SRM 2020 annual meeting: A new look - transformation and translation

Authors: Derner, Justin; WILMER, HAILEY - Us Forest Service (FS)

Submitted to: Rangelands
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/8/2021
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Building on the theme of 2020 vision, a “New Look” to embrace inclusivity, diversity, listening, innovative interactive sessions, and to avoid numerous presentations involving “death by PowerPoint” and “being talked at” was implemented for the 2020 Society for Range Management meeting. The meeting structure and program was changed with an emphasis on being bold and transformative. Objectives of the meeting were to: 1) provide avenues for intergenerational learning and knowledge exchanges, mentoring, and appreciation of differences, 2) increase the linkage of science to on-the-ground management and vice-versa with an enhanced effort embracing participatory efforts in collaborative management-science partnerships, 3) broaden the perspective of the art and science of rangeland management to encompass complex socio-ecological systems within a changing climate, and 4) acknowledge the challenges of translation of information in this digital age and the novel communication opportunities available to bring together diverse interests in natural resources and their management. Invited plenary speakers addressed inclusivity, diversity, fresh energy, and an enthusiastic attitude. They emphasized collaborative successes, humility, and learning in complex landscapes, socio-ecological systems, the history and contemporary thrusts of science and the profession, transitioning young professionals to be the next leaders in SRM, and a journey of indigenous ecological knowledge around the world.

Technical Abstract: The 2020 Society for Range Management annual meeting planned a “New Look” to embrace inclusivity, diversity, listening, innovative interactive sessions, and to avoid numerous presentations involving “death by PowerPoint” and “being talked at”. The meeting structure, format, and program focused around a “theme” each day, with a daily plenary session to set the tone, “Transformation” (day 1), “Bridging the Gap” (day 2), and “Translation” (day 3). Concurrent sessions of Symposiums, Ignite Talks, and Workshops were held, and Campfire Conversations, using World-Café style discussion, were added about hot topics in rangeland management.