This conference is organised by the Southern eDNA Society (SeDNAs - sednasociety.com), Australia and New Zealand's scientific society for the environmental DNA discipline. SeDNAS aims to promote best practices and help the adoption of methods across sectors, by closely working together with researchers, industry, and government. Conferences are organised biannually, alternating between Australia and New Zealand. The first conference (Hobart 2023) was uniformly well received by the attendees, particularly the focus on end-user applications and collaboration. Unlike many other scientific conferences, SeDNAs makes a point of inviting key stakeholders from industry and government to both attend the conference and present their own work or research needs. We found this stimulated discussions to be more likely to develop real-world research collaborations of higher relevance to end-users.

Including and supporting ECRs is an integral part of the mission of SeDNAs. We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities, but as part of our drive to ensure eDNA research benefits industry stakeholders, we are reaching out to key organisations interested in supporting ECRs to travel to the conference. FRDC bursaries would showcase the relevance of FRDC to upcoming molecular fisheries researchers and the broader eDNA community, while also offering FRDC a cost-efficient opportunity to remain abreast of the most cutting edge developments in the field.

Should the FRDC be happy to provide sponsorship at a 'gold' level, as requested, the following benefits will be offered:
- FRDC invited to sponsor a specific competition prize/award.
- FRDC logo to be included in the competition coordinator's signature block in all competition email correspondence.
- FRDC logo to be included in all official 2024 competition publications (eg, competition instructions/guidelines resource, event invitations, event programs, certificates, etc).
- FRDC logo/banner displayed at promotional events including on stage at the Awards Day & Ag Science Expo (13 August 2024).
- FRDC representative(s) Invited to attend and present awards during the Awards Day & Ag Science Expo.
- FRDC acknowledged verbally during the welcome address at the Awards Day & Ag Science Expo.
- FRDC representative invited to give a 5-10min speech at the Awards Day & Ag Science Expo.
- FRDC invited to set up a trade display at the Awards Day & Ag Science Expo.
- FRDC's website linked to the DAF competition website.
- FRDC acknowledged in all DAF competition media releases. The competition attracts widespread media coverage throughout the year.
- FRDC's social media handles included in competition social media posts.
- FRDC promotional materials can be distributed to students and guests at the Awards Day & Ag Science Expo and/or in prize packs mailed to schools.
The 'Sponsorship Proposal' document outlines all details of the sponsorship opportunity and alternative arrangements may be discussed.