Plan an Event or Meeting

Host Your Event at the National Conservation Training Center

Whether you're planning a one-day meeting, multi-day conference, leadership retreat, workshop, or national training course, the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) offers a unique setting where people come together to learn, collaborate, and solve complex conservation challenges. Located along the Potomac River in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, NCTC combines modern meeting facilities, overnight lodging, on-site dining, and dedicated event planning support on a beautiful 533-acre campus. Our Scheduling and Events Management team is committed to helping you plan and deliver a successful event from start to finish.

Why Choose NCTC?

NCTC offers more than just meeting space. Our residential campus provides a welcoming environment where participants can stay, dine, meet, and connect in one convenient location. Surrounded by forests, wildlife habitat, and the Potomac River, the campus was designed to encourage collaboration, creativity, and meaningful conversations.

Event organizers appreciate the convenience of having lodging, dining, meeting space, and technical support all available on campus, while participants enjoy a quiet setting that encourages focus and engagement. Whether you're hosting a small planning meeting or a large multi-day conference, our experienced staff works alongside you to ensure your event runs smoothly.

Everything You Need in One Place

NCTC offers a wide range of facilities and services designed to support successful meetings and events.

Modern meeting rooms, classrooms, laboratories, and conference spaces
Overnight lodging for up to 226 guests
Full-service dining and social gathering spaces
Integrated audiovisual technology and on-site IT support
Dedicated Scheduling & Events Management staff
Physical fitness center
Walking and hiking trails
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Museum, Library, and Archives
Accessible campus and meeting facilities

Is NCTC Right for Your Event?

NCTC welcomes mission-related events that support conservation, stewardship, science, education, leadership development, and collaborative partnerships. Our campus serves the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as well as other Federal agencies, Tribal governments, state agencies, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other partners whose events align with our mission. We regularly host:

Training courses
Conferences
Workshops
Leadership retreats
Partnership meetings
Scientific symposia
Educational programs

Planning Your Event

Planning an event at NCTC is designed to be straightforward and collaborative. Our Scheduling and Events Management team will guide you through each step of the process, helping coordinate meeting space, lodging, dining, technology, and other logistical details.

Inquiry → Planning → Reservation → Coordination → Event Arrival

Meeting Facilities

NCTC offers a variety of meeting spaces designed to accommodate events of different sizes and formats. From small conference rooms and breakout spaces to classrooms, laboratories, and an auditorium, our facilities provide flexible options for meetings, trainings, conferences, and workshops. Integrated audiovisual technology and on-site technical support help ensure your event runs smoothly.

Event Support Services

One of the advantages of hosting your event at NCTC is working with a dedicated Scheduling & Events Management professional.

From your initial inquiry through your participants' arrival, your event planner serves as your primary point of contact, helping coordinate meeting space, lodging, dining, audiovisual services, scheduling, and event logistics. Our team works closely with you throughout the planning process so you can focus on delivering a successful program while we help manage the details.

Additional support services include:

Audiovisual support
Classroom technology assistance
Lodging coordination
Dining coordination
Accessibility accommodations
Visitor security coordination
Break and hospitality services

Costs & Policies

Event costs vary depending on your organization, event type, and facility needs. Your event planner will help determine applicable lodging, meal, meeting space, and other charges during the planning process. To learn more, please review our current rates at https://www.fws.gov/page/current-rates.

Resources for Event Coordinators

Planning an event is easier when you have the right information. Explore resources designed to help you prepare for a successful event at NCTC.

Ready to Get Started?

Our Scheduling & Events Management team is ready to help you begin planning your event. Contact us to discuss your meeting, training, conference, or workshop, ask questions about our facilities, or learn more about hosting your event at the National Conservation Training Center.