2024 Forum Buddy Program FAQs

The National Adaptation Forum is coordinating a buddy program to connect anyone hoping to form new connections and network within or across disciplines during the conference. The aim of the program is to create a welcoming environment that facilitates conversation, relationship-building, and the sharing of expertise, experiences, and guidance amongst peers.

A buddy is intended to be a friendly face, someone to discuss sessions with, and help to alleviate the stress that can come from entering a space where you might not know a lot of people.

  • As much as you would like! 
  • At a minimum, we request contacting your buddy prior to Forum attendance and at least one planned meeting during the Forum. But, the structure and number of your interactions is entirely up to you and your buddy.
  • The Forum Team will aim to provide matches by the first week of May, giving you and your buddy two weeks to connect ahead of the event. 
  • A member of the Forum Team will email you and your buddy to make an initial connection and then you and your buddy will take it from there!
  • Don’t worry! We’ll find a buddy for everyone. If we can’t find an exact match based on the criteria you outlined, we’ll reach out to see if you’re okay with a match that doesn’t exactly meet your original criteria.
  • In some cases, we may end up making three person buddy groups to best align interests and criteria.
  • Once your match is made, it is your responsibility to connect with your buddy and coordinate meeting up at the Forum. 
  • Once you’re at the event, we recommend meeting up for a meal or attending a session together, you can always do more together too!
  • Topics of conversation could include, but are not limited to:
    • What are you hoping to get out of this conference?
    • What are you most excited about?
    • What sessions are you hoping to attend? 
    • How did you get into the field of climate change adaptation?
    • What’s your favorite part of your job? Your least favorite?
    • Do you know anyone else who is attending who I should connect with?
    • How can I support you and help make this conference experience better for you?
  • When you sign up to take part in the National Adaptation Forum Buddy Program, you are agreeing to have your name, email address, organizational / institutional affiliation, and why you were matched (based on similar interest, etc.) shared with your eventual buddy match.
  • Any information disclosed during the registration process will remain confidential and will only be seen and used by the Forum Team for the purposes of making a match. None of this information, outside of the items listed above, will be shared with your buddy.