One of the most exciting weeks of the year at Nat Geo headquarters takes place every June when the Society’s Explorers Symposium convenes scientists, innovators, and adventurers from the front lines of exploration and conservation to share their experiences. A symposium highlight is this public evening event, featuring a panel of symposium participants reporting on their work. Catch the excitement of this unique yearly gathering at National Geographic. Moderated by Boyd Matson.

This year’s participants will include:

Marine ecologist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Enric Sala, who conducts scientific expeditions in remote ocean areas around the world as part of his ongoing “Pristine Seas” project. Earlier this year, Sala led an expedition to the Pitcairn Island’s in the Pacific.

National Geographic Fellow and bestselling author Dan Buettner, who has explored the geographies of longevity and happiness in books such as The Blue Zones and Thrive. He is the founder of Blue Zones®, a company that puts the world’s best practices in longevity and well-being to work in people’s lives.

National Geographic Emerging Explorer Lucy Cooke, a zoologist and digital storyteller who travels the world campaigning to raise awareness about the world’s more “unlovable” animals. See Lucy’s video of the world’s only sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica.

Pilot and educator Barrington Irving, also a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, who beat the odds to become the youngest person and first black pilot to fly solo around the world. His nonprofit, Experience Aviation, aims to boost the number of youth in aviation and other science- and math-related careers.