About Us
Welcome to Sweet Home Alabama and the 2025 Southern Region Middle Managers Conference! The conference is scheduled for April 8-11 in the Rocket City, Huntsville, Alabama. Get ready to blast off, as you explore Navigating the Future and Igniting Innovation in Extension.
Registration
Registration is now open for the Southern Region Middle Managers Conference. Registration costs include access to the conference sessions and the tour of your choice.
- Early-Bird: $495 (by February 28)
- Regular: $525 (after March 1-30)
- Late: $575 (after March 30)*
*Late registration remains available online the week prior to the conference. Late registration is also available on-site.
If you need to cancel your conference registration, email Chris Becker at cmb0034@auburn.edu by Tuesday, March 25 to receive a 50 percent refund of your registration fee. Cancellations received after March 25 will not be eligible for a refund.
Hotel Information
The conference hotel is The Westin Huntsville Bridge Street, 6800 Governors W, Huntsville, AL 35806. The hotel has complimentary, on-site parking or valet parking at a cost of $16 per day. There are also electric-car charging stations available.
The room block is full for the Southern Region Middle Managers Conference at The Westin Huntsville Bridge Street. However, there other hotel options available (listed below). If you have any questions or need assistance, contact Amelia Mitchell at (251) 654-5932 or via email at mcgreaj@aces.edu.
Regular Rate at The Westin
You can reserve a room at The Westin at their standard rates. To make a reservation, visit the hotel’s website or call their reservations team at (256) 428-2000. Availability is limited, so make your reservation as soon as possible.
Overflow Hotels
The conference has partnered with two nearby hotels for your convenience, securing rooms at a rate of $199 per night. You can make reservations by calling the hotel and referencing either the group name, Southern Region Middle Managers Conference, or the group code, 908. You can also book rooms by utilizing the links below.
- Hampton Inn and Suites
- Phone: (256) 971-1850
- Address: 7010 Cabela Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806
- Reservations: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/alabamacooperativeextensionsystemhampton/
- Home 2 Suites by Hilton
- Phone: (256) 971-1667
- Address: 7010 Cabela Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806
- Reservations: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/alabamacooperativeextensionsystemhome2/
Call for Session Proposals
Researchers, practitioners, and Extension professionals are invited to submit session proposals for this year’s conference. The team is looking for presentations and workshops that explore innovative approaches that engage middle managers and contribute to the ongoing discussion of Navigating the Future and Igniting Innovation in Extension. For more information and to submit a proposal, visit the link below.
This is an open call for proposals, but sessions of interest may center around the following topics:
- Human resources and workforce development
- Examples: recruitment and retention, onboarding new agents, work-life balance, time management, etc.
- Program development and innovation
- Examples: new and innovative Extension programs, building capacity in Extension programs, new and trending regional initiatives, etc.
- Stakeholder engagement and partnerships
- Examples: assessing stakeholder needs, building successful win-win partnerships, creating and accessing social, community, or health impacts, etc.
- Crisis and conflict management
- Examples: conflict management, coaching and mentoring techniques, Extension’s role in disasters, etc.
- Other relevant topic related to the conference theme
Learn More & Submit a Proposal
Agenda
Click the button below to see the full agenda for the 2025 Southern Region Middle Managers Conference.
Transportation from Airport
The Huntsville International Airport is located approximately 9 miles from The Westin. There are several transportation options from the airport to choose from. These include rental cars, ride sharing, peer-to-peer car sharing, public transportation, as well as services for taxies, buses, shuttles, and limousines.
Explore the Rocket City
The culture, history, and nature of the Huntsville area means there are many sights and sounds to experience. The Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau has a lot of great information on their website including a downtown map, destination guide, points of interest map, and itineraries.
