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.
2025 CONFERENCE DETAILS
Registration Fees:
Full Conference (W-F) - $350
Wednesday Only - $140
Thursday Only - $185
Friday Only - $125
Spouse/Guest* - $145
You’ll have the choice to receive an invoice or pay via credit card (PayPal). Invoices will be emailed after registration closes in February. Disregard choice of “Operator Payment.” Extra fees apply to registrations after February 1, 2025 and for onsite registration. After February 21 you must register on-site.
Registrations are transferable at any time. Cancellations received on or before February 21, 2025 will be refunded minus a $25 cancellation fee. Cancellations or no-shows after February 21, 2025 will be liable for the entire conference fee. Due to covering pre-paid costs, there are ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS to the fee/cancellation schedule.
*Spouse/Guest means a personal guest of the attendee, not a colleague or LCC member.
With 40 breakout sessions, we have a topic for everyone! Check out the session descriptions! NOTE: This document was updated on February 7. If you plan on attending the Technical Roundtable #2: Using a Watershed Perspective to Assess Hydrologic Restoration Opportunities, please plan to view the webinars listed prior to the conference.
When registering, please take time to choose which breakout session during each time slot you think you’ll attend, as this helps us determine room sizes.
HYATT REGENCY:
Plan to reserve your room sooner than later to ensure availability! Please provide proper documentation at check-in to secure your state rate. ROOM BLOCK/HOTEL IS FULL.
Single rooms are $98 with an additional $20 per person. There is a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you reserve your room using the link, you can cancel using the same link. If you need additional assistance, please contact them at 877-803-7534 or click here to find contact information by Region. If the group rate is no longer available, prevailing rates may be offered for some or all of your dates.
HAMPTON INN GREEN BAY DOWNTOWN:
If there is no availability at the Hyatt, we recommended booking a room at the Hampton Inn, which attached via skyway. This room block will be held until February 9. You can contact them to see if any rooms are still available, but they won't be at the state rate.
In an effort to increase LCC member attendance at our annual conference, we are offering an LCC member in each Area Association (eight total) a scholarship for $185 off conference registration costs, which can be used towards the full conference ($350) or a day package.
This would be awarded to one LCC member in each area who has never attended our conference. The county will be responsible for any registration fees over $185 and travel expenses. In return, we ask that each scholarship recipient provide WI Land+Water a brief testimonial that can be used in future promotion and perhaps a short recap to their LCC and/or area association to hopefully entice others to attend future conferences.
Mike Hofberger, Calumet County LWCC, stated “What I get out of attending the Land+Water conference is knowing that by attending I can do my job as a County Board Supervisor and LCC member better. I learn what other counties are doing and compare how we do it. Regardless, I am better prepared to help my county after the conference.”
Steps to Be Awarded the Scholarship:
- Contact Chris at WI Land+Water
Email: chris@wisconsinlandwater.org and request the PROMO CODE for conference registration.
- Register for the Conference
Select your “Conference Package.” Enter the PROMO CODE in the designated box (before entering your name, affiliation, etc.).
- Keep in Mind
Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2025.
- Questions?
Reach out to Chris! We encourage LCC members from all areas to take advantage of this opportunity!
If you are interested becoming a conference sponsor, please view our Sponsorship Opportunities or contact Matt Krueger.
Wednesday Keynote: Brad Gingras
Generational conflict in the workplace isn’t new, but the gaps between generations seem wider than ever. In his entertaining and insightful keynote, That's What I Meme: Understanding Generational Influences & Characteristics, Brad Gingras will explore the key traits and influences that shape each generation in today’s workforce and, most importantly, provide practical strategies to foster understanding, engagement, and success across all age groups. Whether you’re a Baby Boomer, Gen X, Millennial, or Gen Z, this session will leave you with fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways. Brad will also lead two breakout sessions to dive into critical professional development topics.
Thursday Plenary: Nic Jelinski
Join us for an engaging plenary presentation by Nic Jelinski, Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota, who will delve into the critical role of soil science in conservation. As a pedologist (someone who studies the formation, characteristics, and distribution of soils), Nic’s work focuses on understanding soil variability, the relationship between soils and landscapes, and how soils respond to land management practices and environmental changes. In addition to his plenary talk, Nic will lead a breakout session earlier in the day. For a preview of his insights, check out his TEDx Talk!
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:
- Keynote and plenary speakers
- Statewide youth education Poster & Speaking Contests
- Honoring our the winners of our Conservation Awards
- Networking and social hours
- Silent auction to benefit youth education programs
GET INVOLVED
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, and view materials to solicit items for the Silent Auction view our Silent Auction materials for 2025. We will continue with the 32Auction website as we have the last few years, therefore you will need to submit all the items via an online form. The link to the form is below and the email to send pictures of the item is silentauction@wisconsinlandwater.org.
Submission Link: https://forms.gle/LDQH5LtsjXNUpMpdA
A few notes about items:
Gift cards are good as long as they are for general stores (Kwik Trip/Walmart/Cabela’s), camping, tastings, an event, or something you can use online. Try to stay away from very specific gift cards like a single gas station, drug store, mechanic shop, or small groceries stores (non-chain stores), these do not get bid on.
Honey, maple syrup, mixers, beverages, cheese, food, all do well and people like to bid on them.
Home décor or homemade products do well in the auction – please include a size of a wall hanging or quilt so people know the dimensions
Something for gardening, pollinators, seed, fishing, hunting, outdoors equipment does well.
Questions: haillie.passow@co.trempealeau.wi.us
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.
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.
March 4-6, 2026 | Chula Vista, Wisconsin Dells
2027 and 2028 | TBD
