Everything you need to know

Welcome to New River Symposium 2026

Please join us for the 2026 New River Symposium at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC from April 9 – April 10, 2026.

2026 Symposium Keynote Speaker Announced

The New River Conservancy is proud and honored to announce the keynote speaker for New River Symposium at Appalachian State University will be Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission, Gayle Manchin from West Virginia.

Gayle Conelly Manchin was sworn in as the Appalachian Regional Commission’s thirteenth federal co-chair on May 6, 2021, becoming the first ARC Federal Co-Chair from West Virginia. Manchin works directly with ARC’s 13-member governors– one of whom is appointed annually as States’ Co-Chair– their state alternates and program managers, and a network of local development districts. Together they collaborate to build greater community capacity and strengthen economic growth throughout Appalachia, which increases the region’s ability to compete nationally and globally.

 

2026 Symposium Schedule

Pre-Conference Workshops + Saturday Paddle

Interested in the pre-conference workshops or the Saturday group paddle?  Fill out form HERE.

Copy of 2024 New River Symposium Program-1

 

Lodging

We have secured discounted rooms at the following hotels in Boone, NC.  Please follow the links to reserve your room.

Graystone Lodge

La Quinta

Sleep In