Conference Details

On-Line Quilt Auction:

This is a new addition to the conference and an opportunity to participate in supporting environmental education even if you cannot attend the conference. To help raise scholarship funds, a collection of small size quilts have been donated from quilters around the states. These quilts can be used as wall hangings, table toppers, table runners, and always gifts. Keep checking to see if you have the highest bid up until 9:00 pm Saturday September 26, when the bidding closes. The high win will be billed for the item they chose and upon payment it will be mailed to them.

Take a minute to view the quilts at COEEA Auction Site and place a bid.

Directions:

Click here to download directions.

Accommodations:

The Incarnation Center offers private rooms with a twin bed, pillow, closet, linens, towel and soap provided. These rooms are comfortable and private with a door to close for privacy and quiet. These will be filled on a first come first served basis. There have been a number of rooms set aside that will appeal to the conference participant who wishes to bring a spouse or guest with them. Double rooms are arranged with two twin beds and are provided linens, pillow, towel and soap as well. If you wish to bring a child with you we would love to discuss your options for accommodations. Double rooms could allow blow up mattresses with fee being asked for cost of meals. Bathrooms are shared and easily accessible using a common hallway. Handicap Accessible rooms with bathroom are available to those needing them. Please notify us of this need and we will reserve the proper room for you.

The Bunk facilities are dormitory style but with small numbers to a room, usually 4-8 people. There are options in the bunk arrangement for a family to reserve a small wing at a more affordable rate. When choosing to bunk you will need to bring your own linens or sleeping bag, towels and pillows. Bathrooms are shared and easily accessible using a common hallway.

A camping option is also offered. Platforms are available for you to set up a tent on to help keep you off the rocks and more comfortable. Adjacent to the camping sites are bathhouses with facilities to make your visit accessible and easy. Family camping is an easy solution to bringing the group for a weekend visit to Connecticut. When camping you will need to bring all set up supplies for your site, tent and sleeping needs.

If you want to bring children we would like to discuss room accommodations and additional fees. So please contact Kristen at Kristen@newpondfarm.org

We suggest everyone bring a flashlight with them as well as a mug or water bottle. Coffee Stations are available all day and evening in main buildings.

Spouse/Guest, Family and Pets:

Come to Connecticut and enjoy the area while also participating in professional development workshops. There are plenty of offerings for spouse and guests to participate in while you are in session. Come together to enjoy the circus and entertainment. Spouse/guests may choose to attend fieldtrips, workshops or travel on their own. To register a spouse or guest please use a separate form so that they are counted in meals and space will be allocated to you properly. Please register early as some options are limited. See the accommodations for details on planning for your stay.

Pets are not permitted at the conference due to wildlife and farm animals on site. If you are planning to bring children we would like to discuss room accommodations and additional fees. So please call Kristen or email requests to her at Kristen@newpondfarm.org. There is limited space for family groups to room together or adjustments maybe made on a first call limitation. The offerings of trips and activities for spouse/guest is also open for children to attend with an adult. Because of financial burdens and limitations we are opening the conference up to guests and family attendance to make the weekend vacation worthy.

Carpool Challenge:

Take the Carpool Challenge! Round up your colleagues and friends to drive together to The Incarnation Center. Every car with more than one person qualifies. Your number of passengers, the mileage of your vehicle and trip mileage will all be figured into a complex formula, and top scores put into a drawing. Prizes include a Gas Card and Big Basket of Road Trip Food and CT Grown items!

Exhibits:

A limited amount of table space will be available for any organization to display its materials and promote its programs and products. Please check the space on the registration form if you plan to bring an exhibit. Nonprofit organizations are free. Commercial vendors pay a $100 fee. Rooms are available on site if you would like to make arrangements to do so, or you may find local accommodations if you wish. See Exhibitor Form located on Registration page.

Meals:

Meals will offer vegetarian options. If you have special dietary needs please let us know and we can see how we can make arrangements for you. The Incarnation Center uses as much local and organic food as possible for this conference however, we will not be able to insure for vegan options.

Questions?

Contact conference co-chairs Susan Quincy at 203-734-2513 or susan.quincy@ct.gov or Russ Miller at rangerruss5@yahoo.com

Refund Policy:

Refunds will be given for cancellations before August 15 (minus a $50 administration fee). After August 15 no refunds will be available.

Registration:

Registrations will be processed first-come, first-served upon receipt of completed registration form and full payment. Electronic registration closes September 15. Last minute registrations after September 15 and walk-ins will be accepted only if space is available. Please make checks payable to NEEEA. Click here to be directed to the registration page.

Scholarships:

Students, grassroots educators, and entry-level professionals are among those who are encouraged to utilize the scholarship program. If the cost of the conference is a factor in your ability to attend, please apply for a scholarship! Conference registrants can reduce the fee by checking off the $50 level or the $100 level depending upon their need. Day participants are limited to the $50 level.

Silent Auction for the NEEEA Scholarship Fund:

Got a favorite EE tool or artifact? Do you have a special craft or item that represents your region of New England? Have a cottage on a lake that you would donate for a weekend or a week? Please help support NEEEA and its conference scholarship program by bringing items to the conference to donate to the silent auction! Drop off your item when you arrive and check in.

Weather:

September in Connecticut usually means warm days with cool nights, but the possibility exists for inclement weather. Check out weather.com for Ivoryton, CT for up-to-date forecasts. Dress for change and bring layers.

Updates:

Make sure to check the NEEEA website at www.neeea.org for conference updates right up until September 25!

While at the Conference:

For emergencies only, you may be reached at the Incarnation Center at 860.767.0848.