Women in Forest Management Conference

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About This Event

Women in Forest Management Conference 

February 23-24, 2026  |  Vancouver, WA

Join us for the first-ever Women in Forest Management Conference, a gathering designed to advance, connect, and inspire professionals across forestry and natural resources.

This event will include:

Practical Skills Workshops: Conflict management, effective communication, presenting with impact.
Panel Discussions: Hear from women leaders in industry, tribal, government, university
Professional Development: Advocating for yourself, navigating performance reviews, career growth
Networking Opportunities: Small group discussions, mentoring connections, and a no-host dinner
Extras: Professional headshots, brainstorming sessions, and open dialogue on shaping the future of WIFM

Shareable PDF Conference Flyer

Interested in sponsoring the conference? Check out the sponsorship opportunities packet here.

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Women in Forest Management (WIFM) is an organization that exists to empower and connect women and those that support them. Recent workforce shortages demonstrate the need to prioritize making our industry a more supportive and inclusive place where women’s unique viewpoints are appreciated and welcomed. Comprising less than 20% of the workforce, women face many cultural, behavioral, and institutional challenges in forestry. We seek to be inclusive of women, and those that support them, that are working in all aspects of forest management as well as all forest management objectives.

Registration

Registration is now open!

 

Early registration – $195 (ends January 23)

Regular registration – $245 (begins January 24)

Student registration – $150

Event registration includes headshots and business meeting lunch on day 2.

Registration is limited to 75 participants.

Venue & Lodging

Vancouver Water Resources Education Center
4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661

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Hotel Accommodations – Comfort Inn, Vancouver, WA

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Comfort Inn Vancouver (401 E 13th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660) for the night of Monday, February 23, 2026.

  • Double Bed Rooms: $93 + tax
  • King Bed Rooms: $98 + tax

Rooms must be reserved by January 12, 2026, to receive the group rate.
Please mention the Women in Forest Management block when making your reservation or use the booking link.

Parking is free at this hotel.

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AC Hotel, Vancouver, WA
A block of rooms has been reserved at the AC Hotel Vancouver (333 W Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98660) for the night of Monday, February 23, 2026.

  • King Bed Rooms: $219 + tax

Rooms must be reserved by January 24, 2026, to receive the group rate.
Please mention the Women in Forest Management block when making your reservation or book here.

Event Agenda

Register
Mon, February 23

1:00 pm: Introductions

  • WIFM Steering Committee introductions
  • Explanation of WIFM organization and goals

1:30 pm: Dealing with Difficult Work Situations

  • 1:30-2:15 pm: Presentation by a communication specialist on conflict management
  • 2:15-2:45 pm: Discussion and brainstorming session

2:45-3:00 pm: Break

3:00 pm: Networking and Mentoring Resources

  • 3:00-4:00 pm: Panel discussion with women working for private industry, tribal, government, and university organizations

4:00-5:00 pm: Headshots and Discussions

  • Professional headshots will be available during this time
  • Time for small group discussions about the meeting

5:30 pm: Happy Hour and Dinner (no host)

  •  Join us after the meeting to network and discuss ideas from the meeting
Tues, February 24

9:00 am: Professional Development

  • 9:00-9:45 am: Discussion on effective communication skills (eye contact, successful presentation styles)
  • 9:45-10:30 am: Practice 5-minute forestry presentations

10:30-10:45 am: Break

10:45 am: Advocate for Yourself in the Workplace

  • 10:45-11:15 am: Tips for writing performance reviews. Presentation by HR specialist. How to present yourself.
  • 11:15 am-12:00 pm: Question and answer session

12:00-1:00 pm: Business Meeting and Lunch (Open to Everyone)