Frequently Asked Questions

We will be hosting the 50th Natural Hazards Workshop and the add-on Researchers and Practitioners Meetings, at the Omni Interlocken Hotel in Broomfield, Colorado from July 13 to July 17, 2025. Please see below for a list of frequently asked questions about these events.

If your question has not been answered after reviewing the questions below, please contact us at hazards.workshop@colorado.edu.

Who Attends the Workshop?

The Workshop attracts government officials; academics and students; representatives of nonprofit and private sector organizations; and others dedicated to understanding and alleviating the impacts of disasters. About 90 percent of our participants are from U.S. states, territories, or North American tribal nations, while the remaining 10 percent join us from many other countries.

Why is the Workshop Limited to 750 People?

The Workshop size is limited by the capacity of the venue where we currently hold our meeting. In addition, we try to keep the Workshop size at about 750 people so that opportunities for interaction are maximized. At the present size, we attract a meaningful mix of people from different organizational backgrounds and disciplines to share experiences. We organize the program in such a way to allow for many networking opportunities, as we work to help cultivate enduring relationships among participants.

What is the Difference Between the Workshop, Researchers Meeting, and Practitioners Meeting?

The Natural Hazards Workshop is the main event and runs from July 13 to mid-day on July 16. The Workshop brings together federal, state, and local mitigation and emergency management officials and planning professionals; representatives of nonprofit, private sector, and humanitarian organizations; hazards and disaster researchers; and others dedicated to alleviating the impacts of disasters. The Workshop program includes a keynote, plenaries, training sessions, networking roundtables, breakout sessions, new research, policy, and practice sessions, and plenty of social events.
The Researchers Meeting runs from mid-day on July 16 through July 17. The meeting program includes breakout sessions for paper presentations, roundtable discussions, and networking events. This meeting is academically-focused, but is open to all members of the hazards and disaster community.
The Practitioners Meeting is all day on July 17. This event is held by the National Hazard Mitigation Association offers a unique opportunity for practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders to exchange ideas and forge new partnerships to enhance and advance hazard mitigation. This meeting is geared toward practitioners, but is open to all members of the hazards and disaster community.
Registration pricing is separate for each meeting, but can be purchased on the same form.

How Can I Find Photos and Bios for Workshop Speakers?

Information for speakers and presenters who shared a bio and/or photo is linked from individual session pages in the online program.

Why Are Professional Titles for People Not Provided in the Program?

The variety and depth of experience embodied at the Workshop is immense. We do not use titles in the program or on name badges because they do not always reflect the amount or type of information that a person has to share. The best way to find out about someone’s experience is to introduce yourself and start a conversation!

How Are Sessions and Speakers Chosen for the Program?

The 2025 Workshop is organized around the theme of The Next 50 Years: Charting a Course for the Hazards and Disaster Field. That thematic statement drove the call for contributions, as did our request for submissions on any recent or pressing topic of concern to the field.

Each year we receive hundreds of submissions, which we then review and organize into the final Workshop program. Sessions are always designed to ensure a wide range of topics are addressed and a diverse array of voices represented. We invite people to participate based on their submissions and other activities throughout the year. We always try to integrate new people into the program to ensure that that participants hear fresh perspectives. We also strive to provide content that helps keep participants up to date on new research projects, practical interventions, and policy changes.

Do Speakers Get Free Registration?

All participants, including those listed on the program, must register for the meeting or meetings that they will attend. The registration fee covers materials, facilities, receptions, and coffee breaks. Workshop speakers get a discount of $50 off full general registration pricing. Speaker discounts are not offered to poster session presenters, researchers meeting participants, practitioners meeting panelists, or meet the authors participants.

Can I Bring Handouts or Other Materials to Distribute?

Yes! There will be a resources table in the foyer of the Omni Interlocken Hotel where participants can share handouts or other materials. We recommend you bring 50 to 100 copies of whatever you might like to share.

Why Does Every Participant Introduce Themselves on the First Day of the Workshop?

This tradition dates to the first Workshop in 1975 and reflects our commitment to ensuring that people have a chance to connect. This session sets a welcoming tone for the rest of the week. This opening session is a great time to make a note of people you’d like to chat with during breaks, at lunch, or at the barbecue.

What Meals Are Provided at the Workshop?

You can purchase lunches for $50 per day when you register for the Workshop. These will be provided by the Omni Hotel. You are also welcome to have lunch at nearby restaurants or other dining locations within the Omni Hotel. Learn more by visiting our Meals and Dining page.

Why Is the Workshop Not Held in Boulder?

While we’d love to host the Workshop in the beautiful city where the Natural Hazards Center is based, our registration needs have outpaced the space that is currently available to accommodate a group of our size. We are looking forward to our Tuesday evening barbecue at the rooftop patio of Avanti in downtown Boulder, which has a stunning view of the Flatirons—Boulders sandstone rock formations.