NMEA 2026
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NMEA 2026: Attendee Guide & Expectations

Welcome to the NMEA 2026 Conference in Cambridge, Maryland. This guide contains important rules and tips to help all attendees have a successful week.

Heading to NMEA 2026? It’s not just about the keynote speakers; it’s about the community you build while you are there. Navigating an event can be tricky, but a little courtesy goes a long way. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a seasoned veteran, these tips will help you navigate the event with grace, ensuring you and your fellow attendees have a productive and enjoyable time.

1. Registration and Identification

  • Conference Badge: You must wear your badge at all times. It is required to enter the hotel conference area, attend sessions, board buses, and attend evening events.

  • Event Tickets: When you pick up your registration materials, you will receive a packet of paper tickets for meals, field trips, and evening events. Check your tickets immediately. If you lose them, they may not be replaced.

  • Whova App: Please download the Whova app on your phone. This is the official tool for the schedule and for connecting with other attendees.

2. Professional Behavior

  • Respect for Speakers: Please do not talk or use your phone during presentations, unless asked by the speakers as part of their presentation. To ensure everyone can focus, please refrain from playing music, watching videos, or allowing any device to make noise. If you must have a conversation or take a phone call, please leave the room quietly. 

  • Inclusive Environment: NMEA follows a Code of Conduct based on respect, equity, and ocean justice. We welcome diverse ideas from all cultures and professional backgrounds.

  • Student Day (July 14): Many students (ages 13+) will attend on Tuesday. Please welcome them and offer professional guidance during sessions.

3. Food and Dining Rules

  • Meal Tickets: You must give your ticket to the staff to enter the buffet line. This ensures every person gets their meal.

  • Second Helpings: Do not go back for more food until the organizers announce that everyone has been served.

  • Arrival Times: Food is only guaranteed for the first 30 minutes of a meal. If you arrive late, there may not be food left.

4. Transportation and Offsite Events

  • Strict Schedules: Transportation for evening events (like the bus to the Maritime Museum and the boat for the Crab Feast Cruise) leave at specific times. Be on time.

  • Missed Buses: If you are late and miss the bus, you must arrange and pay for your own transportation.

5. Evening Events

  • Riverside Welcome (July 12): Catch up with colleagues and enjoy some low-pressure networking along the Choptank River. It’s a relaxed evening of classic lawn games and friendly conversation to kick off the week.

  • Maritime Adventure at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (July 13): Explore the museum grounds and enjoy food and drinks by the waterfront during this casual evening event. This evening also features the opportunity to stroll through downtown St. Michaels and the exciting reboot of the NMEA Chapter Twister Competition.

    • We are organizing a competition bracket for teams of four. While we encourage you to form a team from your regional NMEA chapter, any four people can play together. Please wear comfortable, flexible clothing.

  • 50th Anniversary Banquet (July 14): It’s a dinner night with a purpose: supporting our conference scholarship program. There will be auctions to check out, but no pressure to participate—just come out for a fun evening and a great meal.

    • Dress Theme: "1970s Retro." You are invited to wear vintage 1970s clothing (such as bell bottoms or tie-dye). Standard professional-casual clothing is also okay.

    • Auction FAQs: Never been to an NMEA Auction before? There’s more info (including some FAQs) on our auction page.

  • Crab Feast Cruise (July 15): This event requires a separate "Super Full" ticket; check your packet to confirm registration. Picking crabs is a hands-on, messy process, so expect to get dirty and wear casual clothes. For safety, guests with a severe shellfish allergy should not attend.

6. Clothing and Sustainability

  • Casual & Coastal: Attire is casual. You'll often see marine-themed clothing on display—feel free to join in!

  • Comfort is Key: The Hyatt Regency is expansive. Wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be on your feet frequently.

  • Go Reusable: Help us reduce waste by bringing your own reusable water bottle and use the water refill stations found throughout the resort.

  • Field Trip Prep (July 16): Check if your excursion requires "wet" gear (water shoes) or "dry" gear (sun hats and sneakers).

If you don’t see the answer to your question here, contact the conference committee at nmea2026@marine-ed.org.