2225 2987 Strong!

Early estimates that I've heard on the first day here at the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium is that attendance is at a record 2225 2987+ attendees. That's simply amazing! I've already said hello to living legends in coral reef science, Bob Steneck and Mark Erdmann, and met delegates from Indonesia, Africa, China, and the Middle East. What an incredible opportunity it is to have this much talent and knowledge in one place.

Not that getting here was a delight. Most of us were thwarted in getting here on time yesterday when summer thunderstorms closed Atlanta and Miami airports for a while. I sat on the tarmac in Knoxville, TN for over an hour waiting for Atlanta to reopen. I have nothing to bitch about, though, as one of the delegates from Israel just told me about the crazy security checks she had to endure just getting here.

The schedule at a glance indicates what a full week it's going to be. This morning is all about ceremonial openings (and abysmal speeches from Florida Congressional representatives), checking-in, collecting abstracts, uploading presentations, and meeting old friends. Not that there aren't scientific sessions today either. Reef Management sessions kick off at 11AM, so I'll have more to comment later. For now I'm off to hang my poster and grab coffee.