The Second International Polychaete Conference took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 18–23 August 1986, hosted by the Zoological Museum of the University of Copenhagen and the August Krogh Institute. Led by Drs. Jørgen B. Kirkegaard and Mary E. Petersen, it brought together around 150 scientists and 50 guests from 22 countries—many meeting in person for the first time. With 74 talks and 30 posters, the conference covered everything from systematics and reproduction to ecology and morphology. Sixty-seven papers were published in the beautifully illustrated Ophelia supplement “Systematics, Biology and Morphology of World Polychaeta.” Midweek excursions to Helsingør Castle and Tivoli Gardens added a memorable touch. The Second IPC also marked a turning point in the history of the community: it saw the founding of the International Polychaetology Association (IPA), with its first President (Dr. Kirkegaard) and Secretary-Treasurer (Dr. Donald J. Reish) formally elected.