VAEE Annual Conference
February 26-28, 2026 | Richmond, VA
Early Bird Registration Opens November 1
Join environmental educators from across Virginia for the VAEE Annual Conference!
This year’s theme, CommunitEE, celebrates the power of coming together to share research, methods, and experiences that strengthen both our communities and the impact of environmental education. Experience dynamic learning sessions, hands-on activities, and meaningful opportunities to connect with peers and leaders in the field. Whether you are looking to expand your skills, explore innovative strategies, or find fresh inspiration, this conference is designed to energize and empower you in your work. Learn more about the Venue & Lodging.
Celebrate Excellence in Environmental Education
Each year at the VAEE Annual Conference, we honor outstanding educators, programs, and organizations from across Virginia through our Excellence in Environmental Education Awards.
These awards recognize innovation, leadership, and dedication in the field of environmental education, and the winners are celebrated during the conference banquet.
Do you know someone making a difference in EE?
Nominations are now open for our 2025 Excellence in EE Awards!
This year’s sessions are organized around five key strands:
Leadership in EE
Build leadership skills, strengthen fundraising strategies, develop boards, and maintain professional standards.
Reaching Diverse Learners
Create inclusive programs and engaging experiences for diverse audiences.
Collaboration in Practice
Learn how to build community, foster partnerships, and expand networks.
Energizing EE
Gain inspiration for educator wellness, motivation, and dynamic programming.
Research and Evaluation
Explore recent EE research, assessment tools, and best practices.
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Hands-on workshops and interactive sessions
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Field trips and experiential learning opportunities
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Networking with peers and EE leaders from across the state
〰️ Hands-on workshops and interactive sessions 〰️ Field trips and experiential learning opportunities 〰️ Networking with peers and EE leaders from across the state
Early Bird Registration Opens Nov. 1!
Mark your calendars! Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when registration opens.
Testimonials from 2025
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The most impactful aspect was seeing and meeting all kinds of people working in EE around the state. Getting to see all the different organizations, ways of being, and positive impacts being made all helped me feel better connected to the community and better resourced for my work.
Katie R.
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The presentations were great, high quality and very helpful
Lilly M.
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Variety of presentation. I never felt like i was hearing the same information twice and there were lots to gain from each speaker.
Jessie F.
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.
Learn More
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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).