Mississippi River stakeholders and advocates will come together for the 19th time from Tuesday through Thursday, Oct. 14-16, for the annual Upper Mississippi River Conference (UMRC) hosted by River Action at Stoney Creek Hotel in Moline.
The theme of the conference is “A Piece of a Larger Puzzle,” and URMC’s host River Action says the multi-day event will bring together conservationists, policymakers, scientists, students, and community leaders to collaborate on timely holistic solutions for the Mississippi River and its watershed.
One of the highlights, for example, is a Thursday workshop focusing on the impact of the ambitious downtown Moline Riverfront + Centre Plan. Leading it are Renew Moline Executive Director Alexandria Elias and Chris Mathias, the City of Moline’s community and economic development director.
Corn Belt Ports Executive Coordinating Director Robert Sinkler also will talk about a growing network of ports that is being formed in an area of the Mississippi River that has been too-long ignored. Attendees also can sign up for a field trip to Nahant Marsh.
Each year, River Action works with experts, policymakers, nonprofits, cities, educators, students, media and scientists on two free workshops and the Next Gen Summit for college and high school students. The summit is making its return to UMRV this year.
Registration for workshops and payments for the two-day or one-day conference, field trip, dinner and luncheon can be made separately at riveraction.org/umrc.
Convention highlights
The conference’s full schedule – which can be found here – features these highlights:
- Opening keynote – “The Mississippi River, A School of Democracy” will be delivered by David Murray, senior writer at The Waterways Journal / Bound Media.
- Field tour to Nahant Marsh on Day 1 will showcase regional restoration efforts at the west Davenport site; led by Brian Ritter, Rachel Perrine, and Kathy Wine.
- Day 2, “Making the River Magnetic: Public Space Design at the River’s Edge” will feature urban design experts Tom Klein and Scott Streeb and breakout sessions. Topics include: measuring river health, climate resilience, redevelopment along the Mississippi, flood preparedness, and more.
- A special Ports Panel will explore the future of inland port development in the region.
- Returning for its second year, the Next Gen Summit invites college and high-school students. They will engage in environmental career panels, hands-on demos, and rotational learning sessions. Participants will hear from professionals. That includes Maiya May, (PBS climate reporter; Andrew Layer, Living Lands & Waters, and local educators.
- Field Tour & Workshop. Oct. 12, from 2-4 p.m.
- An afternoon WEDG (Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines) Workshop will kick off the conference, focusing on sustainable riverfront design. (WEDG Workshop)
- Evening Program: An Evening with Aldo Leopold. Plated dinner will feature a panel exploring Mr. Leopold’s life, land ethic, and enduring legacy. Panelists include: Steve Brower, Fr. Robert Grant, and Dr. Jonathan Pauli.
Visit riveraction.org/umrc/agenda for the full agenda.
Registration (including exhibitor booths) is handled online via River Action. Visit riveraction.org/umrc. For more information or assistance, contact Kathy Wine at [email protected].
About URMC, River Action
The Mississippi River faces complex challenges – from climate change and flooding to habitat degradation, riverfront development pressures, and stakeholder coordination. The 2025 UMRC emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, bridging the next generation of conservation leaders with seasoned experts. They will adress the Mississippi as a waterway and living system with ecological, cultural, and economic importance.
According to River Action, the conference “has continued its mission to bring together conservationists and regional stakeholders from all disciplines to form a more holistic perspective on river and climate issues.”
River Action is a nonprofit organization. It isfocused on protecting and enhancing the Upper Mississippi River and its tributaries. River Action does that through advocacy, science, education, and community engagement. UMRC is River Action’s signature gathering. It convenese voices across disciplines including government, business, academia, nonprofits, and citizens. Its missioin is to to unite around sustainable river futures.
