The statewide IASWCD conference organized for Indiana’s 92 Soil and Water Conservation Districts offers a chance for professionals, researchers, academics, industry leaders, farmers, and other stakeholders in natural resource protection to come together.
The conference includes an exhibit area with vendor booth space where organizations present their products, services, and initiatives. Networking opportunities, workshops, and training sessions are available to promote education and exchange ideas.
January 24-26, 2027
The Westin
241 W Washington St, Indianapolis
Planning for the 2027 IASWCD Conference is officially in motion, and excitement is already building! A dedicated group of 20 conservation partners recently came together as the Conference Planning Committee to begin shaping what promises to be an outstanding event.
This year brought a record number of abstract submissions, making the selection of breakout sessions both exciting and highly competitive. The committee engaged in thoughtful, lively discussion to ensure the final lineup will deliver timely, relevant, and high-quality content for attendees across Indiana.
Behind the scenes, countless hours are being invested to create a conference experience that informs, connects, and inspires. A keynote speaker is close to being secured — stay tuned for that announcement soon!
Be sure to save the date and join conservation professionals from across the state.
Registration
Registration will open early fall.
2027 Conference Registration fee: $405 (full conference, early bird price)
Additional registration information coming soon!
Sponsor the IASWCD Conference
Support the IASWCD Conference by becoming a sponsor and helping bring together a diverse network of farmers, conservation professionals, agency staff, and partner organizations from across Indiana. This statewide event serves as a valuable opportunity to share ideas, showcase innovation, and strengthen collaboration around sustainability, soil and water conservation, and protection of natural resources. Sponsorship plays a key role in offsetting event costs, allowing us to keep registration affordable and accessible for attendees while hosting the conference in centrally located downtown Indianapolis—making it convenient for participants from all corners of the state. Your support directly contributes to the success and impact of this important gathering.
Why Sponsor?
- Connect with statewide conservation leaders
- Reach farmers and decision-makers
- Showcase your organization’s engagement and impact
- Support affordable access to this unique gathering of people & partners
Sponsorship Levels & Benefits
| Level | Price | Key Benefits* |
| Platinum | $8,000 | booth, speaking opportunity, registrations, banquet, logo prominence |
| Keynote | $7,000 | booth, front table, newsletter |
| Champion | $6,000 | booth, banquet, logo prominence |
| Tote Bag | $5,500 | booth, tote bags, registration |
| Lanyard | $5,500 | booth, lanyards, registration |
| Collaborator | $4,000 | booth, recognition, registration |
| Bronze | $3,000 | registration, recognition , logo prominence |
| Break | $2,000 | recognition, logo prominence |
| Friend | $500-$1,500 | recognition |
*all benefits and more details can be viewed in the Sponsor booklet (coming soon!)
Exhibitor Booths
More information and sign up form coming soon!
Reserve your exhibitor booth at the IASWCD Conference and take advantage of a unique opportunity to connect with more than 400 attendees from across Indiana. This diverse audience includes SWCD staff and supervisors, agency professionals, conservation partners, and farmers—all gathered in one place to learn, collaborate, and share ideas. With the conference now held every other year, this is a rare chance to build relationships, showcase your organization’s work, and engage directly with key leaders and decision-makers in soil and water conservation. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this highly anticipated statewide event.
Exhibitor Amenities
- Breakfast on Monday (for two)
- Networking Lunch on Monday (for one)
- Six foot table with cloth and draping and two chairs
- Break snacks and drinks (for two)
- Complimentary WIFI
- Listed on website
- Included in social media and/or IASWCD newsletter posts
Additional Options for Vendors
- Networking Luncheon on Monday ($70/each)
- Award Ceremony Dinner on Monday ($85/each)
- Electric outlet access ($265/day)
Rates:
| Type of Vendor | Early Bird Rate | Rate after November 15 |
| Business/Corporation | $750 | $850 |
| Nonprofit/Government | $550 | $600 |
IASWCD Business Meeting
The December 19, 2025 IASWCD Business Meeting featured a panel with lively discussion and information regarding talking and relating to legislators and policymaking. Senators Fady Qaddoura and Spencer Deery shared their insights from both sides of the aisle. Dan Boritt, Executive Director, Indiana Wildlife Federation and Desi Rybolt, Indiana Conservation Voters, joined the panel and provided a “layman’s” perspective on educating and engaging with legislators.
Lunch was provided and the business meeting was held with resolution discussion and an update from Liz Rice, Executive Director, IASWCD. Minutes from the business meeting are forthcoming.
Two awards were presented by the IASWCD President, Marc Roberts.
Thank you to all the districts and partners who were able to join us!
President’s Award: Kenny Cain
The President’s Award was presented to Kenny Cain, Cain’s Homelike Farms in Montgomery County.
Kenny’s passion for protecting natural resources runs deep. For decades, he and his family have demonstrated what long-term conservation looks like in action—through no-till and cover crops, wildlife habitat, over 70 acres of filter strips and countless other conservation practices. But what makes Kenny especially deserving of this award is not just what he has done on his land—it’s how generously he has shared that commitment with others.
For 25 years, Cain’s Homelike Farms has hosted Montgomery County’s 4th Grade Field Days, welcoming over 400 students each year. That means nearly 10,000 young Hoosiers have stepped onto this farm to learn about conservation of soil and water and wildlife with a focus on encouraging the students to appreciate and protect natural resources.
Kenny has given countless hours in service, including many years on the Montgomery County SWCD Board, the state association board and currently serving on the State Soil Conservation Board. His leadership has always been steady, thoughtful, and humble — focusing not on recognition — but on doing what’s right for the land and the people who depend on it.
A Legacy of Advocacy: Honoring Cress Hizer
Statehouse lobbyist, Cress Hizer, has been a tireless advocate for IASWCD and Indiana’s 92 Soil & Water Conservation Districts, working day in and day out to ensure conservation voices were heard, understood, and respected.
He didn’t just represent us, he equipped us. Through legislative tours, one-on-one introductions with lawmakers, training on government structure and history, and constant communication during legislative sessions, Cress helped districts become confident advocates for conservation.
Because of his leadership, districts were better prepared to engage legislators, share local conservation stories, and speak clearly about the importance of soil health, water quality, and stewardship. His guidance played a key role in advancing support for the Clean Water Indiana Program, which recently received increased funding in the state budget – an impact that will benefit Indiana’s land and waterways for generations to come.
Delegate Notebook
Delegate Notebooks were prepared for the annual IASWCD business meeting. These booklets include essential materials such as the agenda, minutes from the previous year, the officer slate, legislative district maps, IASWCD region director maps, Submitted Resolutions, IASWCD financial summaries and more.
Resolutions
Resolutions can be found in the Delegate Notebook.
Indiana Conservation Awards
The Indiana Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD) hosts the Statewide Conservation Awards, with support from numerous partners across the state. These awards are presented during the annual SWCD conference.
Sponsors & Exhibitors
Special Thanks to the 2025 IASWCD Conference Sponsors. We appreciate your support!
Additional sponsors include Chattin Brothers and Indiana Conservation Voters.
There will not be a 2026 IASWCD Conference in downtown Indianapolis,
but stay tuned for other events currently being planned.
Next IASWCD Conference, January 25-26, 2027 at The Westin, downtown Indianapolis.