Frequently Asked Questions
Note: This page is updated as more details become available on the 2023 SAF National Convention. For more information, contact us at [email protected]. Last updated: June 1, 2023.
GENERAL
When and where is the 2023 SAF National Convention?
This year’s convention will take place October 25-28, 2023, at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, CA.
What is the address for the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center?
The convention center is located at 1401 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814.
How can I book a hotel?
SAF has partnered with two hotels for this year’s convention, the Hyatt Regency and Sheraton Grand. To see the discounted nightly rates for each hotel, visit our Lodging webpage. The deadline to make reservations at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento is October 2, and the deadline for the Sheraton Grand Sacramento is September 29.
Who serves on the 2023 Committee on National Convention Programs?
2023 Program Chair: Marcella Windmuller-Campione
2023 General Chair: Erin Kelly
2024 Program Chair: Jeremy Douse
2024 General Chair: Frank Roth
FS&TB Chair: Kristen Waring
FS&TB Representative: Jim Westfall
Members at Large: Austin Himes, Meghan Tuttle, Thomas Jackson
Additional Members: Krause, Amy Shaunette, Callie Jo Schweitzer, Adrian Leighton
REGISTRATION
When will registration open?
Registration will open on June 1, and will remain open throughout the live event. Early-bird, regular, and onsite registration rates will be available.
When will registration prices be available online?
Registration prices and policies will be available at the end of March.
How will I know that I am registered?
All registered attendees will receive a confirmation by email from [email protected] to the email address listed in your SAF account profile (please check your junk/spam folder). This information is your receipt and verifies the event(s) and/or additional fee sessions for which you have signed up, and how much you have paid. If you have questions regarding your registration, please contact [email protected].
What is included as part of the registration fee?
Registration includes access to the opening reception, plenaries, concurrent sessions, people, policy, and popcorn sessions, socials, meetups, SAFter Party, the exhibit hall, innovation zones, networking breaks, national awards meet and greet, and the SAF Career Fair. Registration also includes complimentary access to all online educational content associated with the 2023 National Convention. Ticketed events include pre- and post-convention workshops and technical field tours, and the Fellows’ breakfast.
How will I receive my convention badge?
When you arrive at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, please visit our registration booth on the first floor. SAF staff will be assisting with the check-in process, verifying the identity of attendees, and handling all COVID-19 attestation forms. A photo ID will be required to pick up badges/materials. Badges or other official SAF identification must be worn to all official SAF2023 events.
PROGRAM & EVENTS
When will big stage sessions and speakers be announced?
More details about this year’s big stage sessions and speakers will be available online at the end of April.
When will the schedule of concurrent technical sessions be available?
A full schedule for the concurrent technical sessions will be available in July.
When will pre- and post-convention field tours be announced?
More details about this year’s field tours will be available online at the beginning of April. Field tours will be available for an additional registration fee.
When will pre- and post-convention workshops be announced?
More details about this year’s workshops will be available online in June. Workshops will be available for an additional registration fee.
Will companion tours be available at this year’s convention?
We will be offering companion tours this year and more details will be available online at the beginning of July. Any costs associated with these tours will be charged in addition to the normal convention registration fee.
Will there be a virtual component of SAF2023?
Yes. All Plenaries and many of the concurrent technical sessions will be recorded and available for on-demand viewing six weeks after the in-person convention. Access to SAF2023: On Demand will be complimentary to all in-person attendees. Those who do not wish to attend in-person but are interested in viewing content and receiving CFEs can register separately to access the on-demand site. Registration for this additional event will open later this year.
Aside from educational events, what other offerings can I expect from this year’s convention?
We are excited to host multiple opportunities for attendees to network with their peers, including opening reception, meetups, SAFter party, socials, alumni receptions, career fair, silent auction, and much more!
Do I need to pay to attend the convention to participate in USFS Hiring Event?
The USFS Hiring Event is a free, public event that occurs at the same time and location as the SAF National Convention. Although hiring event attendees are encouraged to register and participate in convention, they are not required. Hiring event attendees who are not convention attendees will not be permitted to attend or participate in any convention-related events.
SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES
I have a question about partnerships, sponsorships, and advertising.
Please review the SAF Partner Prospectus for more details on available opportunities for sponsoring and exhibiting at the 2023 SAF National Convention. To sign up, visit our webpage. The deadline for partnering with SAF as a sponsor or exhibitor is August 4. For questions, contact Lindsey Shrout, SAF’s Business Relations Specialist, at [email protected].
MEMBERSHIP
I usually renew my membership at convention. Will I be able to do that this year?
SAF will have its own booth in the Expo Hall where SAF staff will be available to process renewals and new memberships. This booth will be open during the same hours of the Expo Hall.
I would like to receive discounted registration for convention.
All SAF members in good standing can attend convention at a discounted price. To ensure you received the discounted member registration rate for the convention, we encourage you to renew your membership prior to registering by going to www.safnet.org/renewnow and logging in.
FUTURE CONVENTIONS
When and where will future conventions take place?
We are excited to announce the dates and locations of the following conventions:
- SAF2024: September 17-20, 2024 – Loveland, CO
- SAF2025: October 23-27, 2025 – Hartford, CT
SAF2023: ON DEMAND
What is SAF2023: On Demand?
SAF2023: On Demand is the virtual version of the 2023 SAF National Convention. If you attend SAF2023 in person, then you will receive complimentary access to the SAF2023 on-demand content. Participants will be able watch over 100 presentations and earn SAF CFEs and/or ESA CEUs. If you are not planning on attending convention in person and would like to access the online content, you may register to attend the on-demand portion of convention. Be sure to visit the Virtual Sponsor Hall while you are connected to SAF2023: On Demand.
How do I access SAF2023: On Demand?
Access SAF2023: On Demand through ForestEd.org. Login with your SAF username and password to register and access the sessions and presentations. If you joined us in Sacramento, your complimentary access to SAF2023: On Demand is in place. Check your email for a message from [email protected] inviting you to view the on-demand program. Direct access questions to [email protected].
How many CFEs are available for SAF2023: On Demand?
Access additional bonus CFEs with SAF2023: On Demand. Up to 32 CFEs in Category 1 are available combining credits earned at the in-person event in Sacramento and on-demand. Here are a few CFE scenarios to help you make the most of your convention and on-demand learning experience:
- Earned 15 CFEs in Sacramento? Now, you can earn 17 more CFEs through on-demand.
- Earned 27.5 CFEs in Sacramento? You can earn an additional 4.5 CFEs through on-demand.
- Didn’t make it to Sacramento? Access all 32 CFEs from SAF2023: On Demand.
How do I received continuing education credits from SAF2023: On Demand presentations and sessions viewed?
SAF CFEs earned will upload automatically to your SAF CFE record by the end of the day you completed the presentation or session. SAF will report completions for CEUs earned to the Ecological Society of America on a monthly basis. Be sure to complete the optional survey following the presentation or session if you are seeking ESA CEUs.