2026 John and Kay Hargrave Water Sustainability Conference

Celebrate 10 years of Oka Con with training, panels, networking, live music, and a field experience focused on water and land.
About this Event

Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Oka Institute, the John and Kay Hargrave Water Sustainability Conference, known as Oka Con’26, brings together leaders, professionals, and communities to explore solutions shaping the future of water and land stewardship.

This two-day event in Ada, Oklahoma features community training, expert speakers, panel discussions, and technical sessions focused on advancing sustainable water management and resilient communities. Attendees will have opportunities to connect through networking events and a collaborative luncheon, as well as engage with research through a poster contest.

The celebration continues with Oka’ Fest, honoring a decade of impact, followed by live entertainment. The conference concludes with a field experience highlighting best practices in land management and stewardship.

Whether you are a community leader, industry professional, researcher, or student, Oka Con’26 offers valuable insight, meaningful connections, and real-world applications to support sustainable water solutions.

Thursday, Oct. 15

🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration
Host: Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Opening Remarks
Host: President Wendall Godwin, East Central University
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Networking Luncheon
Host: Chickasaw Business Center, Foundation Hall
🕑: 02:30 AM - 04:00 PM
Technical Talks
Host: Chickasaw Business Center, Room 221
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Poster Contest
Host: Chickasaw Business Center, Foundation Hall
🕑: 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Oka' Fest
Host: Centennial Plaza
🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
OK3 Concert
Host: Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center
Friday, Oct. 16

🕑: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Field Experience