Draft Block Agenda
The block agenda is subject to change. A detailed agenda with session topics will be available in mid January before regular registration opens. Please see the descriptions below for past session topics for reference.
Main Sessions:
Main sessions will be held in the large, 500-person capacity Memorial Hall of the McNamara Alumni Center with all Summit attendees. Main session presentations will include opening and closing remarks, topic highlights, panel discussions, and more. Past topics have included the status of monarchs and monarch conservation, research updates, federal government updates, and examples of cross-sector collaboration. During main sessions in Memorial Hall, live interpretation will be available from English to Spanish or French. Each morning of the Summit will start with a main session.
Lightning Talks:
Lightning talks are short, 5-7 minute presentations led by Summit attendees. Past lightning talks have explored recent research, conservation education, community engagement, habitat best management practices, technology innovations, and collaborative conservation. These talks provide an opportunity to share knowledge and experience, and learn about projects and key takeaways of our colleagues. While not enough time to dive deep into details, we encourage attendees to follow up with presenters they want to connect with throughout the Summit.
Breakout Sessions:
Breakout sessions will be held across 6 smaller rooms within the McNamara Alumni Center space. Each session will last between 1 - 1.5 hours and be facilitated by MJV staff, UIC staff, and other members of our conservation community. Each session will accommodate between 50-150 attendees and will be a mix of learning sessions, working sessions, and collaborative conversations. Past breakouts sessions topics have included regional collaboration, communicating science, diversity in conservation, and sector-based conversations.
Field Trips and Workshops:
Field trips and workshops will occur on Wednesday afternoon of the Summit. These will last anywhere from 2.5 - 4 hours and will include a mix of on- and off-site experiences. All expenses for participating in a field trip or workshop are included in the cost of registration. Past experiences have included habitat tours, site visits, science or educational trainings, and new technology demonstrations.
Public Session:
New in 2025, Monday night’s public session will provide an opportunity to engage the local community in our conservation efforts. Summit attendees are invited to have an outreach table with an interactive activity for the public, or to share a poster presentation. Outreach tables and posters will be spread throughout Memorial Hall in the McNamara Alumni Center, where a keynote presentation will be shared in the evening. Catered snacks will be provided, and a cash bar will be on site. All Summit attendees will receive one free drink ticket if they choose to attend. Pre-registration for the Summit will open on Monday evening, so we hope you’ll join us for this kick-off event if you’re in town!
Afternoon Mixer and Awards:
After Summit meetings conclude on Tuesday afternoon, we invite you to stick around McNamara for a 2 hour mixer and award ceremony. Hors d'oeuvres and limited drink tickets will be provided to Summit attendees. Get to know other professionals in the monarch conservation space while we honor the work of our network partners!
