Frequently Asked Questions + Answers
About WCW and its audience
Q: What will I learn at the Waterfowl Conservation Workshop (WCW)?
A: WCW provides a resource from which aviculturists can draw knowledge and information about waterfowl husbandry and breeding, conservation, research, veterinary care, and other relevant topics.
Q: Who is this workshop for?
A: WCW is an event for:
– zoo and wildlife professionals
– private hobby breeders (aviculturists)
– students
– all others being interested in waterfowl
Q: Where do the participants come from?
A: We expect the attendees to be a very international audience. In the past (2016, 2018, 2020 and 2023), attendees came from the USA, Canada, UK, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Serbia, and Brazil, which makes a great opportunity for networking too!
Q: What is the location of the Waterfowl Conservation Workshop 2026?
A: The Waterfowl Conservation Workshop 2026 will be hosted in the United Kingdom, close to Manchester. More details can be found here.
Q: Are there any requirements or limitations workshop participants need to be aware of?
A: We require that all participants be above the age of majority at the time and location of the workshop, and able to travel independently as required. Most facilities and venues will offer accessibility accommodations, but please reach out to us if you have questions or specific needs. Host venues are also well-suited to account for any dietary restrictions as well, and you will be asked to provide these on registration so they can be shared with food vendors throughout the event.
The WCW Organizing Committee has sole discretion on limiting participants, and may share any decisions, with rationale, to the IWWA Board of Directors. Participants deemed ineligible to attend will have their registration fees refunded to the original form of payment.
Q: Are the WCW speaker sessions and workshops in English?
A: Yes, because of the international audience, all sessions are in English.
Q: Will I receive handouts of the sessions?
A: Some speakers may choose to share their presentations directly with participants, this will be up to the individual presenting and their organization’s policy related to intellectual property. Participants will have plenty of opportunity to network and connect with speakers if they wish to request slides or presentation materials.
Q: What is expected of WCW attendees?
A: Attendees are expected to present themselves and behave in a respectful and professional manner. The conference welcomes people from all backgrounds and diverse communities, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy themselves equally. Attendees should always follow the direction of hosts and venue staff and conduct themselves appropriately and as instructed. It is important that everyone come prepared, be on time, and at the prescribed location for each event each day. Organizers will provide updated guidance for attendees related to tours, footwear, outerwear and weather as the event nears and details are confirmed.
Registration and tickets
Q: Where can I buy tickets for the event?
A: Tickets for both the main workshop and the post workshop will be available for purchase in early 2026 via our website.
Q: Can I buy tickets for only one day?
A: Tickets for the main and post workshop are for the entire event only. There may be opportunities to purchase additional tickets for evening events. Details will be provided once registration opens.
Q: Are there stipends available, and how do they work?
A: There are no stipends available through the host organization as we elected to keep registration costs low to ensure the workshop is broadly accessible to all. We encourage all those interested in seeking individual sponsorship and travel support opportunities to explore their local and regional networks.
Q: What is the cancellation policy? Are tickets refundable?
A: Tickets may be refunded (less any processing or incurred fees to IWWA) to the original form of payment on a case-by-case basis up to June 1, 2026, after which tickets are non-refundable. Requests for refunds must be made to Clayton Botkin by e-mail including rationale for the refund request. Requests will be directed to the IWWA Executive Committee for consideration and decision. Those making requests will be notified by e-mail of the decision. Note that this policy does not apply to hotel or travel reservations, which will be in accordance with hotel policies, and need to be dealt with directly between you and the vendor.
Q: Can I transfer my ticket?
A: Tickets may be transferred to another eligible individual to attend up to July 31, 2026. No transfers can be accommodated after this date due to vendor requirements. Requests for transfers must be made to Clayton Botkin by e-mail including rationale for the request. Requests will be directed to the IWWA Executive Committee for consideration and decision. Those making requests will be notified by e-mail of the decision.
Q: How will I be kept informed of details related to the workshop?
A: The organizing committee will be providing regular updates to attendees via e-mail. Be sure to use an active email address when you purchase your registration, and monitor it regularly for updates, especially as the event nears. Remember, e-mails may be filtered to your spam folder, so check there often as well!
Travel and accommodation
Q: What is the nearest airport to WCW 2026?
A: The nearest international airport to the workshop is Manchester International Airport. The nearest train station to the host hotel is Holmes Chapel.
Q: Can you recommend a hotel to stay at?
A: Yes, preferred rates are available at the host hotel while availability lasts. More info can be found here.
Q: What if I want to drive myself to and during the workshop?
A: The host hotel offers free parking for all registered guests. Those not traveling with the provided coach will be responsible for all of their own costs, including parking where applicable at host venues. There are no discounts available if you choose not to ride the provided coach, as we must allow ample space for everyone.
Q: How do I get to the host hotel from the airport or train station?
A: There are several options to access the host hotel. The most convenient and timely method of transportation will likely be via a ride-share service, or taxi, which is estimated at about 30 minutes. The nearest mainline railway stations are Crewe and Macclesfield, which are approximately 20 minutes by taxi from the main workshop hotel although trains to these stations are less frequent. The nearest local station is Holmes Chapel, just five minutes away and convenient when traveling to/from Manchester city center, although these trains are far less frequent than mainline stations.
committee and Contact details
Q: Who is organizing the Waterfowl Conservation Workshop 2023?
A: WCW 2026 is being organized by an experienced and passionate group of volunteers who are excited to develop a superb conference and educational opportunity! The committee members for WCW 2026 are Clayton Botkin, Charlie Hardcastle, Morag Jones and Billy Sumner.
Q: Can I get in contact with the organizing team for other questions?
A: Yes, you can send your questions to Clayton Botkin, claytonbotkin@hotmail.com
