What to Expect at the 2025 Utah Lake Symposium
The 2025 Symposium embraces the theme “Connected Watershed, Connected Community”.
This year’s sessions will explore how the health of Utah Lake reflects the well-being of our entire region, from water quality and wildlife to recreation, community, and local economies.
Enjoy light breakfast and lunch served on both days.
New this year: Join us for the Utah Lake Monster Ball Dinner Gala at the Provo City Library Ballroom! Hear ULA Executive Director Luke Peterson share key updates and a sneak peek at what’s ahead for 2026. Come in your best monster costume and get ready to have fun!
2025 Symposium Schedule Overview
Join us for two days of learning, collaboration, and connection. The 2025 Utah Lake Symposium features expert presentations, panels, and discussions exploring the health and future of Utah Lake and its watershed. Below is a quick look at this year’s schedule highlights including breakfast, keynote sessions, and community panels
Thursday, October 30
9:00 AM — Welcome & Breakfast
9:15 AM — Utah Lake & Great Salt Lake Panel
10:10 AM — June Sucker Monitoring
11:15 AM — State Leader Panel
12:35 PM — Keynote: Mayor Michelle Kaufusi
1:25 PM — Bird Monitoring & Community Research
2:05 PM — Utah Lake as an Education Resource
2:20 PM — Education & Stewardship Initiatives
2:35 PM — Provo River Delta Stewardship
3:00 PM — Closing Remarks
5:30 PM — Utah Lake Monster Ball (Provo City Library )
Friday, October 31
9:00 AM — Welcome & Breakfast
9:10 AM — HABs Harvesting
9:25 AM — Ecosystem Restoration
9:40 AM — Carp Control Efforts
10:15 AM — Connected Communities & Water Quality
11:15 AM — Native Plant Restoration
11:30 AM — Phragmites Removal Collaboration
1:20 PM — PCB Concentration Trends in Fish
1:45 PM — Provo River Watershed Council Update
2:00 PM — Utah Lake Authority Presentation
2:45 PM — Closing Remarks
2025 Keynote Speakers
This year’s keynote speakers bring experience, leadership, and vision to our shared mission. Hear from local leaders as they inspire us to protect, restore, and celebrate Utah Lake.
Lt. Governor Deidre M. Henderson
Utah Lieutenant Governor
Deidre Henderson, Utah’s ninth Lieutenant Governor, is a dedicated public servant focused on community, opportunity, and civic engagement. She leads initiatives such as Return Utah and efforts supporting survivors of domestic violence, while championing service and growth across the state.
Mayor Michelle Kaufusi
Provo City Mayor
Provo’s first female mayor, Michelle Kaufusi is a lifelong resident passionate about community service and collaboration. She chairs the Utah Lake Authority and has led Provo to national recognition as the Milken Institute’s Best-Performing City for three consecutive years.
Dr. Ben Abbott, Ph.D.
Global Ecologist, BYU
Dr. Ben Abbott, Ph.D. is a global ecologist at Brigham Young University and executive director of Grow the Flow. He leads international research on water, air, and wildfire impacts, and helped spearhead efforts to protect Utah Lake. He also co-authored a 2023 Great Salt Lake report that gained international recognition.
Utah Lake Monster Ball – Symposium Dinner Gala
New this year, join us for the first-ever Utah Lake Monster Ball! This lively dinner gala celebrates community spirit and the bright future of Utah Lake.
Held at the Provo City Library Ballroom, the evening kicks off at 5:30 PM. Guests will enjoy updates from the Utah Lake Authority, exciting announcements from Executive Director Luke Peterson, and plenty of time to connect with fellow lake enthusiasts.
Come dressed in your best monster-inspired costume, prizes will be awarded for creativity and spirit!
2025 Utah Lake Symposium Location
Utah Monster Ball Location
Utah Lake Symposium Parking
Utah Lake Monster Ball Parking
You are free to attend both days, if you want. The cost of admission covers both days. Day 1 is for the general public and the presentations will be geared for the lay person. Day 2 is for industry experts and scientists and will be more technical in nature.
The tickets cover the cost of food for breakfast and lunch both days and the dinner on Oct. 30.
Yes! In the ticket section, there is an option to buy both at a discounted rate.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Past Utah Lake Symposium
Watch the 2024 Utah Lake Symposium: “Sailing to the Future,” and the 2023 Utah Lake Symposium: “Resource Management.”
Over two inspiring days, community members and experts came together to share ideas, present research, and chart a course toward a healthier, more connected Utah Lake.
