The Animal Behavior Society holds it annual meeting each summer, inviting members and guests interested broadly in behavioral ecology, ethology, evolution, ecology, psychology and neuroscience. Attendees can present a 15-minute contributed talk or a poster, and both options are open to faculty, research scientists, graduate students and undergraduate students. Our meetings are unique in encouraging scientists at all stages of their career to present their research.

Each meeting features plenary lectures by world renown leaders in the field of animal behavior. We typically feature a lecture by a recipient of the ABS Distinguished Animal Behaviorist award and by Fellows of the society. We also hold several invited symposia, presenting an interdisciplinary treatment of cutting-edge research in areas of animal behavior. The Allee Competition for best talk by a senior graduate student is held in a special session, which typically draws large crowds of people eager to hear about the research of future leaders in our field.

Conference participants can also view commercial and non-commercial films entered into the ABS Film Competition. Workshops on data collection, job searches and grant-writing strategies are also offered. Each meeting starts with an opening reception on Saturday evening, and concludes with a banquet on Wednesday night. Dancing and other social events are held each night of the conference. Excursions to natural areas near the conference sites are typically organized by members.

Meeting locations range from Canada to Latin America. Meetings are typically held in July or August, but dates vary from year to year to accommodate field schedules, family vacations and attendance at other conferences.