IAC 2008 Presents Itself to the International and Local Public Aquarium Industry

China - ACCNSMA Meeting 2007 (11 to 14 September 2007)

The Chinese Association of Natural Science Museums (CANSM) is an academic organization with professional affiliation with the China Association for Science and Technology.

The key purpose of this Assocation is to coordinate academic activities, popularize the science and techniques of museum management in China, and promote local cooperation with natural science museums overseas.

Since its founding in 1980, the Chinese Association of Natural Science Museums has endeavored to advance the quality and operating level of China’s natural science museums. From 1992, it has become the institutional member of International Council of Museums (ICOM).

Every year the Aquarium Committee of Chinese Association of Natural Science Museums (ACCNSMA) will hold an annual meeting, gathering members of the public aquarium industry in China to discuss trends and challenges facing the local aquarium industry. This year’s annual meeting was held in Urumuqi, Xinjiang, from 11 to 14 September 2007.

A presentation was made on the first day of the meeting by Mr David Lee, Deputy GeneraI Manager, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (who is also the Vice Chairman of IAC 2008 Organising Committee) to update attendees on the progress of IAC 2008. IAC 2008 marketing materials were also distributed to all attendees. Approximately 150 attendees comprising of 38 aquariums, 17 suppliers and 7 research institutes attended the meeting. Majority of attendees showed great interest in the congress. As this will be the first time the IAC will be held in China, many China aquariums expressed their great support in helping to promote IAC to the Chinese public aquarium and related industries.

Europe – The 25^th Meeting of the European Union of Aquarium Curators, EUAC (29 September to 3 October 2007)

The European Union of Aquarium Curators (EUAC) consists of 135 professionals from the public aquarium industry. The Union was set up in 1972 to create a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience in the public aquarium and aquariology field. The Union also has international members from non-european union countries such as the US and Japan.

Members of the EUAC meet every year to learn about latest technical developments, new forms of presentation, updated husbandry practices as well as techniques for maintenance of aquatic animals in a confined environment. The EUAC has been continuosly developing programmes related to education, conservation, management and breeding.

During the 25^th meeting of the European Union of Aquarium Curators, that was held in Salzburg, Austria from 29 September to 3 October 2007, Mr Paul Van den Sande, Executive Director of EUAC, who is also a member of IAC 2008 honorary and steering committees, introduced and updated attendees on how to register for IAC 2008.

Early Bird Registration Promotion – 14% Discount

We are offering a 14% discount off our registration fee for all registrations made before 31 Jan 2008.

HURRY AND REGISTER NOW!

About IAC

The International Aquarium Congress, commonly known as IAC, is probably the most important and prestigious event for the public aquarium industry. The congress which is held every four years, gathers professionals from public aquariums all around the world to share and learn about new developments in research, technology, management and other related issues for the industry. A mini exhibition is also held concurrently during the event, providing an opportunity for businesses that offer products or services for the public aquarium industry.

IAC 2008
7th International Aquarium Congress

Dates
20 – 24 Oct 2008 (Conference)
21 – 23 Oct 2008 (Exhibition)

Venue
Shanghai International Convention Center

About Organiser – Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

At Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (“SOA”), we welcome you to the biggest aquarium
in Shanghai and one of the most beautiful ones in the world. The Aquarium has a
total built in area of 20, 500 square meters. It is a US $50 million joint investment by
Singapore-based Straco Corporation Limited and China's China Poly Group. Since its opening in February 2002, SOA has received more than 1 million visitors every
year from within China and all over the world.

Located just next to the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai's bustling financial district of Lujiazui, SOA is divided into 9 different thematic zones, with a collection of more than 450 species of aquatic animals from the five continents and four oceans. The design concept of SOA is to bring our visitors along an underwater journey that starts from China and continues throughout the major continents and regions of the world. Each zone in the Aquarium is specially designed to recreate the most natural surroundings for our aquatic animals, and to enable our visitors to experience and admire the uniqueness of every region around the world. SOA is currently the only aquarium in the world to have a separate exhibition zone that showcases aquatic animals from China, particularly rare and precious species from the famous Yangtze River.

At SOA our mission is to inspire visitors of all ages and from all walks of life to better understand and care about our rivers and oceans. Through fascinating exhibits and interactive programs, we aim to provide both entertainment and education for every
person that walks into the aquarium.