2026 ANCA Virtual Summit: Impact Report

In January we hosted the 2026 ANCA Virtual Summit, expanding access to high-quality professional development for staff at nature centers and related environmental organizations. The Summit gave professionals across the country the chance to build skills, exchange ideas, and strengthen the work happening in their organizations and communities.

This was the first event of its kind — we designed the Summit in direct response to member feedback calling for professional development that is both accessible and affordable. While in-person programs remain a cornerstone of ANCA’s offerings, some members have limited capacity and funding to travel for professional development each year. The Virtual Summit created a flexible way for professionals to participate without stepping away from their essential work.

The response from participants exceeded our expectations, and feedback reflected the Summit’s value and impact. Here’s what participants say:

Slide

"ANCA gives the best conferences, hands-down. Relevant, impactful content, and even in a virtual format, plenty of opportunities for intimate small-group work."

Slide

"It was my first experience with ANCA and I felt so welcomed! It was nice to be surrounded by like minded people and everyone seemed so genuine and willing to share ideas and collaborate."

Slide

“The summit felt like a warm community gathering of like-minds. Everyone was helpful and willing to share their experiences. It was a welcome opportunity to reflect on what our organization is doing as well as what others are doing across the country."

Slide

“The atmosphere, organization, and support were phenomenal."

Slide

“It was absolutely worth attending and I will look forward to the next Virtual Summit. I appreciated a virtual opportunity during the slow season. I learned a lot and enjoyed the chance to network with others in a similar field."

Below is a closer look at the outcomes and success of the 2026 ANCA Virtual Summit.

By the numbers

Nature centers are strengthened

83% of participants report that the Summit strengthened their organization’s capacity to fulfill its mission. This outcome reflects a core goal of ANCA’s work: supporting the organizations that connect their communities to nature and outdoor learning opportunities.

As a result of the Virtual Summit, participating organizations will be better positioned to expand their impact through improved practices and new ideas.

Here are specific changes that Summit participants report they plan to implement at their organizations:

Slide

"I've come away with ideas about measuring program outcomes, engaging with different types of visitors, and improving school programs that I expect to share with my staff and improve our work."

Slide

"Creating a couple scripts for board members regarding our general messaging and fundraising."

Slide

“Gather data about our visitor types and better meet the needs of any groups we're not well serving."

Slide

“I anticipate that our organization will offer new programs that other nature centers had success with, like nature trivia, more hobby-forward opportunities, and programs targeted towards teens and young adults."

Slide

“Our staff review and training process will be updated based on a few sessions I attended at the Summit. I also emailed a group of executive directors in our community to start a coffee cohort where we can come together with our peers."

Participants gained skills, resources, and a network

83% of Summit participants report that they gained new knowledge or skills that they will apply in their work. Participants also report making valuable connections with other professionals in the field, strengthening their professional networks and creating new opportunities for collaboration. 

As a result, these professionals are better equipped to grow their impact, helping more people in their communities connect with nature through high-quality programs and experiences.

Slide

"The ANCA Virtual Summit was amazing! It was reassuring and rejuvenating hearing the shared experiences of other experts in the field. Not only are my staff members excited by the information I've shared, but we are already looking forward to investigating resources and implementing strategies learned through the sessions."

Slide

"It made me appreciate our board/staff relationship, and I gained skills to leverage that relationship more to improve capacity."

Slide

"I will be following up with four individuals who I really connected with, had good insights, and we could continue to problem solve together."

Slide

"I attended the 'Women are Leaders' session and as a younger woman in a leadership position at my center this session really helped me explore ways on being more confident and knowledgeable in this position."

Slide

"[I] have already exchanged messages with some other attendees to get resources or talk more about ideas they shared."

The virtual format was accessible AND impactful

One significant finding from our evaluation: participants especially valued the accessibility of the event, while also reporting that the virtual format worked well for their learning needs.

Slide

"The virtual format was accessible and allowed me to take everything in at my own pace. I left every single session with action steps that I am excited about."

Slide

"I was so energized after the conference! It was a fantastic experience as a first time attendee. I enjoyed the digital format because the space between sessions allowed for action to take place with some ideas that came out of the sessions."

Slide

"The format and flow of this summit was fantastic. The conference page and the way it all worked … was very smooth and user friendly."

Slide

"It was an extremely valuable experience! The Annual Summit is amazing, but I love that the Virtual Summit is so accessible while offering much of the same benefits like workshops and deep conversations."

Slide

"Loved it! August is such a hard time to be away from my family right before school starts, so I really appreciate the virtual summit in winter. We have more down time at the nature center, and I can be home with my kids while still learning from peers! I thought it was amazing and will participate again."

The Summit’s impact expands outward

Professionals who attended the Summit are returning to work with new ideas, skills, and connections. Ultimately, this strengthens the nature centers that are doing the important work of connecting people with nature, in addition to promoting conservation and sustainability efforts in their own communities.

This impact will make a difference at 121 organizations that attended the Summit. Together, these organizations collectively:

• Serve over 9 million visitors annually, offering outdoor recreation and social connection.
• Provide programs for over 897,000 K-12 students annually, engaging them in environmental education and promoting connection to nature.
• Protect over 94,000 acres of land, supporting healthy landscapes.

Together, these outcomes demonstrate how the Summit contributes to healthier communities and a more sustainable future.

A fiscally successful event

We’re encouraged by these impact results as we continue working to strengthen nature centers across North America. Just as importantly, the Virtual Summit was financially successful for ANCA, generating:

• $25,638 in registration income
• $9,368 in sponsorship income

In total, ANCA exceeded our budgeted income for the event by $10,000. This additional revenue helps ensure we can continue offering accessible, high-quality professional development opportunities that support the professionals connecting their communities with nature.

What’s next?

If you’re looking to grow your impact and connect with nature center professionals from across the field, join us for the 2026 ANCA Annual Summit, August 24–28 at Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, Michigan. The Annual Summit is ANCA’s premier professional development event for leaders of nature centers and related environmental organizations, offering an immersive experience focused on learning and networking.