Scientific meetings organized by professional organizations have been
keystone activities of scientific culture and career advancement. They
provide opportunities to share research results, promote discussion on
current and emerging research and education needs, apprentice early
career participants into the community, and foster professional
partnerships. However, scientific meetings are not equally inviting or
accessible for all scientists, particularly those from historically
marginalized communities. Organizers of scientific meetings have
historically not ensured diverse representation of speakers and those in
leadership roles, or have not provided needed networking opportunities
and professional learning to foster scientists from historically
marginalized communities, who often do not have the visibility or
networking opportunities needed for persistence and success in a
scientific career. As a result, scientific meetings can be an isolating
and stressful experience. People from historically excluded identities
can encounter structural barriers, such as lack of childcare or safe
bathroom spaces, and can experience harassment and bullying. Within
professional societies, policies and procedures as well as unwritten
norms, can perpetuate bias and exclusion. For instance, certain attire,
hair styles, and speaking tone may be targeted as counter to historical
norms of professionalism, which were established before BIPOC and women
entered the STEM fields in larger numbers. But these challenges also
present opportunities to change. Scientific meetings can instead serve
as influential intervention points to advance an inclusive environment
and climate for geoscientists from across institutions, career stages,
and backgrounds. We present a few actionable strategies that
professional societies and convening organizations can take before,
during, and after scientific meetings to make them more equitable,
accessible, and anti-racist. We offer guidance for scientific meeting
policies, procedures, awards systems, and leadership opportunities to
build structure for inclusion. We also share recommendations for how
professional societies can support members to advocate for more
equitable and anti-racist culture within scientific meetings and at
their home institutions.