Join us at our Biennial Conference in Glen Allen, Virginia!

• Registration

• Accommodations

• Schedule

• Speakers & Presenters

• Silent Auction

• Business Meeting & Elections

• Sponsors

• Exhibitors

• Merchandise Sales

The 2024 VBS Conference begins with Friday evening’s opening reception, including a repeat of the popular Bluebird Bingo from the 2022 Conference, then a buffet dinner in the hotel dining room. Following dinner, a gathering will be held of County Coordinators and those who may be curious about what Coordinators do. Friday evening will also offer the opportunity to meet and greet other conference attendees, share tales from the trails and hang out with like-minded bluebird enthusiasts.

Saturday morning’s early birds may join a walk led by Buz Sawyer, resident of the Richmond area, VBS trail leader, and Virginia Master Naturalist. Following registration and a light breakfast, the conference kicks off with keynote speaker Myrna Pearman, renowned biologist, author, and nature photographer from Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada. Myrna’s most recent book, Get to Know Bluebirds: A Guide for Young Nature Lovers, produced with the assistance of Bet Zimmerman Smith and other members of the North American Bluebird Society Education Committee, needs to be on the bookshelf of every budding bluebirder in Virginia. And yes, there will be signed copies available for purchase online and at the conference. Want to know more? Check out Myrna’s website at https://www.myrnapearman.com/.

The rest of Saturday will be devoted to our popular breakout sessions. Confirmed presenters include Capital Naturalist Alonso Abuggatas, Wildlife Rehab Supervisor Alex Olvera and Dr. Olivia Schiermeyar with the Wildlife Center of Virginia, Nature Journalist Jen Brown (yes, bring your sketchbooks!), Virginia Master Naturalist Robin Didlake, expert nature photographer and teacher Dr. Marshall Faintich, lifelong birder, instructor, and volunteer Nancy Barnhart, Virginia Working Landscapes Program Director Dr. Amy Johnson, and VBS’ very own Pam & John Narney who will reprise the always popular session “Bluebirding 101.”

And be sure to visit our Conference Sponsors and Exhibitors (see below) who will be on hand all day Saturday.

Accommodations

We are thrilled to host the 2024 Conference at the Virginia Crossings Conference Center & Hotel in Glen Allen, VA. This comfortable resort rests on 20 acres of open green space, with a campus featuring English gardens and Colonial architecture. Popular Richmond area destinations and additional accomodations are just minutes away. Hotel guests receive discounted rates at The Crossings Golf Club next door.

VBS has reserved a block of rooms at Virginia Crossings at a special rate for Conference registrants. Please make your reservations on the Virginia Crossings website and be sure to use Group Code 91I (nine-one-eye) for the special room rate of $135 per night. You may also call the hotel directly at 804-727-1400. The Special Group Rate is valid only through October 12, 2024.