Out In the Field LGBTQ+ Reception

The Wildlife Society (TWS) is the leading wildlife scientific and professional organization that empowers wildlife professionals to advance conservation through science, community, and excellence. Founded in 2019, the Out in The Field (OiTF) initiative is a formal community within The Wildlife Society that fosters an inclusive and welcoming culture that celebrates diversity and the contributions of the many professionals and students who identify as LGBTQ+.

At the TWS Annual Meeting, an international conference attended by over 2,000 wildlife professionals and students from across North America and beyond. The 2026 TWS Annual Meeting is being held in Des Moines, Iowa, from November 1–5, 2026, OiTF will hold a reception Reception November 4th. Typically welcoming over 300 people this reception celebrates LGBTQ+ wildlifers and its allies, highlights accomplishments, creates professional networking and community opportunities, and ensures a supportive, safe, and inclusive space where all are welcome. This marks the first TWS Annual Meeting in the Pfund Foundation region since 2013 and a chance to collaborate with local organizations who are providing scholarships to support local students in Iowa to attend this national event.

Learn more about TWS and Out In the Field: https://wildlife.org/out-in-the-field/