The 13th International Polychaete Conference  was held from August 4–9, 2019, aboard the historic RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. Returning to the site of IPC 3, the meeting celebrated the 30-year anniversary of that milestone event and honored Dr. Donald Reish for his lasting contributions to polychaete research. Hosted by California State University, Long Beach, and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, IPC 13 brought together around 125 participants from 23 countries, including 26 students, for a dynamic week of scientific exchange. The program featured 53 talks across 13 themed sessions and 74 posters, showcasing the diversity and depth of current annelid research—all set against the unique backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic oceanliners.