So yeah just heard back from him. And yep this May interest many folks. Looks like I could fund the entire thing myself too. Since they would allow the university for a speaking program. Would be great fun and lots of turtle talk. Maybe a TTPG joint thing could be in order for like a summer deal and then Mesa in the fall.
Here's a response from the curator.
"Hi Kelly,
Just let me know when you think you can come over and I’m sure we can make the necessary arrangements.
Our collection encompasses 90 countries and about 4,000 species.
We facilitate lots of research here and abroad with the rate of a peer reviewed publication every 7.2 days utilizing material from our collection.
I’m very proud to say that we probably have the strongest herpetology program in the country (1 full time museum manager, 5 faculty and about 20 grad students).
In 2010 we hosted a joint conference with the DFWHS and the Texas herpetological society and chelonians were the focus.
Pritchard was the keynote speaker at a pizza and beer mixer at the Dallas Zoo (included behind the scenes tour, etc)
The second day was busy with a line up of speakers, poster sessions, silent auction and bbq banquet.
Events like these can be a lot of fun and a good way to rouse enthusiasm, share information and generate some funds for non profit groups.
If this is what you’re interested in I need to suggest getting sponsors to cover ALL cost.
The DFWHS is sponsored by the biology department here at UTA so we were able to get the meeting space for free.
Pizza and beer social cost the DFWHS and THS about $900 and I think the auction raised $901.
However, this may be beyond the scope of what you had in mind. So fill me in, what are you thinking?"
Here's a response from the curator.
"Hi Kelly,
Just let me know when you think you can come over and I’m sure we can make the necessary arrangements.
Our collection encompasses 90 countries and about 4,000 species.
We facilitate lots of research here and abroad with the rate of a peer reviewed publication every 7.2 days utilizing material from our collection.
I’m very proud to say that we probably have the strongest herpetology program in the country (1 full time museum manager, 5 faculty and about 20 grad students).
In 2010 we hosted a joint conference with the DFWHS and the Texas herpetological society and chelonians were the focus.
Pritchard was the keynote speaker at a pizza and beer mixer at the Dallas Zoo (included behind the scenes tour, etc)
The second day was busy with a line up of speakers, poster sessions, silent auction and bbq banquet.
Events like these can be a lot of fun and a good way to rouse enthusiasm, share information and generate some funds for non profit groups.
If this is what you’re interested in I need to suggest getting sponsors to cover ALL cost.
The DFWHS is sponsored by the biology department here at UTA so we were able to get the meeting space for free.
Pizza and beer social cost the DFWHS and THS about $900 and I think the auction raised $901.
However, this may be beyond the scope of what you had in mind. So fill me in, what are you thinking?"
