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Conference FAQ
Scroll down or click the links below to read answers to frequently asked questions about the Watershed Leadership Conference.
- General Questions
- Conference Costs and Payment
- How much does it cost?
- What is included in my registration fees?
- If I register online, do I have to pay online?
- Scholarships
- Are scholarships available?
- Who can qualify for scholarships?
- How do I apply for a scholarship?
- When will I know if I have received a scholarship?
- How much of my conference expenses will my scholarship cover?
- At the Conference
General Questions
Who attends the conference?
Each year the conference brings over a hundred individual attendees from a variety of backgrounds together to share, network, and learn. Participants include agency employees, teachers, elected officials, scientists, lawyers, engineers, concerned citizens, nature lovers, and other eco-minded folks.
What happens at the conference?
At the conference, participants receive professional development
training from experts as well as their own peers on the newest ideas and innovations in science, community organizing, and environmental policy work. It's a great opportunity for professional development as well as a chance to get together with eco-minded people to socialize, celebrate our victories, share our challenges, and have a good time. Days are packed with informative education sessions and each night features a different form of entertainment.
Conference Costs and Payment
How much does it cost?
- Full Conference Registration $175
- Single Day Registration
- Saturday $50
- Sunday $75
- Monday $50
- Tuesday $25
- Lodging is available to participants who register before February 12 at a rate of $50 per night for a double room and $90 per night for a single room.
- A $25 discount is offered to Alabama Rivers Alliance members.
- A $25 discount is offered to board members and staff of groups which are Alabama Rivers Alliance members.
What is included in my registration fees?
Conference registration fees include admission to the conference sessions and related events, session materials, meals, and entertainment. Lodging is available at a reduced rate to conference participants who register before February 12.
If I register online, do I have to pay online?
No. Once you've filled out the registration online and clicked submit, you are registered. You may close your browser window when it redirects you to a Paypal screen. Your registration fees will be listed as unpaid and you can mail a check or pay at the door. If paying by check, please note "conference fees" on the memo line and mail to the Alabama Rivers Alliance at 2027 2nd Ave North, Suite A, Birmingham, AL 35203.
Scholarships
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, we are able to offer scholarships to qualified applicants for some or all of their conference costs.
Who can qualify for scholarships?
Anyone who stands to benefit from attending the conference who might be prohibited from doing so for financial reasons can apply for a scholarship. The only requirement is that applicants pay $25 student/low income dues to become members of the Alabama Rivers Alliance. The purpose of the conference is to inform Alabama's citizens about their environment and we strive to make it possible for anyone interested in attending the conference to get there.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
Individuals can apply for a scholarship online (click here) or contact Elizabeth Salter.
When will I know if I have received a scholarship?
Scholarship recipients will be notified on February 11.
How much of my conference expenses will my scholarship cover?
Scholarships may cover some or part of the costs of attending the conference. The amount for each individual will be determined based on 1. individual need 2. the number of qualified applicants and 3. the availability of funding from our conference sponsors.
At the Conference
What is the conference schedule?
The conference schedule can be viewed online as a PDF document in the registration brochure. (Click here.)
Can I attend just part of the conference without paying for the whole thing?
Yes. The option for individual day(s) at discounted rates is available when you register online. (Click here.)
Do I have to choose between the science, policy, and organizing tracks, or can I mix and match sessions?
No. You can pick and choose the sessions that interest you.
What should I pack for the conference?
Conference attire is mostly casual and comfortable shoes are a must as it is a walkable event. We also ask that you bring a water bottle and coffee mug so that we can make the conference greener by not using anything disposable.
Here is a list of handy items to bring:
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Comfortable, casual attire for attending sessions, going on field trips, and wearing on Tuesday’s lobby day. Special t-shirts will be provided for lobby day participants.
- Water bottle
- Coffee mug
- Lunch money for Monday
- Sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and/or bug repellent
- A notebook and pen for taking notes and writing down questions
- An open mind ready to share, learn, and grow!
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