Conferences and Conventions Related to Sustainability
Dirigo Leadership Conference
The Dirigo Leadership Conference is a statewide conference for higher education students in Maine that emphasizes on the undergraduate experience and how those experiences transfer to life beyond college. Students may take and hold many leadership positions throughout their college journey. This conference provides an opportunity for students to learn, develop, and improve both professional and personal leadership skills. There are various workshops and sessions centered around topics such as communication, specific areas of leadership development, and the experiences and knowledge of distinguished guests. This conference is part of the Dirigo Leadership Society, so attendance may earn a first level badge.
Maine Hunger Dialogue and Climate Action Summit
The Maine Hunger Dialogue and Climate Action Summit focuses on the issue of safeguarding food systems from a warming climate. There are many complex and vital intersections between food systems and climate change. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from renowned experts in both hunger and climate issues, participate in a hunger related service project, and receive guidance for applying for grants to support projects related to campus or community food insecurity. Individual students are welcome to attend, but team participation with a faculty member is encouraged. For more information about the dates and how to attend, check the UMaine event calendar or reach out to UMaine’s Cooperative Extension. Feel free to visit their Facebook page, Maine Hunger Dialogue as well.
Maine Lakes and Lake Stewards of Maine Annual Conference
The LSM conference is a place for attendees to learn about the most recent information and news related to Maine’s lakes and network with other people who are motivated to keep lake systems clean and healthy. There are various workshops related to topics such as bacteria, native plant life, wildlife, and pollutants. Distinguished LSM volunteers will also receive recognition for their dedication and service to water quality monitoring and invasive plant patrolling. There may also be fundraising events and prizes. Registration generally costs between $15 and $35 depending on your involvement with LSM. More information about events and involvement can be found on the Lake Stewards of Maine website.
Maine Science Festival
The Maine Science Festival is Maine’s only science festival, founded in 2015 and hosted annually by the Maine Discovery Museum. It is a five day celebration of Maine’s national and world leading scientific research and advancements, as well as all of the people who contribute to it. More than 60,000 people have participated in more than 70 events showcasing the remarkable work and innovation that occurs in Maine every day. The Maine Invention Convention, a statewide competition which promotes innovative problem solving and invention among Maine middle schoolers is also part of the festival. The festival includes various shows, forums, talks, art exhibits, workshops and hands-on activities related to Maine science for all ages. The events cover various topics related to biological, environmental, technological, and social sciences such as immunology, space navigation, ecology, and indigenous practices.
Maine Sustainability and Water Conference
The Maine Sustainability & Water Conference provides an annual forum where professionals, researchers, consultants, citizens, students, regulators, and planners gather to exchange information and present new findings on sustainability and water resource issues in Maine. Launched in 1994 by UMaine’s Senator George J. Mitchell Center with a primary focus on the future of Maine’s water resources, the conference has grown to incorporate topics related to many of the sustainability challenges facing Maine, including issues related to climate change, energy futures, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, tourism, and municipal planning. The conference attracts a broad audience of close to 400 participants from across the state. Contact the Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions at umgmc@maine.edu or 207-581-3195 for more information.
North American Association for Environmental Education Annual Conference and Research Symposium
The NAAEE Annual Conference is an informational networking event with many engaging activities which is generally held in late summer. The conference is virtual in order to improve accessibility and reduce carbon emissions. The conference focuses on how education can influence important environmental and social issues. Qualified individuals may apply to present at the conference. There are also pre-conference workshops. Conference, research symposium, and workshop attendance requires registration and costs a fee depending on the individual’s affiliation with NAAEE.
Northeast Cover Crops Council (NECCC) Annual Conference
The NECCC Annual Conference is open to farmers, students, Cooperative Extension agents, crop consultants, and other agricultural professionals. This event features presentations and discussions related to economic and financial opportunities in cover crops, how to diversify cover crop species, cover crops in vegetable production, the role of cover crops in climate change mitigation, and highlights from the NECCC and the Precision Sustainable Agriculture (PSA) project. Attendees will have the opportunity to present and share their research. Interested parties should register online. Meals will be provided during the conference. Registration usually costs $75 for farmers and students, and $100 for members of the public, though financial assistance is available to eligible registrants.
Raising Indigenous Voices in Academia and Society (RIVAS) Conference
The RIVAS conference is held to support the scholarship of indigenous academics and speakers whose cultures help shape American linguistics, archaeology, and cultural anthropology. This event acknowledges the international contributions of Indigenous Peoples by inviting individuals to submit an abstract for a paper, or simply attend the event. The in-person location changes each year, but there are also online events.
UMaine Wild Blueberry Conference
The Wild Blueberry Conference covers topics such as weed, pest, and disease management, water and drought management, production and research updates, business management, marketing, updates from the Maine Wild Blueberry Commission, and a certification panel discussion. The sessions will be led by Cooperative Extension and UMaine educators, researchers, and industry experts. It is generally held during the Spring semester and registration is required for attendance and the fee may range between $0 and $50. Pesticide credits will be available. For more information about the dates and how to attend, check the UMaine event calendar or reach out to UMaine’s Cooperative Extension.
4-H Unconference
The UMaine 4-H Unconference is an organized forum for 4-H volunteers, club leaders, afterschool providers, teachers, parents, and teen leaders to gather and discuss 4-H topics. The Unconference is an opportunity to both teach and learn from each other. The agenda is open to facilitate open discussion of topics that are of interest to the group. For more information about the dates and how to attend, check the UMaine event calendar, 4-H website, or reach out to UMaine’s Cooperative Extension.