Annual Conference – Missoula

MEEA 2026 Annual Conference

Missoula Holiday Inn | March 20-22, 2026

Stick by Stick: Building Resilience Through Environmental Education

We’re excited to come together, share tools, stories, and strategies that create resilient students, resilient communities, and resilient ecosystems — one lesson, one partnership, one ‘stick’ at a time.

Registration Opens Jan 12th!

Call for Session Proposals

Do you have an idea for an engaging session, professional development opportunity, or field trip? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your proposal by Jan 15th. Selections will be announced in February.

Thank you for helping shape this year’s event.

Submit a Proposal

Schedule at a Glance

Dates: March 20-22, 2026

  • Friday: Evening Gathering
  • Saturday: Sessions, Keynote, & Social
  • Sunday: Field Trips

Cost: Conference Rates

  • MEEA Member (organizational/individual): $160
  • Exhibitor: $100
  • Non-Member: $200
  • Student-AmeriCorps: $100
  • Extra Banquet Dinner ticket: $40
  • Sponsor a Banquet Table: $480

Registration includes socials, field trips, and provided meals throughout the weekend. Limited scholarships are available. Reach out to Naomi to learn more at meeapresident@gmail.com.

Not a current MEEA member? Login in above and update your membership to become a member.

Accommodations

A room block is available for attendees under MEEA Spring Conference 2026 at the Missoula Holiday Inn, located at 200 S. Pattee St, Missoula, MT 59802. You can call (406) 721-8550 or book online here.

Exhibitor Table Opportunities

Connect directly with educators, share resources, and build new partnerships by hosting an Exhibitor Table. Submit an interest form to reserve your spot as part of the event.

Exhibitor tables will be shared on Friday, March 20, and throughout the concurrent sessions on Saturday, March 21. Each table is 6 ft and includes linens. Power access is available upon request.

Additional details regarding load-in and breakdown schedules will be shared as we get closer to the event. Setup is planned for Friday evening (time TBD). Exhibits must be fully taken down by 8:00 PM on Saturday.

Reserve a spot today

Sponsor the 2026 Conference

Wide shot of the annual conference at the University of Montana

The Montana Environmental Education Association invites you to partner with us in building valuable connections among environmental educators throughout Montana. View our partnership packet for opportunities.

A Huge Thank You for a Powerful 2025 MEEA Conference in Helena

From March 7–9, 2025, the MEEA community came together at Carroll College in Helena for our 33rd Annual Conference. This year’s theme, Roots of Tomorrow, inspired dynamic conversations, sparked new collaborations, and deepened our shared commitment to environmental education across Montana.

We’re incredibly grateful to the presenters, volunteers, exhibitors, field trip leaders, and attendees who made the 2025 conference such a success. Together, we shared knowledge, explored new ideas, and built momentum for a more sustainable future.

2025 MEEA Conference Highlights:

Friday Night – Film Screening at The Myrna Loy
We kicked off the weekend with a special screening of Bring Them Home, a powerful documentary narrated by Lily Gladstone and presented in partnership with Thunderheart Media. With a private reception and reserved seating for conference attendees, this public event highlighted the cultural and environmental themes central to the weekend’s discussions.

Saturday – Sessions, Keynote, and Brewery Social
Saturday was packed with inspiring sessions held at Carroll College’s All Saints Hall, and a keynote address by journalist and environmental storyteller Nick Mott, who challenged and motivated us to think deeply about the intersections of communication and conservation. The day wrapped up with a lively evening social at Lewis & Clark Brewery, where participants relaxed, reconnected, and celebrated a full day of learning.

Sunday – Field Trips Around Helena
On Sunday, attendees chose from three immersive field trip experiences:

  • Montana WILD Tour & Archery – A tour of interactive exhibits followed by archery with Ryan Schmaltz.
  • Snowshoe Hike at Rodney Ridge – Led by Liz Burke (USFS), exploring the FireWorks Curriculum.
  • Sevenmile Outdoor Classroom Walk – A 2-mile hike with Prickly Pear Land Trust focused on floodplain restoration.

Huge thanks to Clearwater Credit Union for sponsoring our 2025 Helena Conference.

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Quotes from previous conference attendees:

“The MEEA conference is consistently one of the best professional development opportunities I participate in. Networking opportunities in Montana for environmental, outdoor, conservation, and place-based educators are few and far between, so the MEEA conference is critical to sustaining and advancing what we all do!”

“As a classroom teacher and nonprofit outdoor educator/ecologist, MEEA’s conference allows me to step back, reflect and put into focus what’s really important in my practice – the process of seeking to understand the people and places that I serve and call home.”

“So many amazing speakers, so much incredible information and resources, and such a great opportunity to connect and network!”

“The MEEA Conference is such a great way to connect with the Environmental Education network across Montana. I truly value the time spent learning new skills, increasing my awareness and meeting a diverse group of providers. You are my people!”

“I value the MEEA conference because it helps me be a continual learning. I really appreciated this year’s conference and how relevant all the presentations were. I enjoying connecting and hearing from experts in this field and related fields. Thanks for this opportunity!!!”