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Alabama Water Resources Conference
Thank you for attending the 2023 Alabama Water Resources Conference!
This year was truly record breaking, with 366 attendees, 126 concurrent session speakers, and 34 poster presenters.
Results for the 2023 ALWRC Student Competitions are in!
Oral Competition1st Place – Jannell Clampitt, Auburn University2nd Place – Kaci Zarek, The University of Alabama3rd Place – Wellington Arthur, Auburn UniversityPoster Competition1st Place – Luke Matvey, Auburn University2nd Place – Austin Lindquist, Auburn University3rd Place – Emma Henderson, Auburn UniversityLightning TalksWinner – Sudhanshu Kumar, Auburn University
View 2023 ALWRC Resources Below:
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 addresses these or other relevant topics.
We look forward to seeing you in September 2024.
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.
AGENDA
2023 ALWRC 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.
symposium SPEAKERS
The 2023 AL-Chapter of AWRA Symposium Theme: Science Communications
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Daniel Irwin is a research scientist at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and the Global Program Manager for SERVIR—a flagship NASA and US Agency for International Development (USAID) program with activities in over 50 countries throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, West Africa, the Hindu Kush Himalaya, lower Mekong, and Amazonia regions.
He has over 25 years of experience in satellite remote sensing applications and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the developing world. Daniel also served as a lead remote sensing specialist in support of NASA’s space archeology program, with a focus on detecting structures of the ancient Maya. He received his master’s degree in Environmental Science at Miami University in 1993.
Elected in 2020, Senator Tommy Tuberville — better known to most people as “Coach” — is currently serving his first term representing Alabama in the United States Senate. A former college football coach, Senator Tuberville is a proven winner and leader, with a unique ability to bring people together.
His four decades of coaching experience enable him to bring a fresh perspective to the halls of Congress, where he is working hard to represent “commonsense conservative” values. Coach’s top priorities include strengthening the U.S. military, supporting Alabama’s farmers, standing up for our nation’s veterans, and promoting pro-growth economic policies.
REGISTRATION
The 2023 ALWRC Registration Rates are as follows:
*Cancellations MUST be made in writing and received by August 5, 2023. Cancellations receiving refunds will be assessed a $50.00 administrative fee. Substitute attendees will be allowed in lieu of cancellations, Cancellations after 8/5/2023 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 2023, 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 below in the Student Presenter Tab.
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 2023 ALWRC, no later than September 1, 2023 via Box. *Lightning Talk presenters are required to upload their PowerPoint slides by September 1, 2023.
VIEW THE 2023 ALWRC PRESENTER GUIDELINES
STUDENT PRESENTERS
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:
NEW - MINI JOB FAIR
We are pleased to offer a new addition to the 2023 ALWRC: A Mini Job Fair!
When: Thursday, September 7 during the long lunch break from 1:10-1:30 pm CT
Where: The Perdido Beach Resort Ballroom Foyer near the exhibitor booths
Who Should Come: This session is intended for all students attendees, 2023 ALWRC Sponsors, and AUWRC partner organizations with current or upcoming job openings.
In order to maximize the time and efficiency of the Mini Job Fair, we will share digital information between students and sponsors/partners prior to the ALWRC:
1. Student attendees can upload their CV/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 2023 ALWRC experience.
SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS
If you are interested in sponsorship, please fill out the 2023 ALWRC Sponsorship Interest Form.
If you are interested in sponsoring an entire session break at a higher level, please contact Rachel McGuire 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 334-844-1163.
FAQ's
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 25, 2023 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 7th 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 2023 ALWRC Abstract Submission Form. You could also consider the 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 2023 ALWRC Abstract Submission Form if space is limited, which of your abstracts is your priority.
Registration
Q: When does registration open?
A: June 1, 2023.
Q: Is there a student registration discount?
A: Yes! You must provide two documents by email: the 2023 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, 2023.
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.
Q: When do lightning talks occur?
A: During concurrent sessions on Thursday.
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, in 2023 we are adding a student lightning talk competition. 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 2023 ALWRC student competition winners via email the week following the 2023 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, 2023 (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.