Convention & Trade Show Recap

With its wealth of nearby public lands and environmentally friendly atmosphere, Portland, Oregon provided the perfect backdrop for APPL’s 2013 Partnership Convention and Trade Show. Over 500 nonprofit public land professionals, exhibitors, and speakers gathered in the “City of Bridges” for three days of shared learning, networking, and purchasing.

Programming focused on overcoming challenges in the public lands community with an eye on sustainability. Keynote speakers, roundtable discussions, educational sessions, agency partnership forums, networking events, and a trade show provided participants with opportunities to build their networks, skills, and knowledge. The APPL Partnership Convention & Trade Show was proudly supported by more than 20 companies and member organizations. Click here for full Convention & Trade Show Recap.

Here's what participants had to say about their convention experience:

	"Great sessions as usual. Speakers and participants shared valuable information that we cannot get elsewhere."   "I enjoyed the keynote speakers a lot this year! They were motivating and had great information that everyone could use."
"I enjoyed connecting with my counterparts at other organizations and hearing what they are doing and planning for the coming year.  This helps me to know and provides a contact for future reference and potential collaboration."   "As a first time attendee, I was very impressed with APPL's organization and their ability to create such an inviting event. I hope to attend again!"
	"The Federal agency forums [were my favorite part]; they allowed participants time to explore what is on the horizon and discuss our concerns."   "There were great courses/presentations that covered a wide variety of topics. I enjoyed being able to learn more about lots of different areas of my job. As the sole staffer, I really found the wide range of topics useful."
"I loved the Trade Show. Got to meet some new vendors and reconnect with vendors I usually only talk to on the phone."   "The Trade Show was fabulous... lots of great ideas gathered from vendors."   "The Trade show was very informative and it was fun seeing all the different vendors coming up with ideas for our association."