Welcome to the 46th Annual Conference of the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine, hosted by the Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, Illinois, USA. The theme of this year's conference is "Our Waters, Our World." This week we will focus on the positive impacts of aquariums, aquarium science, and veterinary medicine both globally and closer to home. The discoveries and advances contributed by our diverse profession and the IAAAM membership enlighten and improve animal, human, and environmental health.

Starting off our program is a plenary session that will showcase a variety of work that is ongoing in the Great Lakes Region, followed by a session focusing on One Health. We have 142 presentations at this year's conference, including 39 posters. None of this would be possible without an amazing IAAAM team. Our President, Chris Dold, has guided every step of the conference planning and has been instrumental in introducing all kinds of exciting new features and benefits in time for our Chicago meeting, including a new registration and presentation management system. IAAAM Treasurer Pam Tuomi ensured these changes occurred based on sound financial decisions and met all critical deadlines. Kathleen Colegrove and Allison Tuttle have teamed up with Michael Briggs to host a very special combined Student Workshop and Clinical Conundrums session. Ashley McGrew has been instrumental in helping connect students and others on our very IAAAM Conference Facebook page. And last but not least, thanks are owed to Stephanie Venn-Watson and John Jones for keeping us all informed leading up to this week!

In Chicago, Bill Van Bonn and his entire incredible Shedd Aquarium team have been working for well over a year to ensure a memorable time in the Windy City. Bill, words can't even begin to express how wonderful it's been to have you as my partner-in-crime for putting this meeting together. At the Shedd I would also like to thank the Executive Leadership Team and especially recognize the following individuals for their invaluable contributions and participation: Katie Law, Rebecca Carne, Allison Bradley, Amanda Enser, Andy Park, Alicia LaVire, Maddie Caldwell, Jenny Mills, Carrie Bicking, Brad Martin, Bill Beneventi, and the entire staff of the A. Watson Armour III Center for Animal Health and Welfare. This team and many others have made sure that we will all have lots of fun during the week. The aquarium will be our go-to spot for the icebreaker event on Monday, and again for the student workshop, case conundrums, and poster session on Wednesday. Courtesy of Dr. Mike Adkesson, Dr. Stuart Strahl, Bill Zeigler, Joanna Ammer, Corinne Zobott, Regi Mezydlo, zoo volunteers, and the catered events staff, we will have an entire afternoon to explore the Brookfield Zoo, followed by dinner and the annual IAAAM student auction. And last but not least, as a result of some special efforts by Greg Lewbart many of us will be taking in a baseball game at historic Wrigley Field on Tuesday night - go Cubs!

Finally, thank you to all of the contributors to this year's scientific session. Session chairs, I am grateful to have had you so engaged and involved right from the beginning; our resulting program this year reflects personal touches from each and every one of you. In addition to an opportunity for learning and professional growth, this annual conference is also our time to come together and grow as a community. We are colleagues, friends, students, mentors, and family. Organizing this 46th annual conference has been an amazing experience - enjoy!

Lisa Murphy
Program Chair