Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Waters Conference
April 28-30, 2026
Albany, Georgia
Join colleagues, partners, and stakeholders from across the Apalachicola–Chattahoochee–Flint River Basin for three dynamic days of conversation, collaboration, and connection focused on the future of one of the Southeast’s most important river systems.
Tuesday, April 28, afternoon: Pre-Conference Tours
We are offering two concurrently running pre-conference tours that will celebrate the history, beauty, and heritage of Southwest Georgia while highlighting the importance of efficient and sustainable water use in the region. Participants can choose between a land-based heritage tour, exploring historic sites, innovative water management projects, and the landscapes that have shaped Georgia’s cultural and agricultural legacy; or a guided Flint River paddle trip, offering a firsthand experience of the region’s natural beauty and the vital connections between healthy waterways, local communities, and resilient ecosystems. Space is limited. Additional registration required.
Wednesday, April 29, 8:30am-4:45pm: Opening Keynote, Plenary Sessions, Poster Session, and Networking Reception
This day will bring together leaders and experts from across the ACF River Basin to share insights, strengthen partnerships, and celebrate collaboration in water management. The day’s agenda will feature an inspiring keynote address, plenary sessions highlighting basin-wide updates, and a poster session showcasing emerging research and innovation. The day will end with a networking reception at the Flint RiverQuarium in downtown Albany.
Thursday, April 30, 8:00am-4:30pm: Keynote, Drought Communications Workshop, and ACF Stakeholders Meeting
This day will focus on communication and resilience in the face of drought across the ACF River Basin. The day will open with a keynote presentation that inspires reflection on the importance of shared understanding and collaboration in managing water resources during challenging times.
According to the US Drought Monitor, drought conditions in the basin range in intensity from abnormally dry to exceptional drought—underscoring the importance of clear, timely, and coordinated communication. Effectively engaging large and diverse and diverse public audiences is critical to protecting communicites, economies, and natural systems.
The 2026 ACF Waters Conference will feature a Drought Communications Workshop sponsored by the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) Stakeholders. This interactive workshop will focus on strategies for communicating about drought conditions, impacts and response. The program will begin with a keynote to set the stage for the day, followed by three practical, hands-on sessions:
- The Art and Practice of Communication- Best Practices for translating complex science and policy into clear, actionable messages for varied audiences.
- Tools and Resources - An overview of data platforms, messaging frameworks, and outreach resources that support effective drought communications.
- Tabletop Exercise - Participants will work in groups to develop a drought communications plan and test that plan against different scenarios.
While the workshop will draw examples and case studies from the ACF Basin, the content is designed to be broadly applicable by communicators, whether they are in or outside of the Basin. Participants will leave with practical tools, stronger cross-sector connections, and greater confidence in communicating about drought before, during, and after it occurs.
The day will conclude with a meeting of the ACF Stakeholders (ACFS). Conference attendees are welcome to stay for the meeting.
Conference Keynote Presenters
Keynote: Katelyn Herman
We're thrilled to announce Katelyn Herman as our opening keynote speaker for the 2026 ACF Waters Conference! Katelyn is the Manager of Conservation Programs at the Georgia Aquarium. She oversees conservation-related fieldwork, species conservation planning, and the Georgia Aquarium's onsite manta ray research. Katelyn brings a passion for and expertise in connecting freshwater science, storytelling, and conservation.
We're especially proud of the growing partnership between GWPPC and the Georgia Aquarium, which advances critical work in the Flint River Basin-from freshwater mussel conservation to collaborative watershed science and public engagement.
Keynote: Dr. Marshall Shepherd
We’re excited to announce Dr. Marshall Shepherd as the keynote speaker for day two. An internationally recognized voice in weather and climate, Dr. Shepherd will kick off our Drought Communications Workshop on April 30, bringing his expertise in translating complex science into clear, compelling messages for broad audiences. His insights will set the stage for a dynamic day focused on strengthening how we communicate about drought across communities, industries, and the ACF Basin.
Dr. Shepherd is the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia and Director of its Atmospheric Sciences Program. He is the Associate Dean for Research, Scholarship, and Partnerships in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at UGA. In 2026, he earned the distinction of Regents’ Professor, the University of Georgia’s highest professorial honor. In 2022, he was selected SEC Professor of the Year. In 2021, Dr. Shepherd was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Shepherd is also the host of the Weather Channel’s podcast Weather Geeks and a Senior Contributor to Forbes.
Daily Schedule at Glance
2026 Conference Planning Committee
Paula Marcinek, The Nature Conservancy
Linda MacGregor, City of Gainesville
Ania Truszczynski, Georgia EPD
Dan Calhoun, USGS
Chris Manganiello, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
Gail Cowie, GWPPC at ASU
Ben Emanuel, American Rivers
Ken Jones, Consultant, Riparian County Stakeholder Coalition, Apalachicola Caucus
Steve Golladay, GWPPC / Jones Center at Ichauway
Matt Waters, Auburn University
Kristin Rowles, GWPPC at ASU
Sechindra Vallury, UGA River Basin Center
Courtney Cooper, Berry College
Kristen Watson, City of Gainesville
Sarah Skinner, GWPPC at ASU
Sponsor Information: Sponsors will be recognized in all conference materials and at the conference. There are four different sponsor levels with varying benefits: including field trip tickets, conference registrations, and exhibitor tables. Sponsorships also contribute to support student engagement by allowing us to have a low-cost student registration.
2026 Conference Sponsors
Learn More About Past ACF Waters Conferences
2024 ACF Waters Conference: Water Resilience: Sustaining Communities, Protecting Ecosystems
2022 ACF Waters Conference: Shared Resources in Changing Times
