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 2024 Summit, September 9-13 at Lichterman Nature Center, part of the Memphis Museum of Science & History in Memphis, Tenn. Whether you're just starting out in the field or you're a seasoned professional, don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with professional peers.
“Best professional development experience of my career so far.”
— 2023 Summit Participant
A scene from Lichterman Nature Center, host of the 2024 ANCA Annual Summit.
FAQs
Curious about the Summit? Here are some frequently asked questions about the event.
Who is the Summit for?
Leaders and aspiring leaders at nature centers, outdoor schools, and related organizations. This includes executive directors, CEOs, board members, and managers, as well as staff who are interested in leadership within the nature center profession.
“I found each session I attended to be relevant to my role in my organization as well as full of practical information. I never felt once that what I was learning couldn't be applied to help my center grow and become a better resource for my community.”
— 2019 Summit Participant
How many people attend?
Typically 100-200 people. This small size means that you have the time and space to build meaningful connections with Summit participants and presenters —in other words, you won’t get lost in the crowd.
I really enjoyed the small group and formatting of this conference. It helped to increase comfort as a new attendee by making conversation and interaction easier with participants.
— 2022 Summit Participant
Why should I attend?
If you’re part of the nature center field, there is no better space for your professional growth — the Summit is a supportive environment where you can learn in-depth about nature center management and operations. The variety of programs allows you to engage with both experts and peers who understand the challenges you face and have insights to offer. Beyond programs, too, you have the opportunity to visit multiple nature education sites and see their operations firsthand.
Lastly, the Summit’s impact lasts long after the event is over. Not only do you have new ideas, resources, and plans to implement at your organization, but you also have a strengthened professional network that can support your work throughout the year.
“The best professional development of the year.”
— 2022 Summit Participant
What can I expect to learn about?
All things pertaining to the management of nature centers and related organizations, as well as trends in our profession. Program topics are specific to leaders and aspiring leaders of these organizations, and you will find answers to both big-picture and nuts-and-bolts questions in these programs.
Examples of topics include:
Advocacy and civic engagement
Capital campaigns
Database management
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Endowments and investing
Exhibit planning
Marketing and communications
Membership programs
Nature playscape construction
Nature preschool management
Program management
Risk management
Strategic and master planning
Working with a board of directors
Workplace environments
How is the ANCA Summit different from other conferences?
The Summit contains programming that is exclusive to an audience of directors and managers at nature centers, outdoor schools, and environmental learning centers. While other conferences may lightly touch on such programming topics, the ANCA Summit dives deep into the logistics of organizational management and leadership.
The event contains traditional conference elements such as workshops, but it also features an emphasis on peer-to-peer learning and connection. Because each participant is a leader (or aspiring leader) at their organization, they already bring with them expertise and experience that they can share. As such, program formats like Facilitated Discussions and Open Space are designed specifically for collaboration and exchange, rather than presentation of a single viewpoint.
Lastly, the Summit is smaller in scale than other conferences in adjacent professions — typically 100-200 people attend. This size means that you have the time and space to build meaningful connections with Summit participants and presenters, and you know that everyone in attendance is a professional with whom you can relate.
“This was the best professional development opportunity I've taken part of in my time as an executive director. I got so much out of every single session I went to, and wished I was able to go to more!”
— 2019 Summit Participant
What if I'm new to the field?
Please attend! You don’t need to have been in the profession for any set amount of time — some people attend the Summit before they start their role at a nature center. If you’re in a similar situation or are just starting in your position, we welcome you to the event and know that it will help you in your work.
What if I'm retired from the field?
Please attend! We welcome veteran and retired professionals, and appreciate the experiences and wisdom they share.
Is there an option to attend virtually?
No. ANCA offers a variety of virtual programming throughout the year for both ANCA members and non-members, and we encourage you to participate in those programs. Please see our ANCA CONNECTS page for more information.
Still have questions? Email ANCA Membership & Programs Coordinator Daniel Auer at .
