Stay Social at SAF2021

August 25, 2021
Written by Elizabeth Buhl, Director of Events & Marketing
We get it. After almost two years of virtual gatherings, you may be on the fence about whether you want to attend another one. But what if we told you this one will be different? What if we told you not only will you receive top-notch forestry education and connect with forestry professionals and partners from all over the nation, but you will also be able to participate in entertainment that can only be done in this online format?  Introducing SAF2021 – the online event of the year!
We are kicking off this year’s opening reception in the best way we know how: with dueling pianos! What are dueling pianos, you may ask? In this form of musical entertainment, two pianists (and a drummer) rival head-to-head, taking requests from the audience, and playing and singing all your favorites. From Billy Joel to Aretha Franklin, Sinatra to Metallica, Johnny Cash to Katy Perry, the Flying Ivories have it covered. As an audience member of the show, you will control the set list, meaning no two shows are ever the same. We encourage you to invite your families to the screen for this can’t-miss opening day of SAF2021!  

Following the opening reception, we invite forestry college students and alumni to join us in our first-ever Tree’via Bowl, the virtual edition of Quiz Bowl. In this reinvented version of the annual fan favorite, both students and alumni of forestry colleges from across the nation will compete head-to-head in a pub-trivia style quiz bowl game. Alumni teams and student teams will compete separately in this forestry show down where we will crown the Tree’via Champions. Registration for this event will open in September. 

Amidst educational sessions throughout the week, we will have multiple ways for you to connect with colleagues. Our networking roundtables will be the perfect place for you to interact with fellow attendees and partners. Roundtables will be designated by interests and group types, including young professionals, boots-on-the-ground foresters, social sciences, and others. Even if you do not consider yourself a member of a specific group, you are welcome to virtually walk in and join the conversation. Alumni will get a chance to mingle with one another during our alumni socials hosted on the virtual platform. Join your favorite alma mater for an hour of reconnections and camaraderie. Additionally, convention attendees will be able to network with others during our breaks and exhibit hall hours. These times will be perfect for visiting with exhibitors and learning about what they have to offer. Innovation Zones will be hosted by sponsors and exhibitors throughout the multi-day experience that will introduce you to new products and innovations in the industry.  

An exciting aspect of this year’s convention is that the entire event is gamified. This means that by participating in any event, such as visiting an exhibit booth, attending a reception or educational session, donating to or bidding in the silent auction, or being a part of the fun(d) run, you will receive a code to win points. Attendees with the most points will be eligible for major prizes, including free attendance to SAF2022. 

SAF2021 promises to bring engaging and memorable content to your office, home, or from anywhere else you plan on attending convention. Register before August 31 to receive the early bird discount and by October 1 to receive a complimentary T-shirt and Welcome Box!