2026 IDEA Fall Conference
Join your fellow conservationists at IDEA's 36th Annual Conference in the beautiful Kettle Lakes hosted by your North-Northeast Region.
This three-day conference will feature educational sessions, field experiences, professional development opportunities and networking with colleagues!
October 7-9, 2026
Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park, Angola, IN
This three-day conference will feature educational sessions, field experiences, professional development opportunities and networking with colleagues!
October 7-9, 2026
Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park, Angola, IN
Conference Registration
Deadline to Register: September 4
Rates:
IDEA Member - $150
Non-IDEA Member - $200
Guest of Conference (attending sessions, meals included) - $200
Guest of Conference (not attending sessions, meals included) - $125
To Register:
Excursions:
During registration, you will need to choose your Thursday afternoon Excursion. Your registration fee covers the cost of your excursion, however, space is limited for each one. We will do our best to accommodate everyone, but please know that excursions will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Choices include:
Rates:
IDEA Member - $150
Non-IDEA Member - $200
Guest of Conference (attending sessions, meals included) - $200
Guest of Conference (not attending sessions, meals included) - $125
To Register:
- Fill out the online form.
- Print the confirmation email(s) and send a check for the total payable to "IDEA"
- Mail confirmation print out(s) and check to Cindy Newkirk, IDEA Treasurer, c/o Hancock Co SWCD, 1101 W. Main St., Suite N, Greenfield, IN 46140
Excursions:
During registration, you will need to choose your Thursday afternoon Excursion. Your registration fee covers the cost of your excursion, however, space is limited for each one. We will do our best to accommodate everyone, but please know that excursions will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Choices include:
- Douglas Woods Hike with The Nature Conservancy
- Tour of Steuben/DeKalb County Conservation Projects with Nate Symons, Blue Heron Ministries
- Acres Away Winery Tour (field and facility)
Hotel Reservation
Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park
6 Lane 100 A Lake James, Angola, IN 46703
Now through September 7, IDEA has a block of rooms on hold for the IDEA Fall Conference.
To reserve your room, call (877) 563-4371 and use code IDEA26.
Rooms & Rates
6 Lane 100 A Lake James, Angola, IN 46703
Now through September 7, IDEA has a block of rooms on hold for the IDEA Fall Conference.
To reserve your room, call (877) 563-4371 and use code IDEA26.
Rooms & Rates
- Single $89.99
- Two Doubles $99.99
- Two Queens $139.99
Agenda
Wednesday, October 7
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm |
Registration & Hotel Check-In |
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm |
Welcome and Opening Session: Geological Formation of the Northern Kettle Lakes |
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm |
Dinner on your own |
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm |
Evening Activity followed by Stargazing with FW Astronomical Society |
Thursday, October 8
7:00 am |
Bird Hike |
7:30 am - 8:45 am |
Breakfast Buffet |
9:00 am - 11: 45 am |
Breakout Sessions |
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm |
Lunch |
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm |
NIPSCO |
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm |
Tours & Excursions |
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm |
Dinner |
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm |
Educational Trailer Partner Tours |
7:00 pm |
Evening Activities |
Friday, October 9
7:00 am |
Morning hike |
8:30 am - 9:30 am |
Breakfast |
9:30 am - 10:30 am |
Closing Session: Marketing Your District |
2025 IDEA Conference Wrap-Up
The 2025 Indiana District Employees Association (IDEA) Conference was held in mid-October at the scenic Monroe Lake. Over 100 SWCD staff and conservation partners gathered for education and valuable networking.
Future Fall Conference Region Locations
Year |
Region |
2026 |
North-Northeast |
2027 |
North-Southwest |
2028 |
South-Southeast |
2029 |
South-Northeast |