Please note all fees shown on the registration site are presented in Canadian dollars. (For those of us in the US, the resulting credit card statement will seek a repayment number about 35% lower. Check out current exchange rates here.)
Costs for this registration period are:
NAWEOA member/retired member - $350 (~$254 USD)
Non-member officer - $375 (~$272 USD)
Spouse/guest - $200 (~$145 USD)
Youth (potty-trained to age17) - $125 (~$91 USD)
Registration prices will go up at the end of April ($50 increase), and again in mid-June ($75 additional), so don't delay! Your early registration helps the hosts plan appropriately for transportation, meals, activities, and other logistics.
Penticton BC is an iconic destination located between two lakes, with deep roots in agriculture, Indigenous culture, and outdoor recreation, drawing all types of visitors for generations. It is also the hub of a growing craft community and hosts conditions supporting more than 80 local wineries. Air travel to the area will likely take you into the Kelowna International Airport (YLW), about an hour's drive from the conference centre, but the host crew is also securing a discount for direct flights to Penticton, from Vancouver. In the coming weeks, we'll be sharing additional information on affordable local rideshare and busing options as well, so there's no need to reserve your flights or a rental car just yet.
More information will be coming soon with additional details regarding the full conference schedule (released after the NAWEOA Winter Board meeting in March), transportation options and discounts available, and registration links for additional local tours and other things to see while you're in the Penticton area. For updates, please join the conference Facebook group, watch the NAWEOA website, and/or check out the new Instagram page. Once you have registered, important updates will also be emailed directly to you.
If your agency might assist with your travel and/or salary for attendance, sample text (with some schedule hints) is provided below to help secure approval. At a minimum, customize the areas highlighted to suit your & your agency's needs.
See you in Penticton this July!
Example
Subject: Participation Justification – International Game Warden Association 2024
I am requesting approval to attend the International Game Warden Association (“NAWEOA”) conference in Penticton, British Columbia, July 15-20, 2024.
The NAWEOA conference is an ideal opportunity for game wardens and conservation officers to enhance their knowledge of wildlife violators and the various techniques currently used to efficiently apprehend them; as well as to gain wellness tools and tips to sustain a long, healthy career in wildlife law enforcement. NAWEOA provides unmatched opportunities to network and connect with other officers and leaders, to share tips, and foster a robust spirit of collaboration, lasting long after the conference is over.
I can expect to get the following out of the conference:
• Direct connections with approximately 300 involved, professional wildlife officers from across North America.
• Enhancing my skills and knowledge by participating in up to 17 hours of relevant, high-quality wildlife law enforcement training, including sessions on topics including:
• Predator attack teams and investigations of suspected large carnivore attacks,
• Identifying and searching hidden compartments,
• Forensic photo comparisons,
• Preparation for DNA analysis,
• Technology for crime scene mapping.
• All training participation is documented with certificates of completion, training outlines, and instructor biographies, suitable for submission to POST or our agency training records division.
• Face-to-face interaction with relevant vendors for cutting-edge outdoor and law enforcement equipment.
Costs to attend the NAWEOA Conference are low in relation to the benefits received:
• Registration is only $350 CAD (~$254 USD) if registered before April 30 ($400 – 475 CAD if registered later).
• Competitive room blocks are reserved at three adjacent hotels, with rates starting below allowable government per diem.
• At least four meals are included with registration.
Participation also showcases our jurisdiction’s commitment to networking, providing ongoing training, and working collaboratively, which can also be used as a tool to help with our agency’s recruitment and retention efforts.
In summary, I ask you to please support my request to travel for this event. If you would like to read more about NAWEOA, the conference, and/or view the draft schedule as more information is released, please watch www.naweoa.org/next-conferences.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME