2025 Evening Events
Sunday, June 29, 2025 • 6:00–9:00 pm
Swamp Sips & Ocean Literacy: NMEA 2025 Welcome Reception at ULL's Courtyard and Cypress Lake!
The NMEA 2025 Welcome Reception will be held on campus at ULL’s Courtyard at the Student Union. Join us for a warm welcome as we snack on heavy hors d'oeuvres and enjoy an evening with friends and fascinating ocean literacy fun facts around Cypress Lake!
Venue: University of Louisiana at Lafayette: Courtyard
Included with Full and Super Full registrations. Guest/Add-on Ticket Cost: $50
Monday, June 30, 2025 • 5:30–9:00 pm
Bayou Beats & Cultural Treasures: An Evening at Vermilionville
Join us for an evening reception at Vermilionville, where you can explore the rich history and culture of the Native Americans, Acadians, Creoles, and African-descended peoples of the Attakapas region, set along the scenic Bayou Vermilion. Enjoy a self-guided experience through the historic grounds, taking in the connections between past and present. Dinner is catered by Vermilionville’s restaurant, La Cuisine de Maman, serving Cajun and Creole cuisine. The evening’s entertainment will be provided by Lafayette local jazz musician, Trey Boudreaux & his combo, adding a lively soundtrack to this immersive event.
Venue: Vermilionville, 300 Fisher Rd, Lafayette, LA (Bus transportation included)
Included with Full and Super Full registrations. Guest/Add-on Ticket Cost: $60
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 • 6:00–10:00 pm
Bids & Boogie: NMEA 2025 Banquet & Auction
Get ready for a night of food, fun, and fabulous bidding at the NMEA 2025 Banquet & Auction in the ULL Ballroom for a lively evening filled with both silent and live auctions, all to support our scholarship program for marine and aquatic educators.
This year’s theme, “Zydeco Spice,” celebrates the vibrant culture, cuisine, and the hot summer fieldwork we all know and love. While the food may not all be spicy, we encourage you to dress in your best summer field clothes, slip into your bayou loafers (shrimp boots), and get ready for a fais do-do (Cajun dance party) with RJ & the Kreole Smoove! It’s going to be a night full of bidding, dancing, and plenty of flavor—don’t miss it!
Venue: University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Ballroom
Included with Full and Super Full registrations. Guest/Add-on Ticket Cost: TBD
WEDNesday, July 2, 2025 • 6:00–9:30 pm
Levee Legends & Cajun Delights: An Evening at Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf with Chère Élise!
Let’s head to the Bayou for an evening at Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant, where the charm of authentic Cajun cuisine meets a vibrant atmosphere on the Levee! In addition to the dining, wrap up an excellent week with incredible entertainment from Chère Élise, a cajun supergroup made up of members of Grammy nominated Mamou Playboys and others! Come on over to the levee and let the good times roll one last time!
Venue: Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant, 1008 Henderson Levee Rd., Henderson, LA (Bus transportation included)
Included with Super Full registrations only. Guest/Add-on Guest Ticket Cost: $80
