Hundreds of conservation leaders from across the country are headed to Nashville next week to discuss policy, network with partners and industry colleagues, and learn about the newest technologies and most relevant issues affecting natural resources management.

Organization: National Association of Conservation Districts

Conference: 72nd Annual Meeting

Venue: Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center

City: Nashville

Following board and committee meetings and an opening reception over the weekend, NACD 2018 starts on January 29 with a morning general session. Tyson Durfey, a rodeo star, will deliver an inspirational keynote on how going broke twice helped him become a champion. Also worth noting:

Bring a book. The 2018 Annual Meeting will mark the eleventh year running for NACD’s community outreach program called “Pack-A-Book.” Attendees are encouraged to bring at least one book related to natural resources, the environment, or conservation. The books will be donated to a Nashville-area elementary school.

Take a tour. Attendees can get out and explore their local surroundings by signing up for one of the meeting’s eight optional tours. For history buffs, there’s a “Civil War Adventure,” while music lovers will likely pick the “County Music Spectacular” or “Songbird Bus Tour” options.

Share your story. During the District Share Fair, conversation districts from across the country will tell their colleagues about their most successful projects, programs, and systems. One example is Vets on the Farm, which helps military vets transition into agriculture- and conservation-related careers.

Looking for more details? Head to Twitter.

(Gang Zhou/iStock/Getty Images Plus)