The Oregon Conservation Education and Assistance Network (OCEAN), in collaboration with the Oregon Conservation Partnership, is excited to invite you to SUBMIT A SESSION PROPOSAL for the 13th Annual CONNECT Conference.

CONNECT+ will be held on SEPTEMBER 6-8, 2022, at Seaside Convention Center, in Seaside.

This is a hybrid event - providing attendees to participate both in-person and virtually.
 
This three-day conference will bring together local, state, and federal decision-makers, support organizations, professionals from Watershed Councils, Conservation Districts, Land Trusts, and others committed to conserving our natural resources.  

This conference will advance Oregon's conservation efforts. We ask all authors to challenge themselves to see how their work fits in and enhances conservation in Oregon through diversity, equity, and inclusion through the tracks listed below.

*Proposals are not required to focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for consideration.

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                                                  TRACK TOPICS and DESCRIPTIONS:

Oral Presentations: Formal, individual presentations on various conservation topics will be scheduled in general sessions depending on the specific “Track” in which it was submitted and the thematic content. The abstract submission form requires the selection of preferred presentation format (oral) and whether you are submitting your abstract as an individual or part of an organized symposium. The review committee may suggest that you change your proposed format depending on the novelty, relationship to theme, available time in the program, and whether or not the content has been previously presented. All presenters must be registered conference participants.

Please, do not submit the same abstract in multiple formats.


ADMINISTRATION, MANAGEMENT, POLICY
The administration, management and policy track highlights best practices for inclusive policy and organization resilience.  We would like to include a discussion on new legislation effecting public access and policies, including Board and Executive Director Succession Policies, Board Recruitment, Cyber Security Policy, and using contractors to increase capacity.  


CLIMATE
TBD


DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION
The Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) track supports the conference theme by providing a forum to share progress, best practices and lessons learned for the incorporation of DEI principles into organizational governance, including bylaws, strategic plans, policies, program initiatives, outreach/community engagement, and assessment tools.


EDUCATION & COMMUNICATION
The Education and Outreach track highlights proven and innovative tools and techniques for sharing our conservation knowledge with the general public. Sessions cover the social, psychological, behavioral, and linguistic aspects of marketing conservation values in an efficient, practical and nuanced manner to raise awareness and build capacity and expertise among all people in our communities.


PARTNERSHIP / COLLABORATION / ORGANIZATIONAL RESILIENCY
The Partnership, Collaboration and Organizational Resilience track highlights the importance of working outside of your organization to create a community and partnerships that leverages each others strengths to help address potential weaknesses. Conservation in Oregon rarely occurs without partners and a spirit of collaboration. Organizational resiliency is important for practitioners who are integral to these partnerships - this track will present information on building and maintaining productive partnerships, how to join or create collaborative groups, and ideas about how organizational sustainability can be achieved.


RIPARIAN / IN-STREAM
The riparian and in-stream track will highlight the planning, funding, permitting, implementation and monitoring aspects of riparian and instream projects with an emphasis on innovative restoration techniques, permitting challenges and lessons learned.


UPLANDS/FORESTRY/FIRE
TBD


WATER
Water remains the lifeblood of Oregon to grow our crops, protect our fishery, and support our way of life and our economy.  Drought continues to adversely affect our water supply with climate change affecting runoff and storage.  Water planning efforts focus on local community input to seek better tools to work with diminishing groundwater levels and reduced surface water supply.   Recent legislative investments in water are expected to provide more information for planning purposes to better predict and provide flexibility.  This track will focus on issues relevant to Oregon’s water resources and will advance our understanding of these major challenges and potential strategies.


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SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
June 10, 2022, 5 pm PT

SUBMISSION:
All abstract submissions are required to be submitted through this official online form.

GUIDELINES:
In contrast to previous years, submitted abstracts will be listed in the abstract book as-is. No revision period is anticipated after the May deadline. At the time of abstract submission, it is the submitting author’s responsibility to ensure that the title, abstract, and authors can be printed for public view.

Your abstract will be evaluated by a team of abstract reviewers based on the following criteria:

1. WRITING QUALITY & ADHERENCE TO GUIDELINES
Does the abstract meet the track description?

● The title is brief and clearly indicates the nature of the presentation. Title is in the title case without a period at the end. Do not use all caps. Do not include a period at the end.

● The abstract is under 250 words

● Author names and bios are submitted in the appropriate fields on the submission form (i.e. not located in the body of the abstract text). Affiliations for authors are written out and complete (i.e. Division of Aquatic Resources as opposed to DAR). Authors are listed in order of authorship; no more than two presenting
authors selected.

● Scientific names are italicized

● Acronyms are spelled out on first use

● Spelling is correct

● Grammar and punctuation are used correctly

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SELECTION NOTIFICATION:
All abstracts submitted at this time will be reviewed by the CONNECT+ Abstract Committee based on the Evaluation Criteria. Abstract Authors will receive an email notification on whether or not your abstract has been accepted to the conference prior to August 12, 2022.


REGISTRATION:
$250 In-Person Registration
$175 Virtual Registration


AMENITIES:
Presenters will receive 50% off conference registration.

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Thank you,
Daphne Plump
Conference Producer
Email: Connect@OceanConnect.org
Website: www.ConnectOregon.net