🟢 Start Here (New Attendees)
What is the 2026 Izaak Walton League of America National Convention?
The 2026 Izaak Walton League of America National Convention is a national gathering of conservation leaders, volunteers, youth, and partners coming together to move conservation forward.
It combines decision-making (resolutions), learning (forums and speakers), and hands-on action (field experiences and projects).
This is where the League sets direction, shares what’s working across the country, and builds the relationships needed to get real conservation work done.
Who should attend?
Anyone committed to the mission and vision of the Izaak Walton League of America.
If you want to:
- Grow your capacity
- Strengthen your chapter
- Be part of something larger than your local work
This convention is for you.
Why should I attend?
Because this is where the League becomes real.
You will:
- Help shape the direction of the organization
- See what other chapters are actually doing
- Find ideas you can take home and implement
- Build connections that make your work easier and stronger
If you want to increase your impact — this is where you do it.
What makes this convention different?
Every convention is different. Minnesota made a very intentional choice about what this one should be.
This is not a convention built around speeches and observation.
This is a convention built around people who Get it Done.
Our theme — Turning Passion into Action — is not branding. It’s a filter.
We designed this convention for the people in the League who roll up their sleeves and make things happen in their chapters and communities.
You’ll see that reflected in:
- Youth leading real programming
- Practical, replicable ideas you can take home
- A strong commitment to sustainability
- A full experience that includes family, community, and connection
What happens if I’ve never been to one before?
You are not only welcome — you are needed.
There are many first-time attendees every year, and the convention is designed to be accessible:
- Clear entry points into sessions and activities
- Opportunities to meet people quickly
- No prior experience required
You can show up as you are and immediately find ways to participate, learn, and contribute.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day blends structure, choice, and energy:
- Morning: Keynotes, forums, or major sessions
- Midday: Shared meals with speakers, recognition, and networking
- Afternoon: Breakouts, hands-on activities, or field experiences
- Evening: Informal gatherings, chapter connections, and social time
You’ll move between learning, connecting, and doing — with enough flexibility to shape your own experience.
🟡 Pricing
What does registration include?
Registration is all-inclusive for the core convention experience.
It includes:
- All convention sessions
- All meals
- All convention events (including Parade of States)
That means once you are registered, you can fully participate in the convention without worrying about additional costs for the core experience.
Registration does not include:
- Credentialing (handled separately through national)
- Associated activities (optional add-ons with separate registration and cost)
How much does it cost?
- Delegates / Alternates: $250
- Guests: $100
- Youth: Free
- Volunteers: Free
- Delegates/Alternates from unrepresented chapters (2025): Free
Are there free or discounted options?
What is NOT included in registration?
While registration is all-inclusive for the core convention experience, there are several elements that are not included:
- Credentialing — handled separately through the national organization and required for delegates who wish to vote
- Associated activities — some optional activities (such as off-site experiences or limited-capacity events) require separate registration and may include additional costs
- Travel to and from the convention — including airfare, mileage, and local transportation for arrival and departure
- Lodging — hotel accommodations at the Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport or other locations are booked separately
All core convention programming, meals, and major events are included in registration. Any exceptions will be clearly identified during the registration process.
🟡 Registration
What is the difference between registration and credentialing?
Registration and credentialing are two separate steps.
- Registration gives you access to attend the convention and participate in sessions, meals, and activities
- Credentialing, which is handled by the national organization, determines whether you are officially recognized as a delegate and eligible to vote
The host committee manages registration, but credentialing is completed through a separate national process. [To access National's information about credentials -- download this packet]
If you plan to vote as a delegate, you must complete both registration and credentialing.
Can I attend only part of the convention or register for individual days?
No — the convention is designed as a full, shared experience, and there are no partial or single-day registrations.
All attendees — including delegates, guests, youth, and volunteers — are required to register for the full convention.
This structure allows the convention to:
- keep pricing lower overall
- ensure consistency in participation
- support shared meals, sessions, and community-building throughout the event
If you are only able to attend part of the time, you are still welcome — but registration is for the full convention.
