VAEE Annual Conference
February 26-28, 2026 | Richmond, VA
Submit Your VAEE Conference Session Proposal
Together, we are stronger, so let’s come together and share our latest research, methods, and experiences for building community and enhancing EE effectiveness.
Submit your proposal today for the 2026 VAEE Annual Conference: Strength in CommunitEE!
The Request for Proposals closes September 26, 2025.
Conference Strands
This year’s concurrent sessions will be categorized according to these strands:
Leadership in EE – building leadership skills, fundraising strategy, board development, maintaining professional standards
Collaboration in Practice – building community, partnerships, networks
Research and Evaluation – recent research in the EE field, assessment and evaluation tools and tips, application of best practices
Reaching Diverse Learners – creating belonging for a diversity of learners, working in a variety of spaces
Energizing EE – inspiring messages, educator wellness, motivating topics
Session Lengths
Lightning style mini sessions (15 minutes or less)
Standard sessions (50 minutes)
Workshop sessions (1 hour 50 minutes total; includes a 10-minute break)
Interested in supporting
the VAEE Annual Conference?
Our 2026 Sponsorship Packet is now available! Explore the opportunities to showcase your organization, connect with educators, and support environmental education across Virginia.
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VAEE values the contributions of donors, sponsors, volunteers, and all who share their time, talent, treasure, and testimony to advance our mission. We invite individuals, corporations, businesses, and organizations to sponsor our community of teachers, school leaders, and community educators.
All sponsors will be recognized on the VAEE website and at the Annual Conference.
Bronze level and above sponsors also receive:
Social media spotlight
Logo on VAEE website and Conference materials
Exhibitor table
Newsletter recognition
Additional benefits:
Silver Sponsors: + 1 complimentary registration
Gold Sponsors: + 2 complimentary registrations
Green Sponsors: + 5 complimentary registrations
For sponsorship questions, please contact conference@virginiaee.org
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We believe that all educators and supporters of EE who desire to attend the conference should be able to, even if they may be under-resourced at the time. While some attendees may be able to cover the costs through their employer, this is not the case for all. VAEE desires to be mindful of the time, expense, and true costs that it takes to attend convenings. In that spirit, we steward a conference equity fund to ensure that the conference is accessible for all educators. Expenses that are supported through our equity fund include conference registration, transportation, lodging, and funds for securing childcare.
When you donate to the Equity Fund, you are helping to strengthen environmental education for all Virginians. You can also donate to the Equity Fund when purchasing a registration to the Conference.
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We will hold our annual silent auction during the upcoming Annual Conference, and we need your help to make the 2026 Silent Auction a successful fundraising event! The silent auction supports the various educational and professional development opportunities provided across the state.
Popular auction items include:
Local arts & crafts / handmade items
Gift baskets
Gift cards
Equipment or Tools
Local food items - dried herbs, jellies & jams, wine, etc.
The silent auction will be displayed and available for bidding at the Annual Conference in Richmond, VA.
Special Note to Donors:
Donations are tax deductible! VAEE will provide a receipt for items donated.
Consider bringing supplementary information to go with your item(s) such as a brochure or one-sheet. This will help our educators know more about the product and may encourage higher bidding on your item.
Delivery options:
Drop off items in-person ahead of time (contact conference@virginiaee.org to coordinate).
Drop off your items in-person at the registration table.
Mail by January 31st (contact conference@virginiaee.org to coordinate).