RESILIENCE FEST
July 30-31, 2025
Lake Eden Retreat,
Black Mountain, NC
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FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS
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AMPLIFY APPALACHIA
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FESTIVAL PROGRAM
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SPONSORSHIP
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CONTACT
Welcome to the first-ever RESILIENCE FEST!
Part Summit, part Conference, part Celebration and part Group Therapy, we’re bringing together disaster relief partners for a two-day meeting-of-minds in beautiful Western North Carolina. This is a chance to reflect on the work we do with communities reeling from climate-driven disasters and disruptions of infrastructure while learning how we can network and improve our efforts. We all know that events like Hurricane Helene, the Palisades and Eaton Fires, Maui Wildfires and destructive Midwest tornadoes are only becoming more numerous and dangerous. The Resilience Fest organizers believe that by joining together, we can make better decisions about preparing for and responding to life-altering events like these.
What Will Happen at Resilience Fest 2025?
Learning
Panels, talks and expert-led workshops will diversify our range of skills and knowledge to make more informed choices moving forward in each of our organizations.
Connecting
Hands-on activities, speed-dating and more relaxed networking opportunities will allow us to connect with others we can help and who can help us.
Reflecting
Disaster preparation and relief can be draining physically, emotionally and mentally. Resilience Fest provides activities that address this often diminished reality of what we do.
Doing
Grab a wrench or a shovel and work directly on techniques that will improve your and your team’s response skills in the field.
FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS
VENUE INFORMATION
Resilience Fest Map & Parking
Resilience Fest -
Lake Eden Retreat
July 30-31, 2025
377 Lake Eden Rd, Black Mountain, NC 28711
AMPLIFY Appalachia- Sierra Nevada High Gravity Room
CONCERT VENUE
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100 Sierra Nevada Way
Mills River, NC 28732
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July 31, 2025, Doors: 5:30pm, Show: 6:30pm
TRANSPORTATION HUB
Getting to Asheville
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Regional: Asheville Regional Airport
International: Charlotte Douglas International Airport
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Asheville Airport to Lake Eden: approx. 27 miles
Charlotte Airport to Lake Eden: approx. 112 miles
Lake Eden Retreat to Sierra Nevada High Gravity Lounge: approx. 30 miles (shuttles available)
ACCOMMODATIONS
Partner Hotels
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The cut-off date to pick the room is 15th July at midnight.
Ways to Make the Reservation:
Recommended and Preferred - Go to https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/
Search Super 8 Black Mountain, NC, input the dates and click on Rates and select GROUP CODE -input -RESFEST25.
Pick the room type
Continue with the payment method.
2. Call the hotel at 828-669-8076 (Direct Hotel Front Desk) / (828) 357-4150 (Corporate Reservation Line)
Hotel Policies:
1) Free 24 Hr Prior Notice Cancellation
2) Pet Stays Free-Max 2 per room
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Planning on Camping On-site? We need to know!
FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Sign up for workshops, talks, panels and huddles that suit your interests!
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HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS
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TALKS & PANELS
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LIVE MUSIC
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NETWORKING
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
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7:00am - 8:00am - Breathwork
Relax and take some morning time to decompress.
Presenter: Led by Tama Dickerson
Participants: Max 12 people
Location: In the Small Barn -
8:00am - 9:00am - Breakfast + Coffee
Good Morning! Enjoy some breakfast! At 8:30am we’ll conduct a Welcome Blessing and Safety Briefing, Circle Up, Intro/Circle of Friends exercise.
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9:00am - 10:00am - Wisdom Traditions on Resilience
“Everyday” and learned wisdom about resilience. Relevant knowledge from the world’s wisdom traditions, religions, and spiritualities will be shared for inspiration.
Presenter: John Parker
Participants: All Are Welcome
Location: In the Big Barn -
9:00am - 10:30am - Build a Haven Solar Shelter (Shift One)
Work with the Spotlight Solar creators to build a Haven.
https://spotlightsolar.com/havenPresenter: Spotlight Solar
Participants: Max 20 people
Location: In Afield -
9:00am - 11:00am - Mapping Your Personal Journey through Disaster
Reflect on your personal experience with disaster in this creative mapmaking workshop.
