Ctenopalooza Ctwo – a meeting of those interested in ctenophores About the meetingThe past decade has seen remarkable advances in our understanding of these fascinating animals—spanning genomics, cell and developmental biology, neurobiology, systematics, ecology, population biology, and evolution. With new experimental systems, comparative genomic resources, and growing attention to ctenophores’ ecological and phylogenetic significance, the time is ideal to bring together researchers from diverse disciplines to integrate these discoveries and identify new frontiers.A meeting that unites experts across neural, developmental, and cellular systems; molecular and physiological processes; ecological interactions; and evolutionary and biodiversity studies will help synthesize knowledge across scales—from molecules and cells to populations and ecosystems—and to foster collaborations that advance a truly integrative understanding of ctenophore biology.We are also inviting scientific communicators and illustrators in the hopes that collaborations will generate more stories, media, publications, and public interest in the amazing ctenophores. Funding from the Dalio Philanthropies will support these experts at attend this workshop. Equally important, the meeting will offer trainees and early-career scientists an invaluable opportunity to engage with established investigators, exchange ideas, and shape the next decade of discovery. I enthusiastically support this proposal and plan to participate in the meeting, where I look forward to renewing collaborations, meeting new colleagues, and contributing to discussions that will strengthen and unify our growing community. DirectionsMBARI is located in Moss Landing, halfway between Santa Cruz and Monterey off Highway 1. The Moss Landing power plant is a visible landmark just inland of Moss Landing Harbor. From Highway 1, turn West (toward the ocean) onto Moss Landing Road. Turn on Sandholdt Road and cross the bridge. MBARI is on the west side of the road (The building with the glass front doors). You can park in any of the open parking spots inside the parking lot. The building is locked but you can ring the doorbell for access or we will have someone at the front door in the morning to let you into the building. RegistrationPlease complete the following google form to start your registration. There is space on this form to submit your title and short abstract (for a poster or talk or both). Registration will close on June 15th, 2026.Please click here to pay your registration using PayPal or Venmo. Students $150Faculty $250 FAQ What does registration cover? Registration covers all meals and snacks on Monday and breakfast and lunch on Tuesday. We strongly encourage everyone to stay for the full meeting (plan to end in the late afternoon on Tuesday) and enjoy dinner on your own or with colleagues Tuesday night. How do we get to Monterey (and the hotels)? MBARI is located between Santa Cruz and Monterey in the town of Moss Landing (approx 20 km from each city). Airports you can fly into include:San Francisco Airport (about 2.5 hours from downtown Monterey and 2 hours from Moss Landing)San Jose Airport (about 1.5 hours from downtown Monterey and slightly less to Moss Landing) Monterey Airport (about 15 minutes from downtown Monterey and 20 minutes to Moss Landing). You can rent cars to get to Monterey or Moss Landing. There is also an airport shuttle between San Francisco, San Jose, and downtown Monterey. – What hotels are available for the meeting? We have two different hotels saving rooms for the conference. We encourage participants to arrive on Sunday night (we will start Monday morning) and depart on Weds (we will end late afternoon on Tuesday). It might be possible to arrange a visit to the jelly lab at Monterey Bay Aquarium on Wednesday. Inn at Moss Landing PointThis is a relatively new hotel right in Moss Landing next to Highway 1 and a flat 20 minute walk to MBARI. They have a limited number of rooms and the cost varies with the type of room with the most expensive being $351 (plus taxes) for three nights. There is not a lot going on in the little town of Moss Landing. There is a special promo code for your attendees at www.innatmosslandingpoint.com. The promo code Ctenopalooza can be entered in the “Promo Code” field when booking. This exclusive offer provides 15% off our already low rates as a thank-you for the advance notice. The rate is based on availability, so I recommend that attendees book sooner rather than later to secure the best pricing. We’ve also included shoulder dates for those who’d like to extend their visit — up to a week total — with the option to arrive a few days before or stay a few days after the event.Casa Munras Garden Hotel & SpaCasa Munras is a short walk from the shuttle stop and right off of the highway exit and we have reserved 10 rooms with a King bed and 10 rooms with two Queen beds (both at the rate of $189/night) so if you share a room, it is only $95/night each (plus taxes). Here is the link for booking a room. This hotel is ~20 km south of MBARI and we will help arrange carpools to get everyone to the meeting.Experience a charming boutique hotel in the heritage district of Old Town Monterey, CA. Picturesque gardens, hacienda-style buildings, and reimagined guestrooms and suites pay homage to our Spanish heritage. You will be pleased to know that we were voted Best Hotel in Monterey County, 2023 and have been providing our genuine hospitality since 1824. Will this workshop be offered virtually? No, this workshop will be in-person only Date August 23 - 25, 2026 Time All day Monday and Tuesday Location MBARI7700 Sandholdt RoadMoss Landing, CA 95039 Parking Limited free public parking is available along the streets. The nearby Moss Landing Harbor District also offers some parking for a fee.