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.

Join us for the 2025 Summit, August 25-29 at the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) in Newport Beach, California. Located just minutes from the beach, the ENC's five-acre campus will provide an engaging setting for learning and exploration.

The Summit theme, The Big Picture, invites us to expand our perspective — reconnecting with the purpose behind our work and recognizing our collective impact as a profession. It’s an opportunity to explore why our work matters to our communities, the environment, and future generations.

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 the challenges and rewards of your work. You’ll leave the Summit with practical ideas and a reliable network that will strengthen your organization and expand your impact.

The registration deadline for the Summit has passed.

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“It was my first Summit, and I left feeling like I have found this whole new treasure chest of resources and connections that will be so valuable going forward.”

— 2024 Summit Participant

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“This conference has been instrumental in helping me develop my nature center.”

— 2024 Summit Participant

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“This was my first ANCA experience. I met great people from organizations of every size and strength, and was blown away by the work being done by others around the country. I hope I will be able to attend for years to come."

— 2024 Summit Participant

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“Consistently the best professional development for leaders in our field! Everyone is welcoming, inclusive, helpful, and willing to help others.”

— 2024 Summit Participant

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“This was my first ANCA Summit and such a rewarding experience overall. I felt the event was better organized and offered more community than any conference I have attended before."

— 2024 Summit Participant

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“I would consider it an essential experience for leadership at nature centers."

— 2024 Summit Participant

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“This was inspiring and energizing. Exactly what I needed to motivate our progress.”

— 2024 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.