2024 Summer Training Conference & 76th Annual Meeting
July 14-16, 2024 – Springfield Crowne Plaza
Hocus pocus, abracadabra, alakazam! Whether called hexes, spells, or technical assistance, the words we invoke to work our will all require an intangible force that can be universally described as magic. We are excited to announce the MAGIC of Conservation will be front and center at the 76th annual meeting & summer training conference July 14-16, 2024 at the Crowne Plaza Convention Center in Springfield (3000 S. Dirksen Parkway).
A block of hotel rooms has been reserved for our group, and reservations can be made at AISWCD – Crowne Plaza 2024 or 217.529.7777 at the discounted rate of $107/night (say you are with the AISWCD Annual Meeting and Conference).
Registration
Agenda (updated 7/2)
Speakers
Nominate outstanding SWCD cohorts for an award
Illinois SWCD Employee Association scholarship
George McKibben Memorial Scholarship Information
Want to make changes in your organization? Download a form to present a resolution.
Support efforts for healthier soil and cleaner water by donating to the LIVE auction or have your company/organization sponsor the conference.
We look forward to seeing you and showcase how to Make A Greater Individual Commitment to Conservation.
Thanks to our many amazing presenting partners, including . . .
MAGIC of Conservation Partners
- Illinois Department of Agriculture
- Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service
Magician Partners
- Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council
- Illinois Soybean Association
- IL Corn
- Illinois Farm Bureau
Abracadabra Partners
- Marathon Pipeline
- Illinois Beef Association
- Illinois Pork Association
- Springfield Plastics
Magic Wand Partners
- American Farmland Trust
- Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership
- Illinois Environmental Council
- Troxell Insurance
- The Nature Conservancy
Magician’s Assistant Partners
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
- Prairie State Conservation Coalition
- Forrest Keeling Nursery
Schedule starting 5pm Sunday July 14
The AISWCD Summer Training and Conference will begin Sunday with the announcement and celebration of the 2024 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award finalists. The evening will feature a live band, Pork Pop-Up Buffet, and fellowship with friends.
Monday kick-starts with a fellowship breakfast, followed by opening ceremonies and a day of presentations and workshops on the MAGIC of Conservation, followed by the Conservation Farm Family of the year banquet, wrapped up with a fun lively auction to raise funds for our cause.
Tuesday starts with a Stewardship Breakfast followed by board and leadership meetings, followed by the Annual Meeting, and wrapped up by noon.
See below image for more details and download Agenda (updated 7/2).
Color Guard
Posting of the Colors truly represents a cornerstone of what conservation represents for our state and nation. Even prior to our nation’s independence, Veterans have defended the land of the free and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts have aided in preserving the land they have defended. Now we call on you, our Conservationists that are Veterans, to help return the pride and joy of our Nation, the American Flag, to center stage at the 2024 Annual Meeting and Summer Training Conference on July 14th.
Veterans who will make up the Honor Guard will play a pivotal role in honoring tradition and paying respect to those who serve, both past and present, and celebrate the living lands and waters we all desire to defend.
If you are willing to serve as a member of this year’s Honor Guard, please contact the AISWCD.