Presenter: Led by artist Jen Urso
Participants: All Are Welcome
Location: In the Big Tent -
10:30am - 12:00pm - Interfacing across Industries
Building big tents where, and when, they're need most.
Panelists: Stephanie Steege, Samantha Childress, and Pulin Thakkar. Moderated by Will Heegaard.
Participants: All Are Welcome
Location: In the Big Barn -
10:30am - 12:00pm - SwampNet Mesh Network
Learn about LoRa mesh networks, how they could be applied in a disaster, and see one in action on site!
Presenter: Monique Verdin
Participants: Max. 20 people
Location: In the Small Barn -
10:30am - 12:00pm - Build a Haven Solar Shelter (Shift Two)
Work with the Spotlight Solar creators to build a Haven.
https://spotlightsolar.com/havenPresenter: Spotlight Solar
Participants: Max 20 people
Location: In Afield -
12:00pm - Lunch
Enjoy a bite to eat and check out Partner Stories of Resilience!
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12:00pm - 1:00pm - Partner Stories of Resilience
Like a Ted talk, but with more tears.
Presenter: Moderated by Stephen McCord
Participants: All Are Welcome -
1:00pm - 2:00pm - Sustainable Tarping Workshop
Learn how to tarp, and discuss upcycled materials for tarping, with leaders from Louisiana Just Recovery Network.
Presenter: Toi Jean Carter
Participants: 12-25 people
Location: In the Big Tent -
1:00pm - 2:30pm - Cooperative Response and Recovery Models
Building ownership out of emergency.
Panelists: Becky Brown and Ingrid Johnson of Poder Emma and Becky Selle of West Street Recovery and Asia Ognibene of Together New Orleans. Moderated by Jamie Swezey
Participants: All are welcome
Location: In the Big Barn -
1:00pm - 2:30pm - Build a Haven Solar Shelter (Shift Three)
Work with the Spotlight Solar creators to build a Haven.
https://spotlightsolar.com/havenPresenter: Spotlight Solar
Participants: Max 20 people
Location: In Afield -
2:00pm - 3:00pm - Mass Gatherings as Community Resilience Labs
How celebrations inform survival.
Presenter: Moderated by Matt Kowal
Participants: All Are Welcome
Location: In the Big Tent -
2:00pm - 3:00pm - Funding Grassroots Resilience Projects
Bring your dream, idea, or expertise. Leave with new friends!
Presenter: Led by Amy Adams
Participants: All are welcome
Location: In the Small Barn -
2:30pm - 4:00pm - Build a Haven Shelter (Shift Four)
Work with the Spotlight Solar creators to build a Haven.
https://spotlightsolar.com/havenPresenter: Spotlight Solar
Participants: Max 20 people
Location: In Afield -
3:30pm - 5:30pm Demos/Show and Tell
Various demos by industry experts.
Participants: Varies
Locations: In the Big Tent, in the Small Barn & In Afield -
5:00pm - 6:00pm - Happy Hour & Music
Enjoy a break before dinner!
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6:30pm - 7:30pm - Dinner
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6:45pm - 8:15pm - Resilient Roots Documentary Trailer & Performance
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8:45pm - 10:15pm - Empire Strikes Brass
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10:30pm - Late Night Disco-Tech
Thursday, July 31, 2025
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7:00am - 8:00am - Breathwork
Relax and take some morning time to decompress.
Presenter: Led by Tama Dickerson
Participants: Max 12 people
Location: In the Small Barn -
7:00am - 8:00am - Movement Workshop: Harmonic Earth Cycles
What does it mean to be Grounded or Oriented? What if we engaged singularity in Solar Relationships?
Presenter: Led by Govinda Dalton
Participants: All Are Welcome
Location: In the Afield -
8:00am - 9:00am - Breakfast + Coffee
Good Morning! Enjoy a bite to eat. At 8:30am we’ll kick off with any updates and a safety briefing.
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9:00am - 10:30am - Abolitionist Apothecary
Learn about Resilience from plants.
