Alabama Water Resources Conference

2026 ALABAMA WATER RESOURCES CONFERENCE

SYMPOSIUM & CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

The Annual Alabama Water Resources Conference is a forum for all participants of our water resources community, providing opportunities for conversation about the many multidisciplinary aspects of water resources, and making connections that will improve how we understand the complex water issues that are of importance to this state, the region, and the nation. The Conference Planning Committee encourages you to join in the dialogue.

To encourage this exchange, the conference includes oral and poster sessions, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities. In addition to the broad array of topics on which we always encourage submission for the annual conference, we welcome individuals who wish to propose special sessions on themed tracks consisting of a core of invited presentations. If you are interested in organizing a special session, please contact a member of the organizing committee to discuss details.

The final conference program is determined by the content of the submitted and accepted abstracts. A list of potential topics is provided in the call for presentations to encourage conference participants to consider the full extent of multidisciplinary topics and information exchange; it is by no means all-inclusive. Interested persons are encouraged to prepare and submit abstracts of their work which address these or other relevant topics.

We look forward to seeing you September 9-11, 2026.

REGISTRATION

2026 ALWRC Registration opens for presenters on June 23, 2026.

Registration will open to the general public on July 1, 2026.

*Cancellations MUST be made in writing and received by August 5, 2026. Cancellations receiving refunds will be assessed a $50.00 administrative fee. Substitute attendees will be allowed in lieu of cancellations, Cancellations after 8/5/2026 are non-refundable.

**Student Registration: To qualify for student registration, you must meet the conference FULL-TIME status requirements. The requirements include being enrolled as a full-time student during the calendar year 2026, submitting a digital copy/screenshot of your student ID card, and the full-time status confirmation form signed by your major professor/academic advisor must be sent with your conference registration form. Those not providing proper documentation will be required to pay the full, adult registration rate and will not be allowed to participate in the student oral and poster competitions. The full-time status confirmation form can be downloaded at 2026 ALWRC Student Full-Time Status Confirmation Form

SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS

Interested in sponsoring the ALWRC?

Please register using the 2026 ALWRC Sponsorship Registration Form.

If you have questions about sponsorship or exhibitor space, email alwrc@auburn.edu or call 334-844-4785.

Thanks to our current sponsors!

AGENDA

2026 Draft Agenda Coming July 2026.

The conference agenda features presenters from a broad spectrum of water resources research, management and outreach backgrounds, as well as keynote speakers that are regionally/nationally know authorities in water resources.

A statewide committee composed of water resources agency, industry and academic leaders accept and review 75-100+ abstracts and compile 2 days of concurrent sessions covering the following topical areas: Aquatic Ecology/Biology, Coastal Issues including an entire session on Weeks Bay, Drought and Climate Issues, Ecological Flows, Flood Issues, GIS and Water Management, Groundwater Availability and Management, Modeling in Water Management, Restoration and Remediation, Stormwater Management, Water Policy and Law, Water Quality, Water Quantity, Water Resources Education and Stewardship, Water and Wastewater Systems Management, Watershed Management and Connecting Agencies, Industries and Stakeholders.

The conference is preceded by the annual symposium of the Alabama Section of the American Water Resources Association, established in 1987 to provide a common forum in which professionals in water resources and related areas can meet, network and exchange ideas pertaining to all aspects of water resources research and management.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

2026 Keynote Speakers are yet to be determined.

PREVIOUS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

2025

Colonel Kelcey R. Shaw – Mobile District Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Katie Butler – Water Division Director, U.S. EPA Region 4

2024

Mark Masters – Executive Director of the Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center at Albany State University

Rebecca Bearden – Director of the Ecosystems Investigations Program at the Geological Survey of Alabama

2023

Daniel Irwin – NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and the Global Program Manager for SERVIR

Tommy Tuberville – U.S. Senator – Alabama

2022

Lance LeFleur – Alabama Department of Environmental Management

Sherry Bradley – Alabama Department of Pubilc Health

Daniel Blackman – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Region 4

Rodney Knight – Director, USGS Lower Mississippi Gulf Water Science Center

ALL PRESENTERS

ALL presenters must register and pay the appropriate conference registration fee.
It is the responsibility of all presenters to check the draft agenda for accuracy of their abstract title, name, and affiliation.
We ask all presenters upload their presentation files BEFORE the 2026 ALWRC, no later than August 31, 2026 via Box.

