2026 Polar Field Staff Conference
March 23-26
Lisbon, Portugal
Welcome to the 2026 AECO/IAATO Polar Field Staff Conference (PFSC) in association with the Polar Tourism Guides Association.
Designed for guides and expedition leaders in Arctic and Antarctic expedition tourism, this conference is a unique opportunity to connect, share insights, and grow.
Register your field staff for the opportunity to exchange knowledge, build their professional network, and be part of shaping safe and sustainable travel in the polar regions.
Preliminary Agenda
- Presentation and Interpretation Skills
- Individual and Group Communication
- Giving and Receiving Feedback
- Industry Communications and Culture
- Near Miss and Incident Learning
- Guiding Skills
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Situational Awareness
- Training for the Future
Recommended Accommodation (Self-Booking Required)
Eurostars Universal Lisboa (venue)
- Single room: €179 per night (breakfast included)
- Double room: €199 per night (breakfast included)
Ikonik Lisboa (1-minute walk to the venue)
- Single room: €139 per night (breakfast included)
- Double room: €149 per night (breakfast included)
Promo code: PFSC2026, valid for check-in March 23 through check-out March 27.
Booking Deadline: January 23, 2026
Cancellations are free of charge until 14 days before arrival; cancellations made less than two weeks prior will incur a 100% fee.
Register Now
Registration Cap: Each member may register up to four (4) participants initially.
Participation Fee: No fee for members.
AECO/IAATO Additional Registrations: Opens November 25.
- For members wishing to register more than 4 participants. Subject of availability.
Registration for Individual Field Staff Opens October 30
- Participant Fee: 1,500 NOK (approx. $150 USD) per person.
- Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for registration, individuals must document a prior, current or future affiliation with an IAATO or AECO member.
- Subject to availability
Last update: 30. September 2025