Rooted in the Past, Planting for the Future

Celebrating 50 Years of Environmental Education

KAEE 50th Annual Conference

Join us in Lexington!

November 11 - 13, 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream | Lexington, KY

Call for Proposals

The 2026 KAEE Annual Conference marks our 50th event! We are pleased to present this year’s theme: Rooted in the Past, Planting for the Future—Celebrating 50 Years of Environmental Education.

We encourage session and poster proposals that align with not only our theme, but also one or more of our key conference strands:

Expanding Access and Fostering Belonging
Education in Practice
Community Engagement
Thriving Together
Research in Action

Session and Poster Proposal Deadline: May 19

View Proposal Details

Submit a Proposal

Sponsor Opportunities

Our annual conference brings together a diverse community of professionals, including organization leaders, formal classroom teachers, higher education faculty, nonformal educators, naturalists, interpreters, and college students, all dedicated to advancing environmental education through collaboration and innovation.

Support environmental education and the community doing this important work by becoming a sponsor today. See the details for each level to decide which sponsorship is right for your organization. We appreciate your consideration!

Questions? Contact Ashley Hoffman at director@kaee.org.

View the Opportunities

Become a Sponsor

Keynote Spotlight: Silas House to Speak at 2026 KAEE Conference

We are excited to announce that Silas House will be the keynote speaker for the 2026 KAEE Conference, taking place November 11 to 13 in Lexington , Kentucky at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream . As we celebrate the 50th KAEE Conference, we look forward to welcoming educators and environmental leaders from across the Commonwealth for a meaningful few days of learning, connection, and inspiration. A native of Eastern Kentucky, Silas House is a New York

What is the KAEE Conference?

The KAEE Conference is an annual gathering that brings a diverse group of environmental educators and professionals from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Attendees include teachers from K-12 schools, university professors, non-profit organization leaders, park rangers, and community leaders, all united by a passion for environmental education. This event provides a platform for sharing innovative teaching methods, discussing best practices, and networking with like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship. Whether you're an experienced educator or just starting your journey in this field, the KAEE Conference offers valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration.

Registration Details

Pre-Conference Registration

Make the most of your experience with the local area through our optional pre-conference workshops, tours, and networking opportunities.

Rates

Workshops - stay tuned!
Tours - stay tuned!
Pre-Conference Social - $40

Registration rates for each pre-conference experience vary. Tickets for each of these optional experiences will be available and must be purchased during conference registration as an add-on. Transportation is not provided.

One-Day Registration

Register for Thursday or Friday only if you can't make the full event. With registration for either day, you'll receive access to all programming and meals provided.

Rates

Early Bird - $149
Standard Rate - $159

KAEE Members should select the 20% discount on either rate. Organizational members receive 1-2 registration waivers, plus general discounts, depending on their membership level. Become a member today.

Discount registration offers are available.

Two-Day Registration

Two-day registration includes full access to all workshops, networking opportunities, programs, concurrent sessions, and meals provided on Thursday and Friday.

Rates

Early Bird - $259
Standard Rate - $239

KAEE Members should select the 20% discount on either rate. Organizational members receive 1-2 registration waivers, plus general discounts, depending on their membership level. Become a member today.

Discount registration offers are available.

ABOUT THE DISCOUNT REGISTRATION OFFERS

Our discount registration offers of 20% and 40% off are an intentional effort to promote class solidarity and help make the conference more accessible. These offers are available as ticket price options within conference registration, and there are no questions asked.

What is Class Solidarity?
Class refers to where you fit into the world regarding finances (for example, poor, working class, middle class, wealthy). If you are attending and your organization is paying for your participation, please choose the "Full Cost" option, unless this will also be a barrier for your organization (such as a grassroots nonprofit). If you or your organization can pay the full cost, you will be taking an action of solidarity and making KAEE's conference more accessible for people who cannot afford to pay much. If cost is a barrier, certainly consider the available discount registration offers.

No matter what you pay for the conference, there is no judgment. Choose the offer right for you, but most importantly, be there! We are so excited to gather with you.

DISCOUNT REGISTRATION OFFERS

KAEE Member Discount

Learn About our Past Conferences

Reflecting on KAEE’s 2025 Annual Conference: Three Days of Connection, Inspiration, and Momentum

From November 12 to 14, 2026, the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education community gathered in Owensboro, Kentucky, for an unforgettable three days of learning, collaboration, and connection. This year marked a meaningful milestone as it was our first time hosting the annual conference in Owensboro. The stunning Owensboro Convention Center overlooking the Ohio River became an integral part of the experience, inviting participants to reflect, recharge, and root their

Keynote Spotlight: Jordan Lubetkin to Speak at 2025 KAEE Conference

We are excited to announce that Jordan Lubetkin will be the keynote speaker for the 2025 Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) Conference this fall in Owensboro, Kentucky. This year's conference will include environmental educators from around the state and beyond, for an incredible few days of learning, connecting with others, and finding inspiration. Jordan Lubetkin serves as the Ohio River Basin Director for the National Wildlife Federation, and brings

A Look Back at the 2024 KAEE Conference

The Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) hosted its 48th Annual Conference from November 13–15, 2024, in Morehead, Kentucky. This year’s conference brought together environmental educators, advocates, and enthusiasts from across the state for three days of learning, collaboration, and celebration. With over 30 workshops and tours covering a diverse variety of topics, attendees had the opportunity to tailor their experience and explore the sessions that best

KAEE 50th Annual Conference

Call for Proposals

Sponsor Opportunities

Keynote Spotlight: Silas House to Speak at 2026 KAEE Conference

What is the KAEE Conference?

Registration Details

Pre-Conference Registration

Make the most of your experience with the local area through our optional pre-conference workshops, tours, and networking opportunities.

Rates

Workshops - stay tuned!

Tours - stay tuned!

Pre-Conference Social - $40

​

Registration rates for each pre-conference experience vary. Tickets for each of these optional experiences will be available and must be purchased during conference registration as an add-on. Transportation is not provided.

One-Day Registration

Register for Thursday or Friday only if you can't make the full event. With registration for either day, you'll receive access to all programming and meals provided.

Rates

Early Bird - $149

Standard Rate - $159

​ KAEE Members should select the 20% discount on either rate. Organizational members receive 1-2 registration waivers, plus general discounts, depending on their membership level. Become a member today.

​

Discount registration offers are available.

Two-Day Registration

Two-day registration includes full access to all workshops, networking opportunities, programs, concurrent sessions, and meals provided on Thursday and Friday.

Rates

Early Bird - $259

Standard Rate - $239

KAEE Members should select the 20% discount on either rate. Organizational members receive 1-2 registration waivers, plus general discounts, depending on their membership level. Become a member today.

Discount registration offers are available.

Learn About our Past Conferences

Reflecting on KAEE’s 2025 Annual Conference: Three Days of Connection, Inspiration, and Momentum

Keynote Spotlight: Jordan Lubetkin to Speak at 2025 KAEE Conference

A Look Back at the 2024 KAEE Conference

Quick Links

KAEE Members should select the 20% discount on either rate. Organizational members receive 1-2 registration waivers, plus general discounts, depending on their membership level. Become a member today.