CONNECT 2027
OCEAN & OACD ANNUAL CONFERENCE
SAVE THE DATE: April 6 - 8
Ashland Hills Hotel, Ashland, OR
Building Knowledge.
Strengthening Connections.
Advancing Conservation in Oregon.
Call for Session Proposals
Two organizations. One shared mission. A stronger conference for Oregon conservation.
CONNECT 2027 is more than a conference this year. Join us as we bring together two important gatherings: OCEAN’s CONNECT conference and OACD’s annual conference. This is an exciting opportunity to connect people from across Oregon’s conservation district community. This gathering won’t happen again this year, making it an especially valuable chance to share knowledge, highlight innovative work, and learn from colleagues across the state. Help us make the most of this opportunity by submitting a session proposal!
Through engaging sessions and networking opportunities, attendees will gain practical knowledge, information on policy issues affecting conservation, and build lasting professional relationships.
The deadline to submit a session proposal is January 8, 2027 at 5pm.
Help us shape CONNECT 2027
We want to hear from you! Whether you have a new idea, a successful project to share, a useful tool, or a lesson that could help another district avoid a challenge. Proposals from SWCD staff and Directors, as well as partners and professionals who have knowledge or experience that can benefit Oregon's conservation districts are encouraged.
The program committee will review submissions and group related topics and put them into tracks for the final conference program.
We are looking for a variety of presenters that share practical knowledge, successful approaches or hard lessons learned, useful tools, and collaborative ideas that statewide SWCD staff and Directors can take back to their districts and communities.
This is an in-person conference.
Suggested Topics: We welcome proposals covering a wide range of natural resource management, conservation, and stewardship topics relevant to conservation districts, spanning diverse land uses and landscapes. Topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Engaging with and educating landowners and communities
- Conservation or stewardship programs, partnerships, and funding
- Leadership and organizational development
- Emerging issues and ideas
- Monitoring, data, and technology
- Conservation implementation
- State policy and legislative issues
Session formats: Please describe your preferred format in your submission. The program committee may recommend a different format based on the content and overall conference program. CONNECT attendees value presentations that give them something practical to use for their position.
Suggested Formats:
- Individual presentations
- Panels
- Demonstrations
- Workshops
- Case studies
- Peer-to-peer discussions
- Facilitated conversations
- Other creative formats
Preference will be given to sessions with practical takeaways.
Tell us what attendees will walk away with. What will they know, understand, or be able to do after your session?
Consider sharing:
- A project or program that other districts could adapt
- A tool, template, guide, or resource
- A successful approach—and what you learned along the way
- A case study with clear takeaways
- Research that has practical applications
- A demonstration or hands-on activity
- Lessons learned from something that didn't work as expected
- Actions that can be taken or implemented
Proposals will be reviewed by the CONNECT Program committee, and applicants will be notified of selection decisions by early February. We appreciate all submissions, but not all proposed sessions will be selected.
Selected presenters are expected to register for the conference and will receive a $75 discount on registration. Presenters will also be asked to submit their presentation slides in advance of the conference.
Questions about the call for session proposals? Please contact: Morgan Neil, vicepresident@oceanconnect.org.