If you are interested in sponsorship, please fill out the  2024 ALWRC Sponsorship Interest Form.

If you are interested in sponsoring an entire session break at a higher level, please contact Jessie Curl at alwrc@auburn.edu before filling out the Interest Form.

If you have questions about sponsorship or exhibitor space, email alwrc@auburn.edu or call 334-844-3809.

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.

2024 AGENDA

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.

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

PREVIOUS THEMES:

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

 

 

Mark Masters is the Executive Director of the Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center (GWPPC) at Albany State University. Over the past twenty years, Masters has positioned the GWPPC as a trusted resource, working across Georgia to secure the future of the state’s water resources.

Masters is a nationally recognized leader in agricultural water use and policy, and currently chairs efforts focused on water management for the American Farm Bureau, National Association of Conservation Districts, and the Interstate Council on Water Policy. He also serves as Outreach Director for the Center for Behavioral and Experimental Agri-Environmental Research, a USDA Center of Excellence focused on applying behavioral insights and experimentation to improve programs related to agriculture and the environment. Masters also played a pivotal role in developing a Sustainable Water Management Plan for the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Basin as the co-founder of ACF Stakeholders, Inc. and serves on various state and national non-profit boards.

Raised on a cattle ranch in Maplesville, Alabama, Dr. Rebecca Ann Bearden has spent the last 20 years promoting the conservation of Alabama’s natural resources as an outdoor writer for Southeast Farm Press, a conservation educator for the Alabama Wildlife Federation, and an aquatic ecologist for the Geological Survey of Alabama’s Ecosystems Investigations Program. 

From reporting the benefits of no-till agricultural practices in the Wiregrass to researching burrowing crayfish ecology in the Blackbelt, Rebecca applies her experience working with a variety of conservationists to her current role as the outreach and communications lead for the Alabama Rivers and Streams Network, a grassroots group of volunteer landowners, agencies, NGOs, and industry representatives that use a cooperative, watershed-based framework to successfully assess, restore, recover, and monitor the state’s vital aquatic resources. In addition to witnessing the worth of creating trust among various stakeholders, Rebecca has learned that successful natural resource conservation also requires effective science communication to policymakers. Her involvement in policy initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels through the American Geophysical Union’s Voices for Science and Local Science Partners programs promotes the value of Alabama’s water resources and highlights the pressing need for a statewide water management plan. 

PREVIOUS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

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

 

 

REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 10.

*Cancellations MUST be made in writing and received by August 5, 2024.  Cancellations receiving refunds will be assessed a $50.00 administrative fee. Substitute attendees will be allowed in lieu of cancellations, Cancellations after 8/5/2024 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 2024, 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 www.aub.ie/alwrc.

• 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 2024 ALWRC, no later than September 1, 2024 via Box. *Lightning Talk presenters are required to upload their PowerPoint slides by September 1, 2024.

View the 2024 ALWRC Presenter Guidelines

Students selected to present must provide proper student identification including a Full Time Status Confirmation Form (see directly below) with the signature of their major professor and a photocopy of the front side of their current student ID card. As part of the student competition, student’s standard oral, lightning talks, and posters will be rated by conference judges. The top 3 standard oral and posters will be awarded as well as the best student lightning talk following the conference. See more detailed student competition information in the FAQs.

Back by popular demand! We are proud to offer a Mini Job Fair during the 2024 ALWRC.

When: Thursday, September 5 during the long lunch break from 1:00-1:30 pm CT.

Where: The Perdido Beach Resort Ballroom Foyer near the exhibitor booths. 

Who Should Come: This session is intended for all student attendees, 2024 ALWRC Sponsors, and AUWRC partner organizations with current or upcoming job openings.  

To maximize the time and efficiency of the Mini Job Fair, we will share digital information between students and sponsors/partners before the ALWRC:

1. Student attendees can upload their CVs/Resumes that they would like shared with sponsors/partners here

2. Sponsors/partners can upload job announcements, recruitment flyers, or other information they would like shared with student attendees here. 

We hope this informal session will provide additional engagement between future water resources professionals and prospective employers and enrich the 2024 ALWRC experience. 

2024 ALWRC Photo Release

General

Q: How do I sign up for ALWRC emails?

A: Email alwrc@auburn.edu to be added to our mailing list.

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 24, 2024 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 5th 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 2024 ALWRC 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 a well-developed results and/or discussion component. 

Q: I’m a new PhD student that 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 2024 ALWRC Abstract Submission Form if space is limited, which of your abstracts is your priority. 

Registration 

Q: When does registration open? 

A: June 10, 2024.  

Q: Is there a student registration discount? 

A: Yes! You must provide two documents by email: the 2024 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! The early bird registration rates will run until August 5, 2024.  

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  Flora-Bama 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

The Symposium only option includes:

Wednesday: Afternoon Break, 1  Ticket to the  Flora-Bama Seafood Social

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, a 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 2024 ALWRC student competition winners via email the week following the 2024 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, we have a room block held until August 5, 2024 (once early bird registration expires) 

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: We highly recommend booking your room 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. 

Archives:

• 2023 Alabama Water Resources Conference Agenda
• 2023 Alabama Water Resources Conference Full Abstract Listing
• 2022 Alabama Water Resources Conference Agenda
• 2022 Alabama Water Resources Conference Full Abstract Listing
• 2021 Alabama Water Resources Conference Proceedings
• 2021 Alabama Water Resources Conference Agenda
• 2019 Alabama Water Resources Conference Proceedings
• 2018 Alabama Water Resources Conference Proceedings and Presentations