Virginia Marine Debris Summit
What: 2025 Virginia Marine Debris Summit
Where: Norfolk Botanical Gardens, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518
- Where to Stay: The Delta Norfolk Airport Hotel. We have reserved a hotel room block at The Delta Norfolk Airport Hotel with rooms costing $129 per night. Please book your room through this link by March 4th. More information below under Where to Stay.
When: March 18-20th, 2025
Who: Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program, Clean Virginia Waterways and YOU!
Why: Focus on solutions to measurably reduce plastic pollution from entering Virginia’s freshwater and tidal rivers, estuaries, wetlands, beaches, and ocean
Cost: Early Bird Registration is only $35 for students and $75 for individuals. Register Today!
The Virginia Marine Debris Summit (VMDS) is co-hosted by Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program and Clean Virginia Waterways. This 3-day event will focus on solutions to measurably reduce plastic pollution from entering Virginia’s freshwater and tidal rivers, estuaries, wetlands, beaches, and ocean. Speakers will share dynamic programs that have made a difference and can be replicated throughout the state.
The summit will include in-depth solution-based discussions on the four major goals of the 2021-2025 Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan (VMDRP):
-
Consumer Single-use Plastics
-
Derelict Fishing Gear
-
Microplastics & Microfibers
-
Abandoned & Derelict Vessels
Join us for panel discussions, new ideas, updates to ongoing projects, networking, creating workgroups and an opportunity for “Speed Dating With The Experts”. Be inspired by our amazing Keynote Speakers:
- Bonnie Monteleone of Plastic Ocean Project
- Katie Register of Clean Virginia Waterways (retired), &
- Judith Enck of Beyond Plastics.
*Meals, refreshments, and snacks are included in the registration fee.
Sponsorship
Please consider supporting the Virginia Marine Debris Summit through a sponsorship! We are offering many levels of sponsorships from $250 to $10,000 and each level offers benefits such as exhibitor space, free registrations, acknowledgement on Summit materials and more. Sponsorships make it possible for us to include Keynote speakers, scholarships for students, after-hours networking events and delicious food.
Summit Agenda
Tuesday March 18th:
Summit Registration, Presentations and Panel Discussions: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm (afternoon snack included)
Reception: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (hors d'oeuvres and drink tickets included)
Wednesday, March 19th:
Summit Registration, Presentations and Panel Discussions: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (breakfast, snacks and lunch included)
Norfolk Night Out: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday, March 20th:
Summit Workgroups & Presentations: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (breakfast and snacks included)
Lunch & MOCA Tour: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Marine debris has become one of the most widespread pollution problems in the world’s oceans and waterways, impacting wildlife, human health and safety, habitats, and economies. It is an enormous and growing problem, and it is important for Virginia to play its part in reducing debris from land-based and water-based sources. Join us for the 2025 Virginia Marine Debris Summit in Norfolk!
For More Information contact Terra, Terra@CleanVirginiaWaterways.org, or Christina, Christina@CleanVirginiaWaterways.org
Where to Stay
The Delta Norfolk Airport Hotel - The Virginia Marine Debris Summit will be held at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, just minutes from the Norfolk Airport. We have reserved a hotel room block at The Delta Norfolk Airport Hotel with rooms costing $129 per night. Please book your room through this link by March 4th. There are several alternative choices in the area if needed. We will be providing shuttle rides to and from The Delta for the Tuesday evening reception and Wednesday conference. The Wednesday "Night in the Norfolk Eco-District" bus will also be picking up from The Delta.
VMDS Field Trips & Events
We've got lots of extras planned for you at the 2025 Virginia Marine Debris Summit! Please RSVP so we can add any extras to your ticket when you register.
Tuesday Night Reception at Baker Hall at the Gardens: Join us after our first day of talks for food, drink, networking and more. We'll be gathering in Baker Hall at the Norfolk Botanical Garden from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. If you would like to check into your room at The Delta before the reception, there will be a shuttle available to bring you back to the Norfolk Botanical Garden for a safe ride before and after the event. Your registration includes 2 drink tickets, hors d'oeuvers and a fun time! Please be sure to let us know you are going to join us when purchasing your registration. Please RSVP for this event during registration.
Wednesday Field Trip on the Botanical Gardens Tram: During our extended lunch break on Wednesday, the Norfolk Botanical Garden has generously offered to take all summit attendees on a 20-30 minute tram ride around the garden. Unfortunately, the art installation that was previously advertised has been delayed and will not be available for our viewing. Please RSVP for this event during registration.
Wednesday Night Out in Norfolk's Eco District: We are planning a night out in Norfolk's Eco District. Join us for a narrated bus ride to the Eco District from the Delta Hotel. Participants will tour the Elizabeth River Project's Ryan Resilliance Lab, have the opportunity to see an electric boat from Electrified Marina and play Marine Debris Trivia while enjoying a meal and local brews at a Virginia Green Certified Brewery, Elation Brewing Company. Meal expenses to be paid by participants. Please RSVP for this event during registration.
Duke Riley Exhibition Tour at the Museum of Contemporary Arts (MOCA): After the VMDS wraps up, we invite you to join us at the Museum of Contemporary Arts in Virginia Beach for lunch and a tour of the Duke Riley Exhibit. You will have some time to enjoy lunch on your own in the ViBe Creative District, then we will meet at MOCA for a tour of this amazing exhibit "O'er The Wide and Plastic Sea". Please RSVP for this event during registration. Please RSVP for this event during registration.
Tickets
Contact Form
If you have any questions about this event, click the button below.
Event Location
Norfolk Botanical Garden
6700 Azalea Garden Rd
Norfolk, VA 23518 US
