Dear Conservation Colleagues,

We're honored and delighted to welcome all of you to San Diego for the 2023 Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) Annual Meeting. This is an exciting opportunity for us to host innovative thinkers in conservation and to work together to plan a future that halts biodiversity loss.

The alliances formed through CPSG are critical to propel scientifically sound and collaborative processes that help change the future for wildlife worldwide. Our group helps bring people together, and recognizes the diverse perspectives and inclusivity required to catalyze positive change in conservation. The tools, methodologies, recommendations, and partnerships we establish here are foundational to protect the world's vulnerable species, and infuse a passion for conservation among all our allies for wildlife.

San Diego is an incredible place to host the 2023 CPSG Annual Meeting, and we welcome everyone back-in person-to North America. We are located in the most biodiverse county in the continental United States, and we draw inspiration from the dynamic ecosystems that sustain us and the wildlife we share this planet with. San Diego's vibrant community-influenced by its cultural roots, artistic traditions, and delectable culinary experiences-creates a welcoming environment for all.

For 107 years, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has inspired millions who visit our two leading parks-the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We encourage everyone to stop by our Zoo and Safari Park during your visit, and to connect with wildlife through our immersive experiences.

Conservation is more than a word: it's an action, and a commitment to the world's wildlife and the ecosystems we all share. We look forward to hosting members from across the globe, and continue our work to protect and secure nature, wildlife, and the planet we all share.

Together for wildlife,

Nadine Lamberski, DVM, DACZM, DECZM (ZHM)
Chief Conservation and Wildlife Health Officer
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Dear CPSG Members, Colleagues, and Friends,

I am pleased to invite you to the 2023 CPSG Annual Meeting, generously hosted by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, from 5-8 October.

The meeting will take place in San Diego, California, USA, at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina, beginning with an icebreaker event on the evening of Thursday, 5 October, and ending with a closing event on Sunday, 8 October.

This year's Annual Meeting will include a focus on Exploring the Application of Artificial Intelligence to Species Conservation Planning. The CPSG Annual Meeting is a working meeting with an informal and highly interactive atmosphere. Participation in the CPSG Annual Meeting is open to anyone interested in species conservation, the work of CPSG, and the topics being discussed. Our working days will be composed of group plenary sessions and smaller working group sessions. We will be discussing and making progress on issues of great importance to the conservation community including such topics as animal biobanking for conservation and planning for plant conservation, among others. Your participation and input will be greatly valued!

The agenda is filling fast so, if there is an issue you would like to discuss with fellow conservationists from across the world, we invite you to send your working group topic ideas to CPSG2023@cpsg.org.

We hope you can join us!

Dr. Onnie Byers, Chair
IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group