2022 Project WET Conference and Training
Mon Aug. 8, 2022
to Thu Aug. 11, 2022
Centennial Hotel | 303 W North River Dr. Spokane, WA 99201
The Theme: Water for Everyone
The need for water unites all people who share this blue planet. For many Americans, it is impossible to imagine a single day without access to clean, safe water. Yet many don’t understand their local water resources. We want to make water education available to everyone. Join us to learn new ways to make water education accessible and inclusive for all.
The Place: Spokane, WA
Spokane is the second-largest city in Washington, located on the eastern side of the state,
less than 20 miles from the Idaho border. The Spokane River runs right through the center of this town and the Riverfront Park is the crown-jewel of public spaces. Spokane is a sizable university town with an array of cultural experiences. Historic hotels, art museums, and Japanese Gardens just to name a few attractions in the urban area. It also hosts a bustling downtown district with sidewalk cafés and unique shops.
Just outside the city, you can take advantage of Washington's beautiful natural surroundings. From pointed mountains to arboretums, exploring the outdoors is a major Spokane tourist attraction.
Agenda Overview
August 8th: New Coordinator Training and Opening
- This all-day training allows any coordinators who are new to, or unfamiliar with, running their own network of facilitators to learn with Project WET staff and experienced coordinators. Like any Project WET training, it is an interactive and hands-on session.
- The opening dinner will take place on the evening of August 8th.
August 9th: Network Business Meeting and Field Experience
- These sessions are for Project WET coordinators only. This is time to discuss your program with other coordinators and Project WET Foundation staff, engage in advanced trainings, learn what is happening at the Project WET Foundation and help shape the future of Project WET over the next year.
- Afternoon field expereince to the Spokane Water Resource Center.
August 10th: Network Meeting and Field Experience
- Continue with business meetings, advanced trainings, and presentations.
- Afternoon field expereince to Lake Coeur d'Alene.
August 11th: General Sessions and Closing
- Open to anyone, these sessions share presentations and activities submitted by coordinators and participants and vetted by the conference planning committee. Followed by closing dinner.
See detailed agenda below.
Call for Presentations
Accepting applications to present at the 2022 Project WET Conference. Submissions due by May 15th. Presentations will be 45 minutes including questions and are encouraged to be interactive and/or hands-on. Special interest in presentations that focus on expanding access to Project Wet trainings and programs for diverse audiences.
Cost and Logistics
The cost for Project WET USA Coordinators to attend the entire conference is $475 and includes most meals. See agenda below for the agenda of included meals. Registration after July 8th will be $550.
Cancellation policy: Cancellations are available for a full refund through July 7th, 2022.
Lodging: Lodging is not included but has been negotiated at a rate of $142 per night. Participants must book their own rooms at The Centennial Hotel. To make a reservation call, 1-844-733- 3305 and tell them you are with the Project WET Conference.
Transportation: Participants must find their own transportation to the hotel. Spokane International Airport is only 8 miles from the hotel, a short 15min drive. Uber, Lyft and local taxis service are all available from the airport to hotel. If you are driving, please let us know. There is a daily fee for parking.
Scholarships
The Project WET Foundation will offer conference scholarships for conference registration ($475) to two coordinators. Scholarships will be awarded to at least one new coordinator (of less than 3 years) who needs to attend to the New Coordinator Training. Preference will be given to applicants who are presenting or needing to attend the New Coordinator Training. Scholarships will awarded in May. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship please submit the application form located in the documents section.
Additional Information
Whova Conference App
Project WET will continue to go as paperless as possible. We will again be using the app Whova for event management at the conference. Please download this app to your smartphone or tablet to stay connected during the conference. Please be sure to sign in to Whova before the conference and edit your information so everyone can find you! You can log in with your email or the code PWETConf22.
If you don't have a smartphone you can still access the agenda and speaker information (and print it!) through the Whova Project WET website. You must first register and have an email associated with the conference to access this site. Please note that we are still updating agendas and speaker bios and will continue to do so as chnages happen.
Project WET USA Silent Auction
Please bring something to contribute (and your money to bid in the auction!) for the Project WET USA Silent Auction. We are also looking at adding an online silent auctin this year—stay tuned for details!
Proceeds go to providing scholarships for the 2023 Project WET USA Conference—it could be YOU needing a scholarship in 2023! Ideally, we are looking for water and other environmental education-related items (fun and functional) that can be used by educators, but anything to raise money is helpful. Think about bringing a basket representing the best of your state. Let’s make this the best silent auction ever! Start brainstroming now, more information will be coming soon!
Podcast
Instead of a book discussion this year, we are recommend checking out the audio series (like a podcast but on the internet), Voices to Hear.
Voices to Hear is a project funded by a National Science Foundation grant and features Coeur d’Alene tribal students as they explore how decisions are made about local environmental issues.
More information about the project here.
Photo by Doug Nadvornick of Couer d'Alene Youth.
COVID Policy
Project WET values our partners’ and community-wide health and safety. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we will do our best to gather safely. To this end, we have several protocols to keep event attendees safe for Project WET hosted events. The protocol below will be updated based on evolving guidelines and case numbers:
- 3-5 days prior to events, Project WET staff and attendees will be encouraged to take a COVID-19 test, and then limit contact as much as possible before traveling to the event.
- 48 hours prior to the event, Project WET will review the following thresholds to determine final making policies.
i. Require: If rates are “High”, Project WET will require masks and social distancing.
ii. Recommend: If rates are “Substantial” all attendees will be asked to wear a mask and social distance.
iii. Encourage: If rates are “Moderate” or “Low” we will encourage but not require attendees to wear a mask and social distance. - On the day of the event, Project WET staff and attendees will be encouraged to take a second COVID-19 test before traveling to the event. They will also be asked to complete a Wellness Check, self-reporting negative tests and lack of symptoms. If staff, attendees, or presenters experience any symptoms they will be asked to stay at home.
- If individuals test positive after an event, they will be asked to contact beth.witte@projectwet.org so that we may do our best to follow up and stop the spread.
During high transmission rates, we will require that attendees for in-person events wear masks, perform wellness checks, test for Covid-19 and check event information prior to the event.
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