KAEE 50th Annual Conference

Join us in Lexington!

November 11 - 13, 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream | Lexington, KY

Call for Proposals

The 2026 KAEE Annual Conference marks our 50th event! We are pleased to present this year’s theme: Rooted in the Past, Planting for the Future—Celebrating 50 Years of Environmental Education.

We encourage session and poster proposals that align with not only our theme, but also one or more of our key conference strands:

Expanding Access and Fostering Belonging
Education in Practice
Community Engagement
Thriving Together
Research in Action

Session and Poster Proposal Deadline: May 19

View Proposal Details

Submit a Proposal

Sponsor Opportunities

Our annual conference brings together a diverse community of professionals, including organization leaders, formal classroom teachers, higher education faculty, nonformal educators, naturalists, interpreters, and college students, all dedicated to advancing environmental education through collaboration and innovation.

Support environmental education and the community doing this important work by becoming a sponsor today. See the details for each level to decide which sponsorship is right for your organization. We appreciate your consideration!

Questions? Contact Ashley Hoffman at director@kaee.org.

View the Opportunities

Become a Sponsor

Keynote Spotlight: Silas House to Speak at 2026 KAEE Conference

We are excited to announce that Silas House will be the keynote speaker for the 2026 KAEE Conference, taking place November 11 to 13 in Lexington , Kentucky at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream . As we celebrate the 50th KAEE Conference, we look forward to welcoming educators and environmental leaders from across the Commonwealth for a meaningful few days of learning, connection, and inspiration. A native of Eastern Kentucky, Silas House is a New York

What is the KAEE Conference?

The KAEE Conference is an annual gathering that brings a diverse group of environmental educators and professionals from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Attendees include teachers from K-12 schools, university professors, non-profit organization leaders, park rangers, and community leaders, all united by a passion for environmental education. This event provides a platform for sharing innovative teaching methods, discussing best practices, and networking with like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship. Whether you're an experienced educator or just starting your journey in this field, the KAEE Conference offers valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration.

Learn About our Past Conferences

Reflecting on KAEE’s 2025 Annual Conference: Three Days of Connection, Inspiration, and Momentum

From November 12 to 14, 2026, the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education community gathered in Owensboro, Kentucky, for an unforgettable three days of learning, collaboration, and connection. This year marked a meaningful milestone as it was our first time hosting the annual conference in Owensboro. The stunning Owensboro Convention Center overlooking the Ohio River became an integral part of the experience, inviting participants to reflect, recharge, and root their

Keynote Spotlight: Jordan Lubetkin to Speak at 2025 KAEE Conference

We are excited to announce that Jordan Lubetkin will be the keynote speaker for the 2025 Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) Conference this fall in Owensboro, Kentucky. This year's conference will include environmental educators from around the state and beyond, for an incredible few days of learning, connecting with others, and finding inspiration. Jordan Lubetkin serves as the Ohio River Basin Director for the National Wildlife Federation, and brings

A Look Back at the 2024 KAEE Conference

The Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) hosted its 48th Annual Conference from November 13–15, 2024, in Morehead, Kentucky. This year’s conference brought together environmental educators, advocates, and enthusiasts from across the state for three days of learning, collaboration, and celebration. With over 30 workshops and tours covering a diverse variety of topics, attendees had the opportunity to tailor their experience and explore the sessions that best