Receptions
Tuesday, May 20
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Kick off the State of the Coast conference at the welcome reception, hosted in the vibrant Exhibit Hall presented by Stantec! Reconnect with colleagues, meet new collaborators and enjoy refreshments as you explore exhibits highlighting innovative solutions for Louisiana’s coast. This is your first opportunity to dive into the collaborative spirit of SOC while getting a preview of the dynamic conversations and cutting-edge developments that will shape the days ahead.
Wednesday, May 21
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Poster Reception
Join us in the Exhibit Hall presented by Stantec for the poster reception, where research comes to life through visual presentations and one-on-one conversations with presenters. This interactive event showcases a wide range of work from scientists, students and professionals addressing the critical issues facing Louisiana’s coast. Explore new ideas, ask questions and connect with the people behind the research shaping the future of our coastal communities, environment and economy.
Thursday, May 22
4 – 6 p.m.
Closing Reception
The River as Our Muse: Celebrating Our Relationship with the Mississippi River and its Delta through Art, Culture and Music
Join us for a powerful and inspiring close to the State of the Coast 2025 with a vibrant celebration of the humanities’ role in shaping our relationship with the Mississippi River and its delta. This immersive event marks the kickoff of a multi-year dialogue commemorating the 1927 Great Mississippi River Flood Centennial, presented in partnership with the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program and The Water Institute.
A departure from standard conference sessions, this gathering will blend music, storytelling, visual art and thought-provoking conversation—featuring moving performances and a dynamic panel exploring the arts as a lens for reckoning with our past and imagining our future. As we look ahead, the discussion will invite us to imagine what we aspire to for the next 100 years, followed by a musical sendoff from beloved artists who carry the river’s voice in every note. Come raise a glass, reflect and celebrate the cultural current that connects us all.
Fisk, H. N. (1944). Map #15, Meander maps of the Mississippi River. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Retrieved from http://www.radicalcartography.com