The 12th NAPC will bring together professionals, graduate and undergraduate students, amateur palaeontologists and interested members of the public from all over the world. The meeting covers all branches of palaeontology, including vertebrate, invertebrate, palaeobotany, micropalaeontology, palaeo-related organic and inorganic geochemistry, palaeoecology, palaeoclimatology and astrobiology. The meeting provides a forum for exchanging research findings, defining future directions and fostering relaxed interactions within the palaeontological community at large. A wide variety of symposia and topical sessions are planned, along with associated workshops and other forums, varied field-trips, and technical workshops.