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at the
ROYAL TYRRELL MUSEUM
(Drumheller, Alberta, Canada)
October 17-18, 2009
The GAFFNEY TURTLE SYMPOSIUM will recognize the contributions of Gene Gaffney to the study of fossil turtles by bringing together paleontologists, geologists, and paleontological enthusiasts to share the results of recent research on fossil turtles. With an anticipated 50 oral and poster presentations, this will be one of the palaeontological highlights for 2009. Keynote speakers will be Richard Moody and Robert Carroll. In addition to a presentation on his research, Gene Gaffney will speak on the history of fossil turtle studies. Technical sessions will be followed by a field trip to Dinosaur Provincial Park. There will be a published abstract volume in conjunction with the symposium. A separate Festschrift volume in honor of Gene Gaffney, to be published as a Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, is also planned.
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Symposium Events
- Friday evening (Oct 16) Icebreaker at the Royal Tyrrell Museum
- Viewing of new specimens
- Saturday evening (Oct 17) BBQ Supper
- Post symposium one-day field trip to Dinosaur Provincial Park, Monday, October 19th, 2009 (there is a separate fee for this field trip)
The $100 (CDN) registration fee provides access to the symposium's technical presentations, social events and BBQ supper (Saturday), and entitles the participant to one copy of the abstract volume. The icebreaker includes a cash bar. The cost for the field trip is an additional $75 (CDN), and requires a separate registration. All costs quoted in Canadian dollars. Current currency exchange rates can be found here http://xe.com
The Setting
The Royal Tyrrell Museum is a world-class facility devoted to the paleontology of Alberta and is located at the outskirts of Drumheller; http://www.dinosaurvalley.com. The weather in mid-October is typically cool to warm during the day, and cool to cold at night. Daytime temperatures are typically 10--15°C (40--50°F). Although frost is normal at this time of year, snow is unlikely. Drumheller is a rural community located 140 km southeast of the Calgary International Airport.
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Registration and Abstract Submission
Web-based registration and abstract submissions begin April 2, 2009. You do not have to submit an abstract to register and attend. Early Registration runs through September 7, 2009. After September 7, the cost to register is $125. Symposium attendance is limited to 200.
Abstract submission deadline is June 30, 2009.
For further information about the Symposium contact Donald Brinkman; don.brinkman@gov.ab.ca
Extended Abstract Submission
Abstracts may be submitted until JUNE 30, 2009
We request that all symposium presenters submit an abstract. Abstracts will result in a poster or oral presentation at the Symposium. Please ensure as high a quality as possible.
We prefer electronic submission of text using Word or Word Perfect. Any illustrations should be submitted as a separate file. We prefer that illustrations be in a TIFF, JPEG, or AI format. PC (Windows) document source is preferred. Museum staff will determine the final print and publication format.
Abstracts may be a maximum of 2000 words (6 double spaced ms pages; Times New Roman 12) and may contain a maximum of 6 illustrations (one per page). References may be included in addition to the 2000 word limit. References will be reproduced at a smaller font size.
All abstracts must contain Title, Author(s), and Affiliations. No abbreviations.
Headings and References should be formatted as in the Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences.
Figures should be formatted for full, 1/2, or 1/4 page size (8.5x11 in; 21.59x27.94 cm).
All abstracts will be published in a combined symposium program and abstracts volume, copyrighted by the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Each participant will receive one copy of the volume as part of his or her registration fee. Additional copies will be available for purchase.
Beginning April 2, 2009, we will accept abstracts submitted electronically through this website. For further information contact Dennis Braman; dennis.braman@gov.ab.ca
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Gaffney Turtle Symposium Field Trip
Date: Monday Oct. 19, 2009
Cost: $75 (includes guidebook, travel, and lunch). Does not include supper.
Transportation: 47 passenger bus.
Departs: 8:00am (in front of the Ramada Inn)
Returns: 8:30pm (in front of the Ramada Inn)
Description: Southern Alberta is uniquely famous for its richness of Campanian--Maastrichtian turtle, dinosaur, and other vertebrate fossils that have been collected and studied since the 1880s. This one-day field trip focuses on fossil resources in the Oldman and Dinosaur Park formations at Dinosaur Provincial Park. We will visit classic and new localities at the Park, and review current research activities, palaeoenvironments and palaeoecology. This is one of the best times of the year to visit the Park!
Physical Requirements: You must be in good physical condition. Because we are taking a large bus to the Park, we will be unable to drive into the badlands preserve area. Thus, we will hike to all localities, a round-trip distance of approximately 8 kilometres (~ 5 miles).
Extras: We will stop at the Patricia Hotel for beer and a “cook your own” BBQ at the end of the day (5:00 pm). The cost is NOT INCLUDED in your Field Trip registration.
Hazards: Because the weather is always variable in Alberta in mid October, you should be prepared for brisk fall weather. This is badlands terrain, so good hiking boots/shoes are necessary. The cactuses at Dinosaur Park are small, but painful if ignored.
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Access to Museum Collections
The Royal Tyrrell Museum's research collections are available to researchers affiliated with recognized institutions. Collections are open on weekdays (except statutory holidays) from 08:15-16:30. Due to staffing limitations, access is not available on the weekend of the conference (Oct. 17--18). Those interested in viewing collections before or after the symposium should contact the Collections Manager (Brandon Strilisky; e-mail: brandon.stirlisky@gov.ab.ca) by September 30, 2009, to arrange the details of their visit. Requests from students also require a letter, or e-mail, of support from their thesis supervisor. Researchers who want to bring fossils with them for comparative study must have official loan documents or similar paperwork.
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