Optional Pre-Conference Excursions:

Kayaking Elkhorn Slough (www.elkhornslough.org/paddling.htm)

If you read “slew,” this trips for you! Negotiate the eddies and byways of beautiful Elkhorn Slough with NEMO’s very own Paddlemeister, Monique Myers (CA). Bob McCormick (IN) will be riding shotgun, in case any white water boils up.

Whale Watch Cruise (See a whale watch video)

Come aboard and catch a glimpse of some of the ocean’s most amazing creatures as they frolic in Monterey Bay. If for some strange reason you don’t already feel small and insignificant, you will!  

6:00 PM     Optional Opening Family Dinner at Asilomar

8:30 AM       Opening Plenary Session: Addresses Galore!

1. Traditional State of the Network Address
2. Golden State (Host State) Address
3. Keynote Address

11:30 PM      Lunch at Asilomar

• Regional Discussions - An opportunity for NEMO Regional Groups to gossip, squabble, sing the regional fight song, cook up collaborative projects and compose stinging directives to the Hub.

1:30 PM       Mini-Training Session 1
                  (see Training Sessions for more information)

• Following our successful Cinco de NEMO model, we are offering a number of training opportunities at U-6.  Following your invaluable Cinco de NEMO feedback, we are shortening these training to half-day sessions, in order to: (a) get more topics in; (b) allow folks to attend more trainings, and; (c) spare our valiant trainers.
1. Topical Track
2. Technical Track

5:00 PM        Adjourn to allow for proper preparation for the Evening Event

5:30 PM        Dinner at Asilomar

7:00 PM        Dessert Reception at Monterey Bay Aquarium

• Yeah, we know it’s too classy for the NEMO Network, but it won’t kill you to clean yourselves up a bit for a bit of roaming in this world-class aquarium.

9:00 AM       Mini-Training Session 2
                  (see Training Sessions for more information)

1. Topical Track
2. Technical Track  

12:00 PM      Lunch at Asilomar

1:30 PM       State NEMO Program Presentations

• Innovations, triumphs, challenges, models and heartburn from your peers. What could be better?

3:30 PM       NEMO Discussion Groups (May include, but are not limited 
                  to…)

1. Topics: NEMO & TMDLs; NEMO and Sea Grant Sustainable Coastal Community Development Program; Program evaluation; NEMO and climate change
2. Projects: FREMO; CICEET projects

5:00 PM       Adjourn to get gussied up for Photo (below)

6:00 PM        Group Photo Session

6:30 PM        Beach Blanket Bingo Barbeque & Bonfire

• Starring Julie Westerlund (MN) as Annette Funicello and Patrick Beggs (NC) as Frankie Avalon. Bring your own bikini and ukulele, but marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate bars will be provided.

Day 3
Wednesday, October 22, 2008

9:00 AM       Mini-Training Session 3 and/or State NEMO Program
                  Presentations 2

                  (see Training Sessions for more information)

12:00 PM      Lunch at Asilomar

1:30 PM        Closing Plenary Session

1. Regional and topical discussion reports
2. Future Network Directions
3. Beach party deconstruction and apologies

3:00 PM       Hang Ten!