Today I received the news release that the first joint meeting of the European Planetary Science Congress and the Division for Planetary Sciences (EPSC-DPS) of the American Astronomical Society 2011 will be held October 2 to 7 in Nantes, France, at La Cité Internationale des Congrès Nantes Métropole.

This program, which will cover diverse planetary topics, is being organized and supported by the European Geosciences Union and the Université de Nantes. Over 1700 abstracts for presentations have been submitted, so far.

Highlights: The latest from MESSENGER, Kepler, Venus Express and Dawn, as well as new findings at Titan and Enceladus.

Photo: Artist's Interpretation of Huygens on Titan Credit: ESA - C. Carreau 

The conference is rolling out the red carpet for media representatives, the notice reads; there will be a press room, daily lunchtime briefings, and snacks! EPSC's website has more details.

I would be thrilled to attend, but freelance writing is still keeping me busy -- living paycheck to paycheck.