2026 Presenter Guidelines Coming Soon

AWRA SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS

2026 AWRA Symposium Theme

Information Coming Soon!

Previous Themes:

2025 AL-Chapter of AWRA Symposium Theme: AI Meets Water: Exploring the Future of Water through Data and Technology

2024 AL-Chapter of AWRA Symposium Theme: At the Water’s Edge: Understanding Connections Between Groundwater, Surface Water, & Watershed Dynamics

2023 AL-Chapter of AWRA Symposium Theme: Science Communications

2022 AL-Chapter of AWRA Symposium Theme: Ecological Infrastructure

2021 AL-Chapter of AWRA Symposium Theme: Coastal Recovery, Restoration, and Resiliency

2019 AL-Chapter of AWRA Symposium Theme: The Power of Partnerships

2018 AL-Chapter of AWRA Symposium Theme: The Many Faces of Aquatic Restoration

Venue

Nestled on an island oasis where the pelicans perch, the blue herons stroll and sugar white sand and emerald waters are so captivating you won’t want to leave, Perdido Beach Resort awaits. Experience the family-friendly, personal service that makes the Perdido Beach Resort a luxury resort vacation destination right on the beach and a place where generations of families continue to return year after year. Situated directly on the Gulf of Mexico in Orange Beach, Alabama, Perdido Beach Resort is exclusively located near Alabama Point, locally known as “The Pass”, where the Intracoastal Waterway meets the deep waters of the Gulf, and boaters take voyage for their afternoon venture. Our beachside resort is near Gulf Shores, Alabama, a popular Gulf Coast locale.

Convenient to both Gulf Shores, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida, our Gulf Coast hotel features 346 luxurious guestrooms with private balconies, multiple restaurants, an indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and much more.

The Alabama Water Resources Conference PROMO CODE and Perdido Beach Resort contact information will be provided in your conference registration confirmation email.

LODGING

Lodging information for 2026 ALWRC will be updated soon.

STUDENT PRESENTERS

If your abstract is selected, you must submit the following documentation to qualify for the discounted student rate and student presentation competitions:

1. Student Full-Time Status Confirmation Form: 2026 ALWRC Student Full-Time Status Confirmation Form

2. Current Student ID: A photocopy or screenshot of your ID card.

This documentation must be submitted via email (alwrc@auburn.edu) no later than August 5th, 2026.

2026 ALWRC Student Full-Time Status Confirmation Form

Resume & Recruitment Hub

We are proud to offer a resume distribution opportunity for 2026 ALWRC Attendees. Details coming soon.

media release

ALWRC Photo Release

FAQ's

General

Q: How do I sign up for ALWRC emails?

A: Sign up for our newsletters here.

Q: Where is the ALWRC?

A: The ALWRC is held at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, AL. We hold a large room block at the PBR, so the vast majority of attendees lodge at the same venue as the event.

Q: When is the ALWRC?

A: The ALWRC is held the Wednesday-Friday AFTER Labor Day.

Q: Who attends the ALWRC?

A: The ALWRC is attended by a diverse crowd including University faculty, staff, graduate students, Extension agents, state and federal agencies, local municipalities and utilities, private consultants, non-profits/NGOs, and more.

Abstracts

Q: When are abstract submissions due?

A: May 22, 2026 by 5pm CT.

Q: What type of presentation categories does the ALWRC offer?

A: There are 3 presentation categories: the standard oral presentation (20 minutes including time for Q&A), the poster presentation (poster session held on Thursday, September 10th from 5:30-7:30pm), and the lighting talk – a 5-minute oral presentation with a strictly enforced time limit.

Q: I want to submit an abstract, but my work is in Extension and/or outreach, not strictly academic and/or research. What type of presentation category should I consider?

A: You should consider the lightning talk where one of the 3 categories is specifically intended for outreach and Extension professionals. Read more about the lightning talk categories on the 2026 Abstract Submission Form. You could also consider a poster presentation.

Q: I’m a student that would like to submit an abstract to the ALWRC, but I will have only preliminary data or no data by September. What type of presentation category should I consider?

A: You should consider the lighting talk or poster presentation categories. Standard oral presentations are intended for projects that contain well-developed results and/or discussion components.

Q: I’m a new PhD student who would like to present my recently completed M.S. thesis research as well as pitch my dissertation I have just started. What presentation category should I consider?

