**Times, Events, and Presenters are all subject to change without prior notice**
The 2020 Annual MEEA Conference will revolve around “Montana’s Many Voices: Exploring Equity and Inclusion in Environmental Education on March 26th-28th, 2020 at historic Chico Hot Springs in Pray, MT. The two-day event will host professional development opportunities and concurrent sessions led by some of the most innovative and engaging presenters that Montana has to offer.
This year, conference registration covers all day Friday and half-day Saturday. MEEA Member cost is $65, non-member cost is $70. Off-site Saturday Field Trips are an additional $10 though on-site Saturday sessions are included in your registration.
Our conference venue, the Convention Center at Chico Hot Springs, provides a main gathering space and concurrent session rooms as well as two thermal pools for soaking in hot water after soaking up innovative EE ideas.
Thursday March 26th, 2020
Join us in the Convention Center at Chico to check-in and say hi to the MEEA Board Members. No official events will be happening this evening however there will be a cash bar in our "Welcome Room" if you're not inclined to soak immediately upon arrival.
5-8pm Check-in / Chico Hot Springs Convention Center
Friday March 27th, 2020
Join us for the conference welcome followed by concurrent sessions from influential presenters across the state and nation. Registration continues on Friday morning. Lunch will be served in the Convention Center while Ignite Presenters dazzle attendees with their quick-paced presentations, followed by a round of afternoon concurrent sessions. After the concurrent sessions, take a break to soak, visit exhibitors, or relax; then MEEA invites you to the Happy Hour Panel on "Equity and Inclusion in Montana", where we'll hear from some of the leaders in the field and you'll have a chance to get your questions answered - you'll also have the opportunity to partake in the cash bar in the Welcome Room. The evening events continue with dinner, awards, and a keynote address from Mandy Smoker-Broaddus. Montana's Poet Laureate, Mandy Smoker Broaddus has over 15 years of experience working toward social justice, equity, inclusivity, and cultural responsiveness, particularly in the realm of American Indian Education.
7:30am Check-in (Chico Hot Springs Conference Center)
8:30am Welcome Session
9:00am Sessions Begin
12:00pm Lunch and Ignite Presenters
1:30pm Sessions Continue
4:30pm Happy Hour Panel
6:30-8pm Dinner, Awards, and Keynote Speaker
Saturday March 28th, 2020
New this year, our main conference continues on Saturday with on-site sessions, field trips and a closing lunch! Attendees will have the option of several different off-site field trips for an additional $10 fee. From wildlife watching in Yellowstone to exploring the thermal features at Mammoth Hot Springs, you're sure to immerse yourself in this beautiful area.
7 or 8am Field trips depart Chico Hot Springs
12:00pm Field trips return/Lunch/Closing
1:00pm All conference events end
Office of Public Instruction (OPI) Renewal Units will be available for attending the full conference.
