Our Sixth Statewide Resiliency Conference!

The 2025 Resilient Virginia Conference, Moving Virginia Forward, will be held July 23–24 at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Help Move Your Community Forward

The 2025 Resilient Virginia Conference is designed to provide attendees with actionable tools, the latest research and policy updates, and dynamic networking opportunities—all aimed at helping communities across the Commonwealth and beyond strengthen their resilience to climate, economic, and social challenges.

This year’s conference will feature a robust agenda including:

  • Keynote address from Greg Steele, the Commonwealth’s Chief Resilience Officer.
  • Thematic breakout sessions that dive deep into critical topics such as climate adaptation, equitable resilience planning, resilient infrastructure, and community health.
  • Interactive workshops that offer hands-on learning experiences and practical strategies that participants can apply in their own work.
  • Plenary sessions with leading experts and decision-makers sharing high-level insights and real-world case studies.
  • 1:1 networking and engagement opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, state and local officials, nonprofit leaders, and industry innovators.

Together, these sessions are curated to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and advance implementation of resilience best practices across sectors.

Greg Steele, Chief Resilience Officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia

Keynote Speaker: Greg Steele, Chief Resilience Officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia

We’re pleased to announce that Greg Steele, Virginia’s newly appointed Chief Resilience Officer, will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Resilient Virginia Conference. This will be one of his first major public appearances in his new leadership role.

Mr. Steele will share his strategic vision and innovative approaches for strengthening resilience across the state — from climate adaptation to infrastructure planning and community preparedness.

2019 Conference

Call for Proposals

Resilient Virginia is pleased to announce a Call for Proposals (CFP) for the 2025 Resilient Virginia Conference. We are seeking dynamic speakers, thought leaders, and practitioners who can contribute to the advancement of holistic, inclusive, and long-lasting resilience strategies across the Commonwealth.

Our Moving Virginia Forward theme will focus on innovative approaches to resilience at the state, regional, and community levels, emphasizing climate adaptation, equity, economic sustainability, and systems-based solutions. The goals of the conference are learning, networking, and collaborating.

We invite proposals for presentations, panels, workshops, and case studies that address critical issues in resilience planning and implementation. Successful proposals will align with the conference’s mission to move Virginia forward through integrated, actionable, and forward-thinking strategies.
2019 Conference

Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities

The 2025 Resilient Virginia Conference is an opportunity to showcase your organization’s resiliency products, services, and programs to a highly focused audience.

Sponsors will receive extensive virtual and in-person brand exposure before, during, and after the conference, as well as an exhibit table, presentation opportunities, and a Sponsor-only reception to be held July 22.

Exhibitors will be highlighted on the website and in the program, with opportunities to showcase their products and services at the July 23 Conference Reception.

Call for Posters

2025 Resilient Virginia Conference Poster Session

Resilient Virginia is now taking submissions for the Moving Virginia Forward Poster Session. The session will take place on Wednesday, July 23rd, at the 2025 Resilient Virginia Conference in King Hall at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA from 7-9pm.

This year, we have 25 poster slots that will highlight contributions and research that is helping Virginia move forward. Selected applicants will receive a discounted registration to the 2025 Resilient Virginia Conference. Submission deadline is Friday, June 27, 2025.

Instructions for Poster Submission

Please use this link to submit a Poster Session application by June 27th. All required information must be submitted using this form. Accepted submissions will be confirmed by Thursday, July 3, 2025 by email.

Poster Requirements

Selected applicants will receive the poster template that must be followed and additional print information.

Additional Information

Please contact Trish Porter if you have any questions.

JMU's King Hall and East Campus — Photo courtesy of James Madison University
JMU's King Hall and East Campus Clean Energy — Photo courtesy of James Madison University

JMU’s King Hall (left) and the East Campus Hillside Solar Facility — Photos courtesy of James Madison University.

JMU’s King Hall (top) and the East Campus Hillside Solar Facility — Photos courtesy of James Madison University.

Conference Location

King Hall
James Madison University
701 Carrier Drive • Harrisonburg, VA 22807

Conference Host

James Madison University’s Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Energy (CASE), our host for this year’s Conference, focuses on research, education, and outreach to advance sustainable energy deployment by providing energy-related services to a wide variety of stakeholders including local governments, state agencies, landowners, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and academic communities.

CASE facilities include the Small Wind Training and Testing Facility; the East Campus Hillside Solar Facility; Engo 0001 (High Bay Lab); and their off-campus Technology Drive facility that stores meteorological towers deployed to collect wind measurements, as well as wind tunnels, an environmental chamber, and more.

Hotel Accommodations

For your convenience, we have courtesy blocks at the following hotels.

Hyatt Place Harrisonburg

Hyatt Place Harrisonburg

1884 Evelyn Byrd Avenue
Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Details
• $149/night + taxes
• Free parking
• Must book by June 22

Booking Link

Courtyard Marriott Harrisonburg

Courtyard Marriott Harrisonburg

1890 Evelyn Byrd Avenue
Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Details
• $119/night + taxes: King Bed
• $129/night + taxes: Double Queen Beds
• Free parking
• Must book by June 22

Booking Link

Sleep Inn and Suites Harrisonburg

Sleep Inn and Suites Harrisonburg

1891 Evelyn Byrd Avenue
Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Details
• $99/night + taxes: King Bed or Double Beds
• Free parking
• Must book by June 22

Booking Link

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Join us at our 2025 Conference as an Exhibitor or a Sponsor.

Red Diamond Shape VISIONARY Red Diamond Shape

Red Diamond Shape BENEFACTOR Red Diamond Shape

Red Diamond Shape CHAMPIONS Red Diamond Shape

Red Diamond Shape LEADERS Red Diamond Shape

Red Diamond Shape SUPPORTERS Red Diamond Shape

Red Diamond Shape ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Red Diamond Shape

Questions? Contact Us

For information on Sponsor Opportunities, please contact:

Jessica Steelman, Executive Director: steelman@resilientvirginia.org

For information on the Planning Committee, please contact:

Trish Porter, Programs and Communications Director: trish@resilientvirginia.org