would like to be put on the waiting list in case we have cancellations, please email Janelle Riess at jriess@mbayaq.org 

If you have already registered for RAW and would like to add a registration for the professional development session on Wednesday the 4^th ($25) or purchase a T-shirt in advance ($15), you can still do so through the online registration process. 

The Monterey Marriott is SOLD OUT of discounted RAW hotel rooms.  Full rate rooms at the Marriott, however, may still be available.  Go to the TRAVEL & LODGING Tab for links to RAW discounted rooms at the Portola Hotel and Spa right next door.

January 14, 2015 – Update

Things are moving very quickly in the build-up to RAW 2105 and details are evolving daily. 

The Monterey Marriott RAW host hotel has sold out of discounted rate RAW rooms.  You can still make room reservations at the Marriott, but will be charged regular full fare room rates. 

We’re working on discounts for overflow rooms at neighboring hotels.  Check back for more details as they come together.  But if you’re looking for additional lodging right away, we’d recommend the Portola Hotel and Spa (right next door to the Marriott, for conference rate see Travel & Lodging page) or Casa Munras (.4 walkable miles away). 

Registrations for RAW are running out and we will likely be completely sold out within the next day or two.  Do not wait a second longer if you still haven’t registered! 

Look to our new “Activities” website tab for info and discounts on whale-watching, SCUBA diving, sail cruises and more!  We’ll continue to add to this page as more connections become available. 

6 weeks away!

December 31, 2014 – Update

Happy New Year!  We’re only a little over two months away from RAW 2015 in Monterey, CA.  If you haven’t registered or made your hotel reservations yet, please do so quickly.  We’re limiting registrations to 350 attendees and will most certainly sell out.  And the rooms at our host hotel are filling quickly. 

We’ve just added an exciting lunchtime professional development session on Wednesday, March 4^th.  You must register for this session to attend and there is an additional $25 registration fee to cover a provided lunch.  Go to the “Registration” tab and follow the link to the online registration form.  Already registered for RAW but want to attend the lunch session too?  Just go back to the registration page and add the session! 

We’ve just passed our deadline for abstract submissions and we’re putting together a fantastic list of speakers, presentations and posters.  Stay tuned as we put together our final program details. 

There’s more to do in Monterey than just RAW of course.  Come early or stay late if you can and see all that the area has to offer.  We’ll be posting some tips on local diving, kayaking, whale-watching and other great adventure opportunities here soon. 

Any questions?  Let us know! 

Paul Clarkson
Monterey Bay Aquarium
pclarkson@mbayaq.org

September 25, 2014 -- Update

The 29^th Regional Aquatics Workshop hosted by Monterey Bay Aquarium is less than 6 months away!  Preparations for the conference are moving fast and furious.  Now’s the time to start making your plans!

 RAW conference registration is open!  Go to the “Registration” tab to register today.  Don’t delay as registrations
are limited to 350 attendees this year! 

The Monterey Marriott is accepting hotel reservations.  Go to the “Travel & Lodging” tab to book your room now! 

The Call for Presentations has been made!  Go to the “Presentations” tab to submit your abstract.
Deadline for submission is December 19, 2014. 

Conference sponsorship opportunities are still available.  Go to the “Sponsorship” tab to see the great packages
RAW has to offer!

We’re now accepting applications for Jelly School!  Go to the Jelly School tab for all the info.

There’s a lot going on – don’t get left out!

The Monterey Bay Aquarium RAW Team

June 20, 2014

On behalf of the entire Monterey Bay Aquarium team, it’s our pleasure to serve as hosts for 2015’s Regional Aquatics Workshop.  Over RAW’s storied and evolving 25+ year history the conference has graced the shores of the West Coast only once before in 2005.  We’re thrilled to bring RAW back to California once more!

We’ll be holding RAW 2015 on March 2^nd through 6^th in downtown Monterey at the picturesque Monterey Marriott.  In addition to a robust week of presentations, networking opportunities and professional development, you can expect some fantastic supporting events and an intimate look into Monterey Bay Aquarium’s facilities and operations.  You will find all of the information you need to navigate your week with us here on this website.  We’ll continually update the information contained here as our program develops.

Monterey’s past, present and future are rich in offerings sure to enthrall any marine scientist.  Often recognized as one of the world’s greatest meetings of land, sea and sky, Monterey’s natural beauty is truly unique and not to be missed.  From Doc Ricketts, John Steinbeck and Cannery Row to today’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, our robust system of Marine Protected Areas and the Monterey Bay Aquarium itself, the area’s heart is firmly planted in its diverse marine ecosystem.

We welcome and encourage you to spend time in the area before or after the conference if you can.  Whether you go for a dive in a local kelp forest, kayak the shore or slough, catch a whale watching expedition, visit our tide pools, tour some of the most scenic coastline in the world, or even take in a round of golf, Monterey has far more to offer than can possibly be squeezed into one week.

We look forward to seeing you for the 2015 Regional Aquatics Workshop in Monterey, CA!