Welcome to Rally!
Is this your first time at Rally? Are you overwhelmed by all the events and activities being offered? Are you looking to network but don’t know where to start? Read on to discover the answers to all your questions and make the most out of your first Rally experience. If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to contact us at rally@lta.org.
What is Rally?
Also known as the National Land Conservation Conference, Rally is the largest land conservation conference in the country attended by more than 1,500 land trust staff, volunteers, seasoned professionals, agencies, and others from all 50 states, Canada, South America and beyond. Hosted by the Land Trust Alliance, this annual conference offers a dynamic opportunity to meet with your colleagues in conservation, advance your skills and work to solve some of your greatest challenges. Rally consists of exciting field trips planned by local conservation groups, high-quality educational sessions presented by prominent, experienced course leaders, inspirational keynote speakers, special events that are sprinkled throughout the program, exhibits and numerous networking opportunities.
How did Rally begin?
The early 1980’s were heady times for the land trust community. The newly formed affiliation of land trusts, Land Trust Exchange, (later re-named Land Trust Alliance) was incorporated in February 1982. Hoping to gather information from local and regional practitioners of the 400 land trusts across the country and reach out to Washington policy makers, the board of directors convened a “National Consultation”. Jean Hocker who was a board member at the time (and president of the Land Trust Alliance from 1987-2002) suggested a more exciting name – “something like a rally!” she suggested. Held November 7-9, 1985 in Washington, DC, the first National Rally ‘85 drew 255 attendees. This mighty group of land practitioners planted the seeds for future Rallies. “In 1985, there was no way to foresee the tremendous growth that would come to land trusts and certainly none of us could have imagined the scope and scale of today’s Rallies,” Hocker remembers. “The unique culture of sharing, of learning and teaching, of striving for excellence, and of educating decision-makers about the benefits of land trusts’ efforts were all present in 1985.”
I’m a first timer. Will there be many others attending Rally for the first time?
This will be the first Rally for nearly 1/3 of the people attending. As a Rally First Timer, you will be given a special ribbon that will identify you as a First Timer, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance onsite at the registration desk or with anyone from the conservation community who will warmly welcome you. Prior to Rally, feel free to email us at rally@lta.org with any questions.
What should I bring to Rally?
The dress code is casual. It is helpful to wear layered clothing as meeting room temperatures vary. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear − the days are long. Also bring: 1) backpack or tote bag, 2) travel mug or water bottle, and 3) notebook and pen for note-taking.
My land trust has a job opening. Will there be a place to announce it?
Located near the registration desk will be a bulletin board to post job listings and messages.
I have questions about Registration:
How do I register for Rally?
Registering online is the fastest and you receive an immediate confirmation. Take advantage of reduced costs for early bird registration (by July 25) and save money! You must pay with a credit card if you register online. Registration will open June 1.
What does my basic registration include?
Basic Rally Registration includes concurrent workshop sessions on Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17, Plenary Sessions and Regional Receptions.
Where will the registration desk be located?
You will find Rally registration on the second floor of the Marriott Hotel, located at 555 Canal Street. At registration you will receive your registration packet that will contain your name badge and any tickets for special events you have purchased.
What are the registration hours?
Wednesday, September 14 from 2 pm – 6 pm
Thursday, September 15 from 7 am – 7 pm
Friday, September 16 from 7 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday, September 17 from 8 am – 4:00 pm
I just would like to attend a seminar/field trip, do I have to pay for a basic registration too?
Yes, you can register for a seminar/field trip only and no, you do not have to pay for a Basic registration when doing so. You will receive a special nametag that will identify you as a seminar/field trip attendee only.
I’m a student, is there a special rate for me?
Yes. To qualify for a discounted student rate of $250 basic registration, you must be a full-time student and provide a copy of your school ID.
How can I volunteer to help at Rally?
Many hands make a light load! We invite full-time students and friends of conservation to apply to volunteer at Rally as meeting monitors for workshop sessions. Volunteers work one day and get the next day’s basic registration fee waived. There are a limited number of volunteer spots available. Email Regan Grimmet at rgrimmett@lta.org for more information.
