- Hunter Moore, Natural Resources Policy Advisor to Arizona Governor Doug Ducey spoke during the luncheon about the Governor’s Water Initiative and other policies to improve the performance of water and other natural resource related agencies.
- A poster session with 25 posters presented the latest in water research and programs across a broad range of topics. The student authors of the top three posters were awarded cash prizes. Winners included: Aloah Pope for “Effects of Policy Decision-making on Riparian Corridors in a Semi-arid Desert: A Modeling Approach”; Tirthankar Roy for “An Improved Streamflow Forecasting Platform for Better Decision-making”; and Benjamin Richmond and Saige Williams for “Water Talks!”.
- The Arizona Community Foundation, creator of the New Arizona Prize, introduced their new challenge that invites community collaborations to compete for a $250,000 prize with innovative ideas for actions that advance water sustainability.
- University of Arizona Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Andrew Comrie, welcomed the conference attendees on behalf of the University and commended the strength of its water expertise.
- Jeff Silvertooth, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Associate Dean and Director of Economic Development and Extension, reminded the conference audience of the vital importance of water to society and recognized the WRRC as a hub bringing water science to the world.
- A post-conference reception featured interactive stations where conference attendees could engage with the conference Twitter conversation, the new University of Arizona Water Network website, and the “Beyond the Mirage” web experience.