47th Annual Midwest Herpetological Symposium

About this event

The 47th Midwest Herpetological Symposium, hosted by the Hoosier Herpetological Society, will take place November 13–15, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. This annual gathering brings together reptile and amphibian enthusiasts, researchers, educators, conservationists, wildlife photographers, students, and professional herpetologists for a weekend dedicated to herpetology, conservation, field biology, education, and networking.

Friday, November 13 — Welcome & Evening Presentation

• 5:00 p.m. — Registration opens.

• 6:30 p.m. — Welcome from Jim Horton, President of the Hoosier Herpetological Society.

• 6:45–7:30 p.m. — Evening presentation.

• 7:30 p.m. — Icebreaker with snacks and drinks, plus time to explore the live herp displays and book and art sales.

Saturday, November 14 — Presentations, Banquet & Auction

• 8:00–8:10 a.m. — Welcome and opening remarks.

• 8:10 a.m. — Morning presentations begin.

• 10:00–10:10 a.m. — Morning break.

• 10:10 a.m. — Morning presentations resume.

• 11:40 a.m.–1:10 p.m. — Lunch on your own.

• 1:10 p.m. — Afternoon presentations begin.

• 3:00–3:10 p.m. — Afternoon break.

• 3:10 p.m. — Afternoon presentations resume.

• 4:40–6:30 p.m. — Break before the evening program.

• 6:30 p.m. — Banquet.

• 7:30–8:30 p.m. — Keynote presentation by Dr. Thomas Pauley: “Stories of a Herpetologist’s Adventures in the Appalachians.”

• Approximately 8:45 p.m. — Auction begins.

Sunday, November 15 — Planning Meeting & Indianapolis Zoo Tour

• 8:00 a.m. — Planning meeting for future Midwest Herpetological Symposiums.

• 10:00 a.m. — Behind-the-scenes tour of the reptile area at the Indianapolis Zoo (tentative).

The symposium will feature presentations from nationally recognized speakers and researchers covering topics such as reptile and amphibian conservation, Appalachian salamanders, tropical herpetology, wildlife photography, reptile medicine, field ecology, and Indiana herpetofauna. Confirmed speakers include Dr. Thomas K. Pauley, Indiana State Herpetologist Nate Engbrecht, Twan Leenders, Dr. Steve Thompson, Jason Holzworth, Terry Vandeventer, Bethannie Perrine, and additional speakers to be announced.

In addition to presentations, attendees can enjoy:

• Live animal educational displays

• Herpetological vendors and artwork

• Networking opportunities

• Hospitality and social areas

• Symposium banquet

• Annual live auction

• Behind-the-scenes tour of the Indianapolis Zoo reptile area on Sunday (tentative)

• Free admission to the Indianapolis Zoo with your symposium badge

Whether you are a lifelong herper, conservation professional, student, wildlife photographer, educator, or simply interested in reptiles and amphibians, the Midwest Herpetological Symposium offers a unique opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for herpetology and wildlife conservation.

Additional schedule details, vendor information, and zoo tour instructions will be released as they become available.

More details at https://www.hoosierherpsociety.org/meetings/midwest-herpetological-symposium