Symposium

Welcome to information and registration for the 25th Annual NCKMS. Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. is excited to host this bi-annual meeting in the cave and karst-rich Chattanooga area, which is situated in the heart of Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia (TAG). SCCi hosted the Symposium in 1999 and looks forward to hosting once again.

These informative meetings are held across the United States in order to highlight local karst resources and management issues, and to allow members of the resource management community to meet and exchange ideas and solve problems. Typical presentations and workshops focus on resource management and stewardship activities, education, communication, sustainability, and research. Sessions often provide many examples in both show cave and wild cave resource management.

Registration is $295/person and includes conference attendance, evening events, light breakfast, break snacks, and field trips.

Tentative Schedule (as of 9/26/2023)

Hotel Information

The Double Tree by Hilton in downtown Chattanooga is the headquarters hotel for the symposium, restaurants, tourist attractions, and great views are close and abundant. The Doubletree by Hilton offers a group rate of $109/night for 11/3 - 11/13 to allow attendees to spend time in the area before and after the Symposium. This rate is available through October 13. For booking, go to: Hotel Reservation and use code 90A.

Call for Presenters

We are now accepting papers for the 2023 National Cave and Karst Management Symposium.  The theme for this symposium is "From Ridges to Streams." However, we encourage authors to submit papers on all topics related to the management of caves and karst resources. Abstract submission deadline is September 15, 2023. Full paper submission deadline is November 1, 2023. Download more information HERE or e-mail to [email protected]

Scholarships

Full and partial scholarships are available for attendees. The NCKMS Scholarship Committee manages the George N Huppert Scholarship Program. THE DEADLINE HAS PAST. More information and application information is located HERE.

Sponsorship Opportunities

NCKMS relies on registrations and community support to run these meetings. We ask you to consider being a co-sponsor in the form of financial support, or through a contribution of goods and services.  Sponsorships provide attendees an opportunity to learn more about local businesses, products, and resources available in located in the region surrounding Chattanooga, and to learn about businesses, products, and resources available within the cave and karst resource management community.  Thank you for helping us protect the underground resources of the Southeast and other areas. More information is available HERE or by emailing [email protected].. Sponsors can also register below.

Co-sponsors Levels (named for some of the Southeast’s more unique cave dwelling species): 

Alabama Cave Shrimp ($350–$699)  

• Organization listing on NCKMS Web Page and Facebook Page      
• Recognition in Program and Proceedings 
• Single table space in Exhibit Hall 
• One Symposium registration 

Southern Cave Crayfish ($700 to $1399 Level).  As above, plus:

• Extended Space in Exhibit Hall 
• Signs/Banner (if provided) displayed throughout event
• One additional Symposium registration (total of two)

 Tennessee Cave Salamander ($1400+).  As above, plus: 

• Inclusion of promotional or other material in registration packages
• Premium Space in Exhibit Hall 
• Two additional Symposium registrations (total of four)