WWW.WA S .ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • SEP TEMBER 2022 13 about new ideas and how my own work related to a larger body of scientific work. It’s so easy to not have the context of this professional community that you are a part of — and our meetings are one of the best ways to gain that perspective. Second, while I’ve seen some very well-done virtual meetings, the math still works out for me that in-person meetings > virtual meetings. The presentations and posters can still work well when done virtually, but we miss those in-person interactions over coffee, at lunch or simply in the hallways. As good as the presentations can be, I have consistently found that I have always gotten more from those in-person interactions. It’s a chance to ask somebody who’s an expert in your field a question, face to face, or suggest an idea, or simply build new relationships. Third, the meeting includes an incredible trade show! Ranked as the largest aquaculture trade show, you will not want to miss it if you’ve never been. I make a point of visiting the vendors and seeing what new technology, supplies and equipment are available. U.S. Aquaculture Society With summer in the rearview mirror in the US, I’m excited to look forward to our upcoming meeting, Aquaculture America 2023, in New Orleans from 23-26 February 2023. Our meeting kicks off two days after Mardi Gras, and I know at least some of us will arrive a couple days before the conference to let the good times roll! Here I want to speak directly to students with this column. The USAS Chapter wants you to attend and (if you have completed research) present your work. As a Board member, I know from experience that a large part of the work that the Board does revolves around student awards, student support, student sub-units, student activities at meetings, and finding other ways to encourage students to become members of this scientific society. I believe that most members would say that the greatest benefit of being a member is attending the annual meetings — and this is maybe even more true if you’re a student! Why? First, I have seen some really informative, innovative oral presentations and posters at these meetings. I have had great discussions with the presenters, had my ideas challenged, and I’ve gone home excited C H A P T E R R E P O R T S Sinking to floating. Sub-millimeter to pellet. When you select an Extrusion Processing System from Extru-Tech, you have a complete Universe with the ability to maintain size yields over 95%. As your business evolves, you have the flexibility to change your finished product without the need for significant capital expenditures. In an industry where aquafeed can represent 50% of your operation cost, don’t gamble. Contact Extru-Tech and optimize your flexibility and profitability. OUR UNIVERSE EXTRU-TECH AQUAFEED UNIVERSE Sub 1 Millimeter Pellet Master Your Aquafeed Universe P.O. Box 8 100 Airport Road Sabetha, KS 66534, USA Phone: 785-284-2153 Fax: 785-284-3143 extru-techinc@extru-techinc.com www.extru-techinc.com ET-338F.indd 1 1/28/21 8:46 AM ( C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 7 2 )
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