Registration is now open for Great Connections 2026, the annual conference hosted by the Great Lakes and Great Rivers chapters of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA).

The conference is being held Oct. 14 and 15 at Hotel Julien Dubuque. The City of Dubuque and Dubuque County Watersheds are co-hosts. The conference’s theme is “Doing Better: From Commitment to Action.” Registration can be completed online at GreatLakesIECA.org

Stormwater, erosion control, and watershed management professionals from the 10-state area served by IECA’s Great Lakes and Great Rivers chapters are encouraged to attend the Great Connections conference to learn about the latest techniques and technologies in their industry.

Conference programming spans a range of erosion, sediment control, stormwater, and watershed management topics ranging from beginner- to advanced-level training. Sessions are intended for professional certification and career advancement at all levels, with a broad range of topics showcasing regional research, innovation and best practices.

The highlight of the conference’s program is the keynote address by Curt Meine, PhD., a senior fellow at the Aldo Leopold Foundation of Baraboo, Wisconsin, and the Chicago-based Center for Humans and Nature. Meine’s work explores the relationship between people and the landscapes they manage, offering insights directly related to erosion control, stormwater management, and watershed resilience.

Additional conference information, including a full program schedule, can be found at GreatLakesIECA.org

IECA is the leading association for erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and stream restoration. The organization provides professionals with education, resources, and networking. The Great Lakes Chapter serves the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The Great Rivers chapter serves Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.