The Place to Be: SFI Annual Conference
October 16-18, 2018
When it comes to providing supply chain assurances, producing conservation outcomes, and supporting education and community engagement -  Forests are the Answer The 2018 SFI Annual Conference will engage you in a discussion focused on why Forests are the Answer to so many of our conservation, community, and supply chain challenges and opportunities.

An impressive lineup of speakers is already taking shape and more will be announced soon. Join us in Colorado at the 2018 SFI Annual Conference to explore and engage in discussions with thought leaders from the forest products sector around these themes.
 
Speaker and Session Highlights
We will be welcoming a wide range of attendees, including CEOs of multinational companies, conservationists, community representatives, Indigenous leaders, forest managers, university faculty and students, government officials, and many more. This year's agenda has something for everyone.

  • Mike Lester, State Forester, Colorado State Forest Service

  • Mark Rodgers, President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity Canada and SFI Board Chairman

  • Kathy Abusow, President and CEO, SFI Inc.



Inspiring Women Leaders in Sustainability

Hear women leaders in government agencies discuss responsible forest management, forest health and the leadership role women are playing on a range of sustainability issues. Our moderator and speakers will also share their inspiring stories about encouraging women to take on leadership roles.
 
 
  • Bettina Ring, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry and SFI Board Member
 
  • Vicki Christiansen, Interim Chief, USDA Forest Service

  • Lisa Allen, State Forester, Missouri Department of Conservation 
 
  • Laura Schweitzer, Executive Director, Council of Western State Foresters/Western Forestry Leadership Coalition


SFI's Future - A Board of Directors' Perspective

Meet SFI's newest board members. Gain valuable perspective on the ongoing evolution of the SFI Program as our new board members focus on our strategic direction and future outlook. Pose questions and spark discussion on topics of interest to you, your organization and the SFI community.


  • James D. Irving, Co-CEO, JD Irving Ltd.


  • Lennard Joe, President, Nicola Tribal Association


  • Mike Parr, President, American Bird Conservancy


  • Jaime Yraguen, President, Associated Oregon Loggers


Emerging Markets in the Global Forest Supply Chain

Providing new and innovative forest products from well-managed forests is key to transitioning towards a more sustainable society and a circular economy. Find out how forest certification is playing a strategic role in everything from the fashion industry to green buildings.


  • Paola Deda, Section Chief, UN Economic Commission for Europe/FAO Forestry and Timber Section


The Conservation Impact of Sustainable Supply Chains

The  SFI Conservation Impact Project is quantifying the conservation benefits of SFI's work and the connection between sustainable supply chains and important conservation outcomes. The project has three key research focus areas: water, carbon storage and biodiversity. Hear from members of the SFI Conservation Impact Sounding Board.


  • Jad Daley, President and CEO, American Forests


  • Healy Hamilton, Chief Scientist, NatureServe


  • Puneet Dwivedi, Assistant Professor, Sustainability Sciences, University of Georgia



Registration Rates & Discounts
Whether you're bringing a colleague to the conference for the first time, multiple employees from your organization, or work for a non-profit organization, we have a discount for you.  Check out our conference registration rates and discounts available on the SFI Conference website.  Or if you have any questions, please contact Amy Doty at  amy.doty@sfiprogram.org  or (202) 596-3458.

Registrant Type
Early Bird Rate
(ends Aug 31, 2018)

Standard Rate  
(Sept 1 - Oct 16, 2018)
SFI Program Participant 
(includes all SFI Program Participants and certificate holders, SFI Applicants, SFI Board of Directors, ERP, SICs, and US PEFC Certificate holders)
$625
$725
Non-SFI Program Participant
$725
$825
Non-Profit organization*
 (open to representatives of tax exempt, non-profit conservation, community and social-purpose organizations, colleges, or universities, as well as Aboriginal and Tribal entities. Trade associations are ineligible for this discount.)
$475
$550
Spouse/Companion
$200
$250

Conference Information 
Conference Location
The Westin Westminster
10600 Westminster Boulevard
Westminster, CO 80020 
Hotel Reservations
Reserve your room online, or call 1-800-WESTIN-1 and ask for "2018 SFI Annual Conference" or "Sustainable Forestry Initiative" group rate.

Room rate: $189 plus tax
Travel Information
Visit the conference website for information on travel and accommodations. Check out our latest transportation discounts too.
SFI Negotiated Hotel Room Rate cut-off date: September 24, 2018

(Rate and space available on first-come, first-serve basis after Sept 24).