Registration

When will registration open?

The conference committee is working hard to finalize the conference costs, and we expect to open registration April 1. While we don’t have the registration fees finalized for 2023 yet, you can use the fees from past conferences for comparison (for example, 2022 and 2019).

Do I need to be an NMEA Member to register for the conference?

Yes, in order to register for the conference, participants must first register for a yearly membership with NMEA. Participation in the NMEA 2023 Annual Conference is one of the many benefits of being a member of the National Marine Educators Association. The yearly membership to NMEA also provides members access to conference scholarships, a subscription to Current: The Journal of Marine Education, discounts at aquariums and science centers around the country and more. A link to full membership benefits is below.

NMEA offers several different membership levels depending on your status, including discounted membership rates for students and emerging professionals. A link to membership levels is below.

During the registration process you will create a username and password for the NMEA website. Once you have your username and password you can log in and register for the annual conference. See link below to register.

How do I pay by check?

To pay by check, please request a PDF/paper registration form from nmea@marine-ed.org and mail the check to the address on the first page of the form. Multiple people from the same organization may register, however each person must complete a form individually. The payment can be in a single check. Make sure your organization makes the check out to National Marine Educators Association (NMEA). If your organization requires a NMEA W9 Form, please email us at nmeatreasurer@marine-ed.org.

If your organization needs a completed vendor enrollment form, please email the form to nmeatreasurer@marine-ed.org. The form will be filled out and sent back.

If your organization requires an invoice to process the payment, please fill out the registration form and email it nmeatreasurer@marine-ed.org. We will create an invoice based on your selections.

How do I pay by Purchase Order?

To use a Purchase Order for registration, please request a PDF/paper registration form from nmea@marine-ed.org and email the completed form and the purchase order to: nmeatreasurer@marine-ed.org. We will email you an invoice and registration confirmation.

Can I pay for conference registration and optional ticketed items (field trips, etc.) on separate credit card transactions?

Yes! Please follow the directions below to pay for your conference registration and optional ticket items with separate credit card transactions.

Step 1: Complete your conference registration with your first method of payment.

Register for the conference and select only the items you want to pay for on the first credit card transaction. This should include the conference registration fee. Complete the registration and make your payment.

Step 2: Edit your registration and add additional items to be paid for with the second credit card transaction.

1. Log in to the NMEA website with your member username and password (members.marine-ed.org).
2. Under "My Profile" navigate to the "Manage Profile" page.
3. Select "Event Registrations."
4. Click on the pencil icon beside your conference registration. This will allow you to modify your registration. (Note: if you receive an error message when trying to edit your registration, please send an email to nmea@marine-ed.org and we will fix it immediately).
5. On the "Attendee Info" tab, enter the validation code at the bottom of the page (leave the rest of the registration information the same).
6. Under the "Attendee Selections" page select your add-ons. Note: DO NOT unselect previous event purchases as this will cancel your previous selections.
7. Click "Save and Proceed to Checkout."
8. You will be able to pay the additional purchases with a separate credit card transaction. If you encounter an error message during this process, please email nmea@marine-ed.org.

Can I register for the conference now and pay for a field trip, workshop, or guest ticket later?

Yes, you can! Follow the directions above for paying with a second credit card. Please keep in mind that field trips, workshops, and guest tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis, so don't delay in making these additional purchases.

How do I edit my conference registration?

To edit your registration:

1. Log in to the NMEA website with your member username and password (www.marine-ed.org).
2. Under "My Profile" navigate to the "Manage Profile" page.
3. Select "Event Registrations."
4. Click on the pencil icon beside your conference registration. This will allow you to modify your registration. (Note: if you receive an error message when trying to edit your registration, please send an email to nmea@marine-ed.org and we will fix it immediately).
5. On the "Attendee Info" tab, enter the validation code at the bottom of the page (leave the rest of the registration information the same).
6. Under the "Attendee Selections'' page unselect previous event purchases to cancel those selections and select your preferred options. Note: DO NOT unselect previous event purchases you would like to keep as this will cancel your previous selections and issue an alert for a refund. Only unselect purchases you would like to cancel.
7. Click "Save and Proceed to Checkout."
8. You will be able to pay the additional purchases with a separate credit card transaction. If you encounter an error message during this process, please email nmea@marine-ed.org.

Chapter Baskets

Can I ship items for my Chapter Basket in advance?

Yes, you can. Contact us at nmea2023@pacname.org for the shipping address. Please ship your items to arrive between July 17 and 21, 2023. Label all boxes with NMEA Conference. All shipped items must be picked up at check-in on Sunday, July 23.

When and where do I set up my Chapter Basket?

Please plan to set up your chapter basket in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room on Wednesday, July 26th between 8am - 11am.

The drawing for the chapter basket raffle will take place in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room on Wednesday, July 26 during lunch.

Where can I purchase tickets for the chapter basket auction?

Chapter basket tickets may be purchased in advance at the registration desk and from committee members during the chapter lunch.

How do I pay for chapter basket tickets?

We accept cash and credit card payment for chapter basket tickets. Tickets will be $1.00 each or $10.00 for 15 tickets.

Auction

Does my auction donation qualify as a charitable donation?

NMEA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and your gift may qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. A written acknowledgment of your donation for your tax records will be sent when your donation is received. Please consult a tax advisor to determine whether your contribution is deductible.

When is the silent/live auction?

The 2023 NMEA banquet and auction will be held on Tuesday, July 25 from 6:00 - 10:00 pm at the Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center. Bus transportation will be provided between WWU and the hotel starting at 5:45 pm and continuing throughout the evening.

How do I donate to the silent or live auction?

We are eagerly accepting donations of items, gift cards, experiences, or services for the live and silent auctions! Submit this form to let us know what you’ll be donating.

You can bring your item to us at check-in or ship your item ahead of the conference. Contact us at nmea2023@pacname.org for the shipping address. Please ship your items to arrive between July 17 and 21, 2023. Label all boxes with NMEA Conference. All shipped items must be picked up at check-in on Sunday, July 23.