A: Consider the standard oral for your completed M.S. thesis research and the lightning talk or poster presentation for your newly started dissertation work! You will need to send us two separate abstract submissions. Be sure to add a message in the additional comments section at the end of the 2026 Abstract Submission Form, which of your abstracts is your priority in the event that space is limited.

Registration

Q: When does registration open?

A: Registration dates will be announced soon.

Q: Is there a student registration discount?

A: Yes! You must provide two documents by email: the 2026 ALWRC Student Full-Time Status Confirmation Form (signed by your major professor/academic advisor) AND a photocopy or screenshot of your student ID Card. Email these as a single PDF to alwrc@auburn.edu.

Q: Is there an early bird discount?

A: Yes! We will announce those dates soon.

Q: Do I have to register if I am a presenter?

A: Yes, all presenters (standard oral, lightning, and poster) must register for the ALWRC.

Q: What meals are included with registration?

A: The Conference & Symposium option includes:

Wednesday (Symposium): Afternoon Break, 1 Ticket to the Perdido Beach Resort Seafood Social.

Thursday: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Break, Beverages and Heavy Hors d’oeuvres at the Poster Session.

Friday: Breakfast.

The Conference only option includes:

Thursday: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Break, Beverages and Heavy Hors d’oeuvres at the Poster Session.

Friday: Breakfast.

PRESENTATIONS

Q: How long are standard oral presentations?

A: Standard oral presentations are a 20-minute slot. This time includes Q&A as well as a brief introduction from the moderator. We suggest standard oral presenters prepare a 15-17 minute presentation.

Q: When do standard oral presentations occur?

A: During concurrent sessions on Thursday and Friday. Thursday concurrent sessions run from approximately 9:15am – 12pm and resume from approximately 1:40pm-4:50pm. Friday concurrent sessions run from approximatley 9:15am -12:15 pm.

Q: How long are lightning talks?

A: Lighting talks are a strictly enforced 5-minute presentation. This time does not include your brief intro nor Q&A. Designated time for lighting talk Q&A will occur at the end of the concurrent session.

Student Competition

Q: How do I become eligible for the student competition?

A: You must 1) Submit a standard oral, lightning talk, or poster presentation abstract that is accepted, 2) Register, and 3) Provide your two forms of student documentation (see Registration FAQ section) above by email to alwrc@auburn.edu

Q: Are the lightning talks eligible for student competition?

A: Yes. The lightning competition is different than the standard oral and poster presentation competition. The best student lightning talk will be awarded $200.

Q: How many student winners will there be?

A: Traditionally, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be awarded to the top 3 students in standard oral presenters and poster presenters as well as one lighting talk winner.

Q: Can I compete in both the student oral competition and the student poster competition?

A: Yes, if you submit two abstracts with distinct content for each category type and if space allows for the poster competition venue.

Q: Will you announce the student winners at the end of the ALWRC?

A: We plan to announce and recognize the 2026 ALWRC student competition winners via email the week following the 2026 ALWRC.

Q: How does student judging work?

A: Non-student attendees volunteer to judge student presentations based on pre-determined criteria for each of the 3 presentation categories (standard oral, poster, and lightning talk). If you are available to judge as a judge please contact alwrc@auburn.edu

Lodging

Q: Is there a room block at the Perdido Beach Resort for the ALWRC?

A: Yes, details to come.

Q: How do I receive the group rate for my room reservation?

A: After you register for the ALWRC, you will receive a confirmation email that includes a code to mention to the Perdido Beach Resort.

Q: Should I make my Perdido Beach Resort room reservation by phone or online?

A: Room block is not open at this point. Later on, Perdido Beach Resort Reservations for the 2026 ALWRC may only be made by phone. Call 251-981-9811 and be sure to mention the code provided in your ALWRC registration confirmation email.

Q: What if the Perdido Beach Resort room block is full?

A: If the PBR room block fills, you can be added to a waitlist by PBR staff. We will also secure an overflow room block at a nearby hotel and provide booking details on this webpage and in official ALWRC emails. Visit this webpage often for updates.

Q: Can I make room reservations somewhere other than the Perdido Beach Resort?

A: We highly recommend you stay at the PBR for the convenience and exceptional group rate our partner provides, but no, you can book reservations elsewhere if desired.