Join the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts for the 75th Annual Meeting and Summer Training conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Springfield, Illinois from July 16 to July 18, 2023.
Over the course of the three day event, we will have the opportunity to learn from and engage with experts in the field of conservation agriculture and natural resource management. From farmers and ranchers to researchers and policymakers, this conference will bring together a diverse group of professionals who are passionate about promoting sustainable and efficient agriculture practices.
Throughout the conference, you will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and exchange ideas about how to implement conservation agriculture practices in your own communities.
Preconference Social Event
in us for a magical evening under the stars at Springfield’s Municipal Opera Theatre, the Muni, for a showing of the classic play “Beauty and the Beast” in an outdoor setting, which promises to be an unforgettable experience. This social outing is the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and enjoy the arts with your fellow conference attendees. We look forward to seeing you there!
This “tale as old as time” is filled with spectacular costume and set opportunities or, even more simply staged, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast offers a great opportunity to bring your entire community together for family theatre at its best.
Exhibitors and Sponsors Sought!
We are excited to invite you to participate in the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation District’s Summer Training Conference. As a leading organization in the field of conservation, we believe that your presence at this conference would be valuable to our attendees, who are primarily made up of soil and water conservation professionals, government officials, and conservation enthusiasts.
This conference presents a unique opportunity for you to connect with decision-makers in the conservation sector and showcase your organization’s products, services, and initiatives. It is an excellent platform for your team to network, engage with potential partners, and expand your reach. By exhibiting or sponsoring at the event, you can establish your organization as a thought leader in the industry and raise awareness about your conservation efforts. We hope that you will consider this opportunity to support and promote conservation in Illinois.
Non-profit, Government Exhibitor Rate: $350
Business Exhibitor Rate: $500
Sponsorship rates vary and can be adjusted to fit your budget! Please contact us at info@aiswcd.org to get started!
Special Event!
Catch an exclusive screening of the award winning conservation film Wings Over Water, narrated by acclaimed actor Michael Keaton.
As the glaciers retreated at the end of the last ice age, they left an astounding gift of connected rivers, lakes and wetlands across the heartland of North America. Today, these largely unknown water highways remain an oasis for sustaining wildlife. From the herds of bison that still roam the Great Plains to the vital honeybees that pollinate our crops and especially for the millions of magnificent birds that migrate along these “flyways.”
Wings Over Water tells the story of the epic journeys of three amazing bird families – the Sandhill Crane, the Yellow Warbler and the Mallard Duck – with extraordinary footage of their fascinating behaviors.
Audiences will be captivated by the triumphs and challenges of these remarkable creatures that defy all odds and soar across mountains, deserts, cities and forests as they head home to raise their young.
The 45 minute feature film, currently showing in IMAX theatres, will be screened immediately following the Awards Luncheon on Monday, July 17th, 2023.
Schedule Overview:
Sunday, July 16, 2023
5pm – 7pm: Registration open
8pm: Social event (Doors open 1 hour early, show starts at dusk)
Monday, July 17, 2023
Registration open: 7:30am – 1:00pm
Opening ceremony: 8:30am – 9:30am
Break: 9:30am – 9:45am
Breakout sessions: 9:45am – 10:30am
Break: 10:30am – 10:45am
Breakout sessions: 10:45am – 11:30am
Break: 11:30 – 11:45am
Awards luncheon: 11:45am – 1:00pm
Film screening: 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Break: 1:45pm – 2:00pm
Breakout sessions: 2:00pm – 2:45pm
Break: 2:45pm – 3:00pm
Breakout sessions: 3:00pm – 3:45pm
Break: 3:45pm – 4:00pm
Breakout sessions: 4:00pm – 4:45pm
Break: 4:45pm – 5:30pm
Cocktail reception: 5:30pm – 6:00pm
Farm Family dinner: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Auction: 8:00pm – 9:30pm
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Registration open: 7:30am – 10:30am
Stewardship breakfast: 7:30am – 8:30am
Break: 8:30am – 8:45am
Directors/employees forum: 8:45am – 9:45am
Break: 9:45am – 10:00am
Annual meeting: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Auction Fun!
The Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts Annual Auction is an event that you won’t want to miss! This auction is not your typical fundraising event; it is an evening filled with laughter, excitement, and camaraderie. Attendees can expect to bid on a wide variety of items, from tools and equipment to unique experiences and getaways. The atmosphere is lively, and the bidding wars can get intense, making for a truly memorable experience.
One of the highlights of the auction is the opportunity to meet and interact with fellow conservationists from across Illinois. Proceeds are used to support events such as the Illinois Envirothon, this event is not only fun but also for a good cause. So, come ready to bid, have a good time, and support a great cause!
Registration:
Click HERE for registration! Please email to Teri.Fahey@aiswcd.org or mail to 201 W. Lawrence Avenue, Springfield, Illinois 62704.
Lodging:
Conference attendees should contact the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center directly to make reservations. Group room rates have been secured at the rate of $85 per night. Contact the conference venue by calling (217) 529-7777 or use the link HERE.
