Events

THE ANCA ANNUAL SUMMIT is the premier professional development opportunity for leaders of nature centers, outdoor schools, and related organizations. With a focus on leadership and management practices for our unique profession, the Summit provides participants with a wealth of knowledge, strategies, and resources to help them excel in their work.

Whether you're just starting out in the field or you're a seasoned professional, this event offers a chance to step back from day-to-day responsibilities, gain new perspectives, and build meaningful connections with colleagues who understand your work. You’ll leave the Summit with practical ideas and a reliable network that will strengthen your organization and expand your impact.

Join us for the 2026 Summit, August 24-28 at Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, Michigan. We will post more information about the Summit soon.

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“Each year, this is the week I look forward to most! Being relatively new to the profession, ANCA has served as my go-to for information regarding the direction of my center.”

— 2025 Summit Participant

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“This was quite literally the best conference I have ever attended."

— 2025 Summit Participant

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“Everything I learn and experience during the summit helps me to strengthen my nature center's capacity to fulfill its mission.”

— 2025 Summit Participant

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“One of the best conferences I've ever attended, in particular because of the opportunity to network and build meaningful connections with so many direct peers.”

— 2025 Summit Participant

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“The ANCA Summit is such a wonderfully encapsulating experience ... I've continued to build relationships and started forming new ones, and I have a list of things I want to continue to ponder and think about implementing at my site. This has been an amazing experience.”

— 2025 Summit Participant

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“It was an amazing week of professional growth and interesting experiences … This was a highlight of the year for me.”

— 2025 Summit Participant

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“The best professional development in our field!”

— 2025 Summit Participant

Join the 2026 ANCA Virtual Summit to strengthen your work and deepen your impact in the community you serve. This gathering brings together professionals from nature centers and related organizations to share knowledge, exchange resources, and build networks in support of our shared missions.

You play an important role in your community, and we know how busy your days can be. The Virtual Summit is accessible and easy to join, so you can participate no matter where you are. The whole event will be carefully paced so that you’ll engage with sessions and learn from peers, while being able to step away from your screen and keep up with your organization’s operations.

This Summit will feature a variety of programs for your learning, including Workshops with content experts and Facilitated Discussions with professional peers. You’ll even have access to recorded programs after the event, so you can continue gaining skills and knowledge at your own pace.

You want to make an impact in your community. The Virtual Summit will give you resources and connections to help you succeed.

Registration will open in October — stay tuned for more information.