Will scholarships be available?
Board members and staff from Alliance member land trusts can apply for assistance to help offset the cost of attending Rally. Applications will be available when registration opens, and are due by July 1. More information on scholarships >>
Can I bring a guest to Rally to attend just some of the special events and not the workshops?
The more the merrier! Bring a guest to Rally and they can participate in the Welcoming Dinner or the ever-popular field trips.
I work for a land trust that is a member of the Alliance. Do I get a discount?
Current member land trust staff, board or volunteers receive a discount on Rally registration. If your land trust has not joined the Alliance, please consider joining today. Land Trust Member dues are based on a sliding scale. Affiliate members of the Land Trust Alliance also receive discounted registration.
I have to make a change to my original registration. What should I do?
If you need to make changes to your registration, please use the link in your confirmation email to add items to your registration. Or, contact Regan Grimmett via email or 202-800-2225. Please indicate the items you wish to change/add and indicate how you would like to pay for these additional items.
How do I go about cancelling my registration to Rally?
The Alliance must receive your written request (via email at rally@lta.org) for a refund by Friday, August 26. Refunds will not be considered after this date. Rally registration will not be credited toward any other service, product from or contribution to the Alliance. A $50 administrative fee will be charged for cancellations.
What events should I attend?
Rally is jam-packed with educational sessions and networking events that help you connect with people who share your interests, build lasting relationships, advance your skills, and inspire you. To assist you in determining what events and sessions you might like to attend, we have listed all the functions in alphabetical order.
Exhibits
Visit the 40+ exhibits located in the heart of Rally activities. Learn more about the projects, services, successes and offerings that are showcased. (Sept 15-17)
Field Trips
Planned and lead by local conservation groups, these fun and educational day trips offer you the opportunity to explore the local landscapes, learn something new about land conservation and network with your colleagues. Typically, most of the field trips will sell out. If there is something you would like to attend – sign up early and save your spot. Additional fee required. Field trips will take place rain or shine and are non-refundable due to weather conditions. (Sept 15-17)
Friday Plenary Session
This general session is open to all Rally attendees. This session will also include the Land Trust Accreditation Commission ceremony where they will proudly announce the 2022 accreditation awards and will honor the diverse land trusts that have achieved this distinction. Open to all Rally attendees. (Sept 16)
Regional Receptions
Attend one of the popular Regional Receptions and meet others in your region while enjoying refreshments. (Sept 15)
Seminars
These sessions are intensive trainings that delve into important issues in land conservation taught by the top leaders in their field. The courses typically have a smaller class size of 30-60 people for a more personalized learning experience. Seminars consist of daylong sessions that are seven to eight hours in length and half-day sessions that are four hours long. Pre-registration and an additional fee are required to reserve your space. Seminar handouts are not posted on the Rally App or The Learning Center. Lunch is provided for seminar attendees. (Sept 15)
Welcoming Dinner
Join 1,000 of your friends and fellow conservationists as we kickoff Rally. Even though you might feel lost, once you enter the ballroom you will feel right at home. Find a seat and enjoy the conversation, the meal and the Alliance’s premier awards presentation. Additional fee required. (Sept 15)
Workshops
Workshops run concurrently within 9 areas of focus. These trainings are 90 minutes in length and can have 25 – 200 people in attendance. Workshops are included in the basic registration fee and handout materials are posted on alliancerally.org to download. For planning purposes, pre-registration for the workshops is requested, but not required. (Sept 16-17)
Saturday Plenary Session
This general session is open to all Rally attendees. (Sept 17)
More on Workshops: Plan your day
Rally is jam packed with valuable information that ranges in difficulty and is tailored to attendees’ experience level. Note that course levels are listed as: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. We highly recommend planning your day(s) to get the most out of your experience so it is helpful to carefully review the workshop chart and select your preferred sessions. Be sure to choose alternative sessions in case the one you pick is not what you expected. If a session is too advanced or too basic, you may choose to leave the session and drop in on another. Please remember to be courteous in your comings and goings.
We’re looking forward to seeing you!