Presentations can range from 20-45 minutes and can utilize a range of formats, including dialogues, roundtables, moderated discussions, demonstrations, panel presentations, and more.

A successful presentation will highlight issues facing the Connecticut River watershed and/or its communities, connect environmental and climate-related data to tangible challenges and solutions, and present information in an accessible manner while providing actionable takeaways to participants.

Speaker presentation proposal submissions will open on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

Speaker proposal submissions must include the following:

• • The name and contact information for your presentation coordinator
• • Name, title/role, affiliation (if applicable), and a bio (50 words or less) for each presenter
• • Your presentation’s title
• • Estimated presentation length
• • A brief abstract of your presentation (75 words or less) for the event program
• • Your session’s format (panel, roundtable, workshop, performance, think tank, etc.)
• • The level for which the bulk of your presentation is intended: introductory, intermediate, or advanced (while an introductory level presentation might have “heavy” science mentioned, the majority of its content should be accessible to a general audience)
• • A description (300 words or less) of your presentation, identifying its main objectives, how you will be addressing them, and its intended audience. Three expected takeaways of your presentation should also be included.

Here are some guiding themes to consider when drafting proposals or considering panelist nominations:

• • Environmental Justice and Equity:
  • ◦ How can we ensure that marginalized communities have a voice in environmental decision-making?
  • ◦ What are the challenges in securing equal access to clean air, water, and land for all communities within the watershed?
• • Building Climate Impact and Resilience:
  • ◦ What are the most effective climate adaptation strategies for rural and urban areas in the Connecticut River Valley?
  • ◦ How do we measure the success of climate resilience initiatives?
• • The Next Generation of River Stewardship
  • ◦ What role can education and outreach play in preparing the next generation of river stewards?
  • ◦ How can we engage young people in environmental advocacy and conservation efforts?
• • Future Challenges: Addressing Emerging Threats to River Health
  • ◦ What are the most pressing emerging threats to River’s health in the coming decades?
  • ◦ How can we balance economic development with the need to protect the River’s ecosystems?
• • Innovative Solutions: Technology and Ecological Practices
  • ◦ What are new technologies that can help us monitor and restore the River’s ecosystems?
  • ◦ What sustainable practices are showing the most promise?
• • Grassroots Movements, Citizen Science and Policy Solutions
  • ◦ How can grassroots movements effectively influence environmental policy?
  • ◦ What are successful examples of citizen-led policy change in environmental protection?
• • The Role of Native Species and the Impact of Invasives
  • ◦ How can/are we effectively managing and controlling invasive species without harming native populations?
  • ◦ What are successful stories of habitat restoration along the River?
• • Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Indigenous Perspectives:
  • ◦ How are we integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge into environmental management practices?
  • ◦ How can collaboration between Indigenous communities and environmental organizations improve conservation outcomes?