Curious about the Summit? Here are FAQs 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.
“Everything I learn and experience during the Summit helps me to strengthen my nature center's capacity to fulfill its mission. The Summit makes me a better leader through comradery and emotional and mental support from my peers, which gives me confidence and motivation to provide better support to my organization. The Summit also gives me practical and immediately applicable solutions to real-time challenges that my nature center is facing. And the Summit offers perspective through others' stories that gives me hope, empowering me to keep moving forward with a positive outlook toward the future of my facility, as well as that of the nature center industry as a whole.”
— 2025 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.
“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
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.
“As a first time attendee and a new executive director in the field, I immediately knew I belonged here. Everyone I met here was generous, sharing their stories and experiences. Everything centered around a true passion for the work and supporting each other.”
— 2024 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.
“When I walked back into the office I found myself at a loss for words. I have attended so many environmental education or children in nature conferences, but this was the first time that I got to surround myself with folks who work solely in nature centers. I left feeling connected, inspired, educated, motivated, and supported … Such a wonderful experience and I can't wait to attend my next summit!”
— 2025 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 ANCA CONNECTS and the ANCA Virtual Summit for more information on virtual opportunities.
Still have questions? Email ANCA Director of Programs & Member Services Daniel Auer at
I talked with many this week who shared similar sentiments, which is huge appreciation and a little bit of disbelief at how much is offered during this Summit, how smoothly it runs, and how helpful and encouraging it is to step out of the bubble of your own organization and make positive connections across the field.
— 2025 Summit Participant