21st Century Forestry

Society of American Foresters 
2016 NC Division Summer Meeting 

PIEDMONT CHAPTER WELCOMES YOU
TO THE 2016 SUMMER MEETING

Join us for the 2016 Summer Meeting of the NC Division at the Laurel Ridge Camp, Conference & Retreat Center in Laurel Springs, NC. Enjoy the most beautiful and relaxing setting in the foothills of North Carolina while learning about the cutting edge technologies that are rapidly becoming mainstream in forest operations. The meeting agenda includes excellent speakers, the annual awards banquet, the NC SAF Business Meeting, and a special concert and social on Thursday night. 

The June 9th technical session has been approved for 6.0 CFE in Category 1-CF
The June 10th technical tour has been approved for 3.5 CFE in Category 1-CF

The summer meeting is always an excellent value with modest registration fees, plenty of CFEs and lots of networking time with exhibitors and your fellow members and their families. This year the Friday field tour is included for everyone registering for the full summer meeting. And, back by popular demand: a private concert by the Kruger Brothers on Thursday night is included in the registration fee (along with complimentary beverages)! Register by May 20, 2016 to get the early rates!

MEETING LOCATION

Laurel Ridge is located in Wilkes and Ashe Counties south of the Blue Ridge Parkway and west of NC State Route 18. For driving directions and map CLICK HERE. All meeting sessions take place in the Higgins Lodge (pictured above) and our group accommodations are located in the same building, just a short walk away. 

LODGING AND MEAL OPTIONS AT LAUREL RIDGE

Because Laurel Ridge is a retreat center you coordinate your own meals and overnight accommodations. If you choose to stay somewhere other than Laurel Ridge, you MUST STILL purchase meal tickets in advance for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Thursday, June 9th.  Meal ticket prices are:

• Breakfast  $    8.00
• Lunch   $  10.00
• Dinner  $  12.00

Meal tickets are not required for the morning and afternoon refreshments breaks on June 9th.
To purchase your meal tickets in advance, call 336-359-2951.

A limited number of guest rooms are set aside for our group - first come first served!  If you are an individual attendee who is interested in defraying lodging costs, Laurel Ridge reservation staff will help you find a roommate. Room rates (tax included) and short descriptions are below.

• Salem Wing of Higgins Lodge - Rooms with Private Baths (24 rooms avail.) $ 90.00/night/room, single or double occ. If needed, ask about bed types, and crib options.
• Bishops Wing of Higgins Lodge - Rooms w/ semi-private baths (24 rooms avail.)  $ 80.00/night/room, single or double occ. If needed, ask about bed types, and crib options.

To reserve a room AND / OR purchase your meal tickets in advance, call 336-359-2951.

OTHER LODGING OPTIONS

Camping, motels and B&B options are all available in the Laurel Springs area in Alleghany, Jefferson, and Ashe Counties. Parking at Laurel Ridge Retreat is available at no charge for those who choose to stay elsewhere. Below are some sources of information on the Internet that show these options, but be sure to do your own careful research!

• TripAdvisor.com- Laurel_Springs_North_Carolina-Hotels.html
• Priceline.com/hotel/POI-Laurel_Springs_NC_Laurel_Springs_North_Carolina

Online registration is available and allows you to pay by major credit card. For those needing to pay by check or requiring an invoice, please contact Kelley McCarter to get instructions on making those payments. Sponsorships, exhibit tables, individual professionals, students and family member rates are available. Note that sometimes cancellation fees will be required in order to keep the meeting finances in order. 

REGISTRATION OPTIONS AND FEES

Individual Registrations Options                    

• SAF Members $100.00 (Through 5/20/2016)    $135.00 (Starting 5/21/2016)
• Non-members $125.00 (Through 5/20/2016)    $135.00 (Starting 5/21/2016)
• SAF Students   $45.00
• Non-Profit Exhibitor   $200 (includes a basic exhibit table)
• Commercial Exhibitor   $250 (includes a basic exhibit table)

ADD-ON one or more of these options to your Registration

• Family Member on Thursday, June 9th - $35 includes only the June 9th refreshment breaks and Kruger Brothers concert social that evening.
• Bronze Sponsorship  $250 includes exhibit table, verbal acknowldgement during sessions.
• Silver Sponsorship $500 includes exhibit table, logo website/program book/posters, verbal acknowldgement during sessions.
• Gold Sponsorhip $1,000 includes exhibit table, logo website/program book/posters, verbal acknowldgement during sessions and your organization URL linked from the summer meeting website.

Cannot come to the entire meeting?

• Register to attend the Technical Tour ONLY on Friday, June 10th for $35

 

Register Now!