Women in Forest Management Conference

Agenda
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About This Event

Women in Forest Management Conference 

February 22-23, 2027  |  Best Western Plus University Inn, Moscow, Idaho

This year’s theme is “Beyond the Canopy: Growing Leadership, Connection, and Influence“.

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

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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 expected to open on October 26.

 

Early Registration (October 26–November 30): $200

Regular Registration (December 1–February 5): $250

Student Registration (through February 5): $150

 

WFCA is using a new registration system. If you need any assistance or have a question, reach out to us here.

Venue & Lodging

Best Western University Inn

1516 W. Pullman Rd

Moscow, Idaho

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A guest room block and special rates are being held at the Best Western Plus University Inn.  

Before January 27, 2027, please visit Reservations or call 208-882-0550 x 0 and mention Women in Forest Management Conference 2027. When using the link, please confirm your arrival and departure dates at the top of the first page.

The link will expire after January 27, 2027. Please call the hotel directly if the link is not working. Discounted group rates may still be available after the cut-off date, depending on hotel availability.

For information on the hotel, please visit Best Western Plus University Inn  

For visitors’ information, please visit https://moscowchamber.com/

Event Agenda

Register

FULL AGENDA PDF

Mon, February 22

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 • LEAD YOURSELF AND BUILD YOUR NETWORK

10:30am – *Optional* University of Idaho ICCU Arena Mass Timber Tour

  • Explore the arena’s mass timber design, procurement and engineering story.
  • Advance registration required; maximum of 30

11:30am – Registration opens

  • Conference check-in and informal networking; lunch is on your own.

1:00pm – Welcome and Conference Opening 

  • Board introductions, WIFM update, participant connections and conference orientation.

1:30pm – Featured Session: Moving from Technical Expert to Effective Leader, Vicki Christiansen, Former Chief, U.S. Forest Service

2:30pm – Questions and Application Discussion 

  • Identify one technique to apply immediately.

2:45pm – Break

3:00pm – Panel: Building Your Personal Board of Advisors, Daria Paxton, Susan David, Kila Benge, Tera King

  • Women across forestry sectors discuss mentors, sponsors, peer networks and audience questions

4:15pm – Facilitated Peer Roundtables

Choose from:

  • Juggling Work and Caretaker Roles
  • Managing Burnout
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Master Storytelling
  • Safety, Preparedness and Confidence in the Field

5:30pm – WIFM Networking Reception and Dinner

  • Hosted networking dinner (confirm attendance with registration for accurate count)
Tues, February 23

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 • LEAD OTHERS AND LEAD THE PROFESSION

8:00am – Coffee & Networking

  • Reconnect with colleagues and meet new participants before the morning sessions.

8:30am – Professional Development Lightning Talks

  • Short participant presentations highlighting technical work, projects, career pathways or lessons learned.
  • Structured feedback supports presentation and communication skills.

9:30am – Facilitated Breakout Workshops

Choose from 1 of 4 Workshops that will focus on:

  • Running your own Business (Isabelle Hoygaard – Wild Goat Consulting)
  • Influence without authority (Jennifer Okerlund – Idaho Forest Products Commission)
  • Navigating the Forestry Industry and Forest Industry Finance (Heidi Krueger – Edward Jones)
  • Successful Mentoring (Teresa Loo – Tacoma Power)

10:30am – Break

10:45am – Featured Session: Communicating with Confidence in Challenging Situations, Meghan Tuttle, Environmental Affairs Manager,
Weyerhaeuser

  • Presentation followed by audience questions.

12:00pm – WIFM Business Meeting and Lunch 

  • Open to all registered participants.
  • Review progress and strategic priorities, elect officers and invite nominations for vacant board positions.

1:30pm – *Optional* Field tour: University of Idaho Experimental Forest

  • Transportation from the University Inn to the Experimental Forest is available.
  • Advance registration required, maximum of 30
Menu

Conference Menu:

Snack Breaks will include season fresh veggies with ranch dressing and creamy balsamic for dipping sauces along with a trail mix bar of assorted granola, mixed nuts, pretzels and dried fruits.

Networking Dinner will be the Famous Idaho Potato Buffet with tender sliced beef brisket and mesquite-grilled chicken breast, served with huckleberry and chipotle BBQ sauce on the side. (Be sure to note your dietary preferences to ensure accommodations can be made).

Business Lunch will be a Hearty Soup and Salad Bar. Choice of 2 soups (TBD and dietary restrictions will be considered for choices), served with spring greens, chopped romaine, shredded carrots, diced cucumber, grape tomatoes, black olives, Parmesan, shredded cheddar, diced chicken, bacon, and croutons with assorted dressings. Includes Chef’s choice pasta salad, pea salad, and fresh-baked rolls with butter.