Thanks to everyone who attended our 71st Annual Conference in Green Bay. Please mark your calendars for our 72nd Annual Conference scheduled for March 5-7, 2025 in Green Bay.

71st Annual Conference Program

Dan Egan

Dan Egan for many years covered the Great Lakes for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Now he writes occasional long-form pieces about climate change for national media outlets, including the New York Times, and is a senior water policy fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Freshwater Sciences. He is the author of THE DEVIL'S ELEMENT: PHOSPHORUS AND A WORLD OUT OF BALANCE and the New York Times best seller THE DEATH AND LIFE OF THE GREAT LAKES. Twice a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, he has won the Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award, John B. Oakes Award, AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Award, and J. Anthony Lukas Work-in-Progress Award. A graduate of the Columbia Journalism School, he lives in Milwaukee with his wife and children.

Matt Dannenberg

Matt Dannenberg is the Senior Tribal Liaison for the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. He previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy. Before that, he served as Senior Associate Director at the White House Office of Presidential Personnel. Before joining the administration he was Wisconsin Coalitions Director for the Biden-Harris presidential campaign.

Dannenberg grew up with a passion for meteorology which led to a career in civic engagement and lobbying to impact climate change. Dannenberg started his career at Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters as an organizer, Field Director, and Program Director. Dannenberg is a proud member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Matt will be Wednesday's plenary speaker.

Our annual conference provides valuable networking opportunities, forums to discuss current work and new ideas with colleagues, a chance to build technical knowledge, and space to be re-inspired by the passion for conservation across the state.

The annual business meeting is held on the last morning of the conference. This meeting includes updates from our Board of Directors and a forum for discussion.

Other events occurring at the conference include the following:

Extra fees apply to registrations after February 3, 2024 and for onsite registration. On or after February 24, you must register on-site. Registrations are transferrable at any time. Cancellations received on or before February 23, 2024 will be refunded minus a $25 cancellation fee. Cancellations or no-shows at conference on or after February 24, 2024 will be liable for the entire conference fee. Due to covering pre-paid costs, there are ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS to the fee/cancellation schedule. Full conference $325 / Wednesday Only $130 / Thursday Only $170 / Friday Only $115

GET INVOLVED

Join the Professional Improvement Committee (PIC)

The PIC's main responsibility is to assist in the planning and execution of our annual conference. Visit the PIC's webpage and learn more about why it's important the committee has representation from staff and supervisors around the state.

Become a Conference Sponsor

If you are interested in sponsoring the 2024 conference, view our Sponsorship Opportunities or contact Matt Krueger.

Silent Auction

The silent auction is always a fun part of our conference! Proceeds benefit youth education programs such as the Conservation Awareness Poster & Speaking Contest, Wisconsin Envirothon, and two youth conservation camps. To learn more, view our Silent Auction materials for 2024. We are using 32 Auctions.com for the auction this year. Please upload your item and submission here and please bring your item to the conference. Use this form to submit item information.

Questions: haillie.passow@co.trempealeau.wi.us

Volunteer

Like most events, this conference could not happen without the support of the numerous staff and volunteers to help run a smooth event. Many volunteer positions are available including session moderators, A/V set up, raffle ticket sellers, and general set up. Contact Chris Schlutt if you would like to volunteer.

Future Conference Dates

March 5-7, 2025 | KI Center, Green Bay