1,500 Entomologists Arrive in Columbus for First Ohio Conference in Decades
The National Entomology Society’s annual meeting brings thousands of researchers and students to Ohio State University, featuring live insect exhibits and a converted Airstream.
By Rebecca Svoboda ·
Thousands of insect specialists have descended upon Columbus, transforming the city into a hub for scientific inquiry. The National Entomology Society’s 2026 Annual Conference is underway at Ohio State University, marking the first time the group has held its meeting in the state in years. The four-day event runs through Nov. 11, drawing professionals from across the country to the campus.
The schedule balances rigorous academic work with opportunities for early-career scientists. While the opening day focused on networking and vendor displays, Monday is dedicated to student competitions. Graduates and undergraduates present posters and deliver talks, offering them a direct platform to showcase their research. Carrie Elvey, a faculty member in the Ohio State entomology department, noted that industry leaders are present to watch these presentations. She described the atmosphere as similar to sports scouting, where potential employers observe student work firsthand.
The conference also serves as a major economic catalyst for the region. Organizers selected Columbus partly because of a new hotel connection to the convention center, which simplified logistics for the large delegation. The city has hosted various social activities for attendees, including food tours and knitting groups creating bug-themed crafts. Elvey stated that the partnership with the university is rare for the society, and the infrastructure made Columbus an ideal host. The influx of visitors has increased spending in local businesses and raised the city’s national profile.
A central feature of the event is the BUGmobile, a converted Airstream trailer belonging to the entomology department. This outreach vehicle typically travels to festivals and fairs, allowing the public to handle live insects. For the conference, the unit is parked inside the convention center. It displays work from various research labs and serves as an interactive exhibit. Outside the main building, additional stations allow attendees to hold live specimens, bridging the gap between academic research and public engagement.
The presence of both the BUGmobile and the department’s Bug Zoo in Wooster highlights the dual focus of the program. While the conference remains a professional gathering for researchers sharing findings in panel discussions and working groups, it also maintains strong ties to public education. The students participating in the competitions gain exposure to the professional world, whether through a talk, a poster session, or simply by engaging with the senior scientists in attendance. The event concludes on Wednesday with the final day of professional meetings.