Presenter: Led by Jackie Sumell
Participants: Max 25 people
Location: In the Big Barn -
9:00am - 10:30am - Movement Building around Survival Infrastructure
Power, Water, Shelter - and Solidarity
Panelists: Moderated by Mariyah Jahangiri of The Climate Mobilization
Participants: All are welcome
Location: In the Small Barn -
9:00am - 11:00am - Accelerating Resilience Here, Now
A design lab to speed up Western North Carolina's recovery.
Presenters: Sara Nichols of Land of Sky Regional Council, and Kristin Stroup of Appalachian Voices
Participants: All are welcome
Location: In the Big Tent -
9:00am - 12:00pm - Schneider Trailer SOLARIZATION
Learn how to Install solar on a trailer with volunteers from Schneider Electric.
Participants: Max 7 people
Location: In the Afield -
10:30am - 12:00pm - Resilience Across Borders
Disasters know no boundaries. Neither should solutions.
Panelists: Moira Hanes of Empowered by Light, Lin Thu Hein of Atutu and Erin Hughes of Solidarity Engineering
Participants: All Are Welcome
Location: In the Big Barn -
10:30am - 12:00pm - Build Power Kits - Education and Resilience
How we are teaching the next generation about Solar power.
Presenter: Jimmy Luttrell
Participants: 25-50 people
Location: In the Small barn -
12:00pm - Lunch
Enjoy a bite to eat and check out Partner Stories of Resilience!
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12:00pm - 1:00pm - Partner Stories of Resilience
Like a Ted talk, but with more tears.
Presenter: Moderated by Stephen McCord
Participants: All Are Welcome -
1:00pm - 2:30pm - Creative Communication
Emotional release exercise through sound, movement and writing.
Presenter: Led by Natalia Olivero
Participants: Max 25 people
Location: In the Big Barn -
1:00pm - 2:30pm - DC Direct Drive
Fully DC electrical systems that can be powered by PV alone, without batteries.
Presenters: Lucy Perry & John Milner of Living Energy Lights
Participants: Max 20 people
Location: In the Small Barn -
1:00pm - 4:30pm - Solar Art Workshop
Solar powered mechanical sculptures.
Presenter: Alex Nathanson
Participants: Max 20 people
Location: In the Afield -
2:30pm-4:00pm - WERiSE Home Energy Renovation Workshop
Home Energy Clinic that teaches folks how to reduce their energy bills by 10-20% with simple air-sealing techniques.
Presenter: Steven Guesman
Participants: All are welcome
Location: In the Big Tent -
2:30pm - 4:00pm - Local Mutual Aid for Power, Water, Shelter, Food, Heat, and Health
Tap into local mutual aid networks for faster more efficient disaster response.
Presenter: Moderated by Catherine Hebson
Participants: All Are Welcome
Location: In the Big Barn -
2:30pm - 4:30pm - Charge a 12V RV Battery with Solar
12 Volt batteries are ubiquitous and RVs show up often in disaster response. Wire together a simple system for charging 12v batteries with solar.
Presenter: Jamie Trowbridge
Participants: Max 20 people
Location: In the Small Barn -
3:30pm - 5:00pm - Demos/Show and Tell
Various demos by industry experts.
Participants: Varies
Locations: In the Big Tent, in the Small Barn & In Afield -
4:00pm - 5:00pm - Dinner
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4:30pm - 5:00pm - Buses Leave for the Amplify Appalachia Benefit Concert
Transportation is provided to Sierra Nevada.
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5:30pm - 9:30pm - Amplify Appalachia Benefit Concert
Please note, AMPlify Appalachia is a ticketed event, and tickets to the AMPlify Appalachia concert are NOT included in your registration for Resilience Fest. If you would like to attend the concert, please purchase tickets below.
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9:30pm - 10:00pm - Buses Leave for Lake Eden
Transportation is provided from Sierra Nevada to Lake Eden.
SPONSOR RESILIENCE FEST
Be a vanguard of disaster relief by supporting the inaugural Resilience Fest. Your sponsorship helps us bring more hardworking, inspired individuals together to envision and plan a new future of response.
See below for detailed sponsorship tiers and contact resiliencefest@footprintproject.org to become a supporter!
