Colorado’s 2026 Advancing Environmental Education Conference

Common Roots: Diverse Perspectives for a Sustainable Future

Thursday, September 17 & Friday, September 18, 2026
(Pre-Conference Summit on Wednesday, September 16)
CSU Spur, Denver

Registration CLOSED for 2026.

The 2026 Advancing Environmental Education Conference is built on a simple but profound truth: to sustain our world, we must first learn to see it through the eyes of others. This year, we are grounding our work in our Common Roots, exploring how our different uses of the land can lead to a shared practice of Community Care.

Guided by our keynote, Dr. Temple Grandin, we will explore the power of visual thinking and neurodiversity. Her insights remind us that diverse minds are not just an asset—they are a necessity for solving complex ecological challenges. By exploring empathy for both our human neighbors and the living landscapes we inhabit, we move beyond individual efforts toward collective action. This conference serves as a vital hub for professional development and cross-sector collaboration, ensuring that while our perspectives are diverse, our foundation remains unified.

As an environmental and outdoor educator, YOU provide people with the tools to develop connections with our world and to grow into the citizens and leaders we need for a safe and healthy future. 

Amplify your impact by joining us to learn, network, and share with other environmental and outdoor learning professionals and supporters from across the state!  Learn new practices, build your skills, and make connections that will inspire and elevate your work!

Who Should Attend? 

School teachers/administrators, interpreters, higher education professors/students/administrators, youth group leaders, scientists, program managers, volunteers, nonprofit professionals, community leaders, consultants and anyone who supports and wants to learn more about environmental education is welcome.

Registration Rates

We do not want cost to be a barrier, so we offer multiple options for registration.  

The full cost of the conference is $379/person; from April 1- May 31 we will offer an Early Bird rate of $329/person, starting on August 1 Late Registration begins for $404/person. Our Registration Options are intentional efforts of class solidarity to ensure the conference is accessible to all.

If you are attending and your organization is paying for your participation, please choose the “Non-Member or Member Rate” options. By paying the standard rate, you will be taking an action of solidarity and making CAEE's conference more accessible. 

Don’t Forget! Organizational Members with active memberships will receive a code for 1 Free Registration to the Conference that must be used by July 31.

Important Registration Dates

• May 31 – Early Bird Registration Ends
• July 31 – Standard Registration Ends
• August 1 – Late Registration Starts
• September 4 – All Registration Ends

*Consider this option if you are unaffiliated or if your organization is unable to financially assist with registration.
**Consider this option if you have less financial mobility and are not affiliated with organization.

No matter what you pay for the conference, there is no judgment. Pay what you can but most importantly: be there! We are so excited to gather with you. If you need alternative pricing, please contact [email protected].

Cancellation Policy

The conference will be held rain or shine. Registrations can be refunded minus a $50 fee prior to August 14.

If cancellation occurs after August 14, your registration can be transferred to another person, but cannot be refunded. 

Refunds must be requested via email to [email protected]  and will be processed after the conference.  In the event of an unforeseen emergency, submit your request by email to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Changes to Registration: Request changes by emailing [email protected] or call 303-273-9527.

Click here for more information on the conference