Leveraging ecological science, data, and partnerships to achieve sustainability goals
1st Annual Workshop
July 25-26, 2026
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
What: The Ecological Society of America (ESA) is hosting a two-day workshop for businesses seeking to drive innovation, meet sustainability goals, and mitigate risk through sound ecological science. The program, organized by the Private & Public Sector Ecologists and Early Career Ecologists sections, will present seminars on a wide range of topics (a full list can be found below), such as sustainable business strategy development, mobilizing transparent and highly accurate data collection techniques, legal risk and opportunities in environmental assessments, and establishing meaningful partnerships with indigenous groups to dramatically improve environmental outcomes.
View the program.
When: ESA will host the workshop July 25-26, the weekend prior to its Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, UT. It will begin on Saturday afternoon and end on Sunday morning. The program will include short seminars from major businesses that offer ecological services and expertise; breakout sessions and networking; and an evening mixer at a local venue on Saturday evening. Participants are welcome to stay for the opening plenary of the Annual Meeting on Sunday afternoon.
Cost: Attendance at the workshop is free for all invited participants regardless of ESA membership status. For participants wishing to explore the wide variety of talks, workshops, short courses, panels, and exhibits at the Annual Meeting on Monday through Friday, ESA is offering member rates to all non-members for one-day ($275) or full-week ($600) registrations. If participants do wish to attend part or all of the Annual Meeting, you can use the following codes for a discount at check out for Annual Meeting registration : ECO4BIZ – For One Day or ECO4BIZFULL – Full Week. If you have an issue with the code, email registrar@esa.org for assistances.
About ESA: The Ecological Society of America (ESA) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of scientists founded in 1915 to:
- Promote ecological science by improving communication among ecologists;
- Raise the public’s level of awareness of the importance of ecological science;
- Increase the resources available for the conduct of ecological science; and
- Ensure the appropriate use of ecological science in environmental decision-making by enhancing communication between the ecological community and policymakers.
Hotel availability: ESA has hotel blocks at the Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek ($249 King or $269 Queen/Queen) and the Hilton Salt Lake City Center ($225 single/double).
Click here to make your reservations.