The Mars Society was founded to further the exploration and settlement of the Red Planet. The International Mars Society convention presents a unique opportunity for those interested in Mars to come together and discuss the technology, science, social implications, philosophy and a multitude of other aspects of Mars exploration.

Highlights of the convention will include the latest results from the Phoenix Mars Landing mission, Spirit , Opportunity , Mars Express , and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter missions now exploring the Red planet, as well as reports on the historic four-month Mars mission simulation at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station on Devon Island, 900 miles from the North Pole, and the seventh season of the Mars Desert Research Station. There will also be extensive political discussions and planning meetings on how we can make use of the current fluid political situation to turn NASA's space policy into a real exploration initiative that can get humans to Mars in our time. The agenda will also include a wide assortment of panels and debates concerning key issues bearing on Mars exploration and settlement, a banquet with lots of fun entertainment, and plenary addresses from many prominent leaders of the effort to get humans to Mars. Prior conventions have drawn thousands of participants from all over the world and received extensive press coverage in many leading international media. This year's conference should be the most exciting event to date.