SPONSORSHIP TIERS
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Eight tickets to Resilience Fest and the July 31st AMPlify Appalachia relief concert at Sierra Nevada Brewing
Two tickets to donate to local first responders in the sponsor’s name
VIP pre-concert reception July 31st from 5-6 p.m. for four representatives
Name/logo on all pre- and post-event communications
Two dedicated, social media acknowledgement posts with logo pre-and post-event
Name and logo included in two NCSEA and FP newsletters pre- and post-event
Name and logo on printed materials for the event
Inclusion on press releases distributed surrounding the concert
Name and logo on dedicated display banner at the concert site
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Five tickets to Resilience Fest and the July 31 AMPlify Appalachia relief concert at Sierra Nevada Brewing
VIP pre-concert reception July 31st from 5-6 p.m. for two representatives
Name/logo on all pre-event communications
One dedicated social media acknowledgement post with logo pre- and post-event
Name and logo included in one NCSEA and FP newsletter pre- and post-event
Name and logo on printed materials for the event
Inclusion on press releases distributed surrounding the concert
Name and logo on display banner at the concert site
Stage recognition by host
Promotional merchandise for all attendees affiliated with sponsor
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Three tickets to Resilience Fest and the July 31 AMPlify Appalachia relief concert at Sierra Nevada Brewing
Name/logo on pre-event communications
One social media acknowledgement post with logo pre- and post-event
Name and logo included in one NCSEA and FP newsletter pre- and post-event
Name and logo on printed materials for the event
Inclusion on press releases about the concert
Name and logo on display banner at the concert site
Stage recognition by host
Promotional merchandise for all attendees affiliated with sponsor
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Two tickets to Resilience Fest and the July 31 AMPlify Appalachia relief concert at Sierra Nevada Brewing
Name/logo on pre-event communications
One social media acknowledgement post with logo pre- and post-event
Name and logo included in one NCSEA and FP newsletter pre- and post-event
Name and logo included in member emails pre- and post-event
Inclusion on press releases distributed surrounding the concert
Name and logo on shared display banner at the concert site
Promotional merchandise for all attendees affiliated with sponsor
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Two tickets to Resilience Fest and the July 31 AMPlify Appalachia relief concert at Sierra Nevada Brewing
Name/logo on pre-event communications
Name and logo included in one NCSEA and FP newsletter pre- and post-event
Name and logo on shared display banner at the concert site
Promotional merchandise for all attendees affiliated with sponsor
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*Only available to Non-Profit organizations
Two tickets to event
Tabling (In the entrance area to concert)
Recognition as an event partner on event signage and promotional materials ahead of event
CURRENT SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Regional Recovery Partner
High Country Champion
Smoky Mountain Sustainer
Foothills Supporters
Event Partners
Partners
FAQs
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Fill out the RSVP form and we will follow up with a confirmation email with a ticket number starting June 30.
DUE TO LIMITED SPACE, FOLKS WITHOUT A TICKET NUMBER MAY BE TURNED AWAY AT THE GATE. RSVP NOW IF YOU WANT A TICKET!
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Yes! Attendance, camping, and meals (continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner on July 30-31) are free/included for all ticket holders.
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Our goal is to gather folks from various regions, disciplines, and backgrounds to learn from and share with each other. Limited travel reimbursements will be available for those who need and request them. Please indicate your needs in the Travel, Financial Assistance and Schedule portion of the RSVP form.
The earlier you fill out the RSVP, the more likely we will be able to subsidize your travel to some extent.
If you request a stipend, we will send you confirmation details starting June 30. Please note, stipends will be distributed after the event in the form of a reimbursement payment upon submission of flight and/or hotel receipts.
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This gathering is designed to connect people across Footprint Project’s network who are doing the work: grassroots mutual aid organizers, first responders, tech providers, and humanitarian aid organizations large and small. Many have worked together during disasters, but haven’t had a chance to connect beyond a text chat, email thread or field op.
Resilience Fest has limited space. If you’re receiving this email from us, you (yes YOU) are invited. Our intention is not to be exclusive, but to create space for the kind of connection that doesn’t happen at scale.
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If you’re coming from out of town, all participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodations.
There’s free group camping onsite at Lake Eden for those inclined to pitch a tent or roll up in your RV - camping spots must be reserved in advance using this form!
We’ve also reserved a block of hotel rooms at the local Super 8 in Black Mountain (check out the Accommodations section of the Resilience Fest website for details and Group Code). You’re also welcome to find your own lodging - there are plenty of local options!
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Sorry, but pets are not allowed at Resilience Fest. If you have a service animal, please let us know in the Translation, Dietary Considerations, and Accessibility section of the RSVP form.
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Sure! Depending on their age, it might not be very fun for them though, as all planned activities will be centered around adult learning and participation. Anyone under 18 in attendance will need to have their parent/guardian sign a waiver.
We do not have the capacity to provide onsite childcare, so please plan accordingly. We also cannot provide additional travel stipends/reimbursement for their attendance.
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We are planning on providing translation/interpretation services based on participant requests. Please let us know in the Translation, Dietary Considerations, and Accessibility section of the RSVP form.
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We will do our very best to work with local caterers to provide nourishing options for everyone at all meals, based on participant requests. Please let us know in the Translation, Dietary Considerations, and Accessibility section of the RSVP form.
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The festival site has a variety of landscapes and terrains. Please let us know in the Translation, Dietary Considerations, and Accessibility section of the RSVP form. We will follow up with you if you have any questions or concerns.
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Tent and sleeping gear (if camping), weather-appropriate clothes (July in North Carolina can mean sun and storms), water bottle, notebook, and anything you need to be comfy outdoors. The festival grounds feature a variety of landscapes and terrains including grass, dirt, and steep hills. Sturdy shoes, a rain jacket or umbrella are all recommended. Basic shade and communal, daytime shelter infrastructure will be available, but climate-controlled areas will be limited.
Drinking water and basic phone charging access will be provided, but there are no RV hookups available and gas/diesel generators are not allowed.
We’ll have more detailed information on what you should and can’t bring for ticketed participants.
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There will be a mixture of scheduled talks and panels, hands-on workshops and demos, and intentional downtime to enjoy the beautiful setting, self-organize, relax, and reflect.
A preview of programming is available on the website. More details are imminent. Thanks for your patience as we work collaboratively with our partners to finalize the schedule.
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📍 Lake Eden Retreat near Black Mountain, NC
📅 July 30-31, 2025 -
Footprint Project, in collaboration with an amazing crew of community partners, technologists, organizers, sponsors, and you!
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Sort of! Amplify Appalachia is a separately ticketed concert that is open to the public (tickets to AMPlify Appalachia concert are NOT included in your registration for Resilience Fest). If you would like to attend the concert, please purchase tickets here. All ticket proceeds go to Footprint Project and Land of Sky Regional Council.
Transportation to and from the concert for Resilience Fest participants will be provided.
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If you already filled out the RSVP form, you will receive an attendee confirmation email starting June 30 with your ticket number and follow up instructions.
If you filled out the RSVP form as a Maybe, working on my schedule!, your spot will NOT be confirmed and you will NOT receive a ticket until you confirm your attendance. You can do this by either filling out the form again or emailing us.
NCSEA presents
AMPlify Appalachia
July 31, 2025
Doors: 5:30pm | Show: 6:30pm
Sierra Nevada High Gravity Room, Mills River
Join us in beautiful Asheville, NC on July 31 for a concert benefiting long-term resiliency!
Presented by the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, AMPlify Appalachia will feature performances by Couch, Members of the Steep Canyon Rangers and Aunt Vicki with proceeds supporting Footprint Project and Land of Sky Regional Council.
This is a great chance to see the amazing recovery happening in the Asheville region, blow off some steam AND support a great cause.
Even if you’re not able to join us for Resilience Fest, AMPlify Appalachia is a fun event to support a great cause and connect with an inspired group of disaster relief professionals.
Please note, AMPlify Appalachia is a ticketed event, and tickets to the AMPlify Appalachia concert are NOT included in your registration for Resilience Fest. If you would like to attend the concert, please purchase tickets at the link above.
Transportation to and from the concert for Resilience Fest participants will be provided.
Get in touch.
Have questions about the event? Want to provide in-kind support? Just feel like talking to us because we’re nice people?
Send us a message!