Do I need to register for individual events?
What is the refund policy?
When is the registration deadline?
Can I register onsite at the convention?
Onsite registration will only be available if the convention has not reached capacity — which is unlikely.
The convention is limited to approximately 300 attendees, and registration is expected to fill in advance.
If capacity is reached, registration will close and onsite registration will not be possible.
To ensure your participation, you should register in advance through the online registration system.
Is there a maximum capacity for the convention?
Yes — the convention has a hard capacity limit of approximately 300 attendees.
Registration will remain open until that capacity is reached, at which point registration will close.
Because of this limit, onsite registration is unlikely to be available, and waiting may result in not being able to attend.
If you are planning to participate, the best approach is to register early to secure your spot.
How do I register?
🔵 Schedule & Experience
What are the main events?
The convention is anchored by a series of core events that bring everyone together around learning, decision-making, and community.
These include the Public Lands Forum on Saturday afternoon, the Conservation Issues Session on Friday, the Innovation Fair, the Friday Awards Luncheon, the Saturday Conservation Luncheon, and the Saturday Night Volunteer Appreciation Banquet.
These anchor moments are not standalone — they support the critical work of the convention, including the election of officers, consideration of resolutions, and organizational updates that shape the direction of the League.
Surrounding these are breakout sessions, associated activities, and informal gatherings that allow you to engage at multiple levels.
What is the Public Lands Forum?
The Public Lands Forum is a flagship national session focused on the future of public lands, including issues such as the Boundary Waters and broader national conservation priorities.
It is designed as a moderated, multi-perspective conversation featuring leaders from conservation, outdoor recreation, and policy — alongside youth leadership. The session will be facilitated by Griff Pugh of The Young IKE, bringing a next-generation voice into the conversation.
This is a central moment of the convention — a space to engage deeply with one of the most important conservation issues facing the country.
What is the Innovation Fair?
The Innovation Fair is an interactive showcase of conservation work that is already happening — and working.
Participants present projects that are designed to be replicable and scalable, allowing chapters and individuals to take ideas home and implement them locally. The Fair includes structured engagement, including short-form presentations to highlight key projects and draw people into deeper conversations.
This is where the convention becomes practical — where ideas turn into models you can actually use.
What is the Conservation Issues Session?
The Conservation Issues Session takes place Friday afternoon and is designed to prepare attendees for the formal resolutions process.
This session provides clear, factual background on the issues behind each resolution, developed in coordination with resolution authors and national conservation staff. It is intentionally structured as an informational session only — there is no debate, no motions, and no advocacy from the floor.
The goal is to ensure that when resolutions are brought forward for consideration, participants are informed and ready to engage in the decision-making process.
What are the luncheons and keynote sessions?
There are two primary shared meal gatherings that anchor the convention experience.
The Friday Awards Luncheon recognizes national award recipients and includes a keynote focused on the urgency and importance of conservation leadership.
The Saturday Conservation Luncheon focuses on the intersection of agriculture and conservation, highlighting how working lands and environmental stewardship can align. This session also includes recognition of the farmers and partners contributing to the convention.
These are full-community moments — bringing everyone together around shared purpose and perspective.
Will there be hands-on activities?
Yes — hands-on and field-based experiences are a core part of the convention design.
Associated activities include options such as fishing, shooting sports, golf, and outdoor experiences, along with opportunities to engage directly with conservation work in the Minnesota River corridor.
These experiences are designed to complement the formal program and provide a direct connection to the landscapes and issues being discussed.
How much free time is there?
The schedule is intentionally structured to balance shared experiences with flexibility.
While anchor events and governance-related sessions provide the framework, there are open periods for:
- attending optional sessions or associated activities
- connecting with other attendees
- participating in informal gatherings, including chapter-hosted spaces such as Parade of States rooms
You can engage deeply in the work of the convention while still having space to connect and explore.
🟠 Associated Activities
What additional activities are available?
In addition to the core convention program, a wide range of associated activities are offered to give attendees hands-on, place-based, and social experiences throughout the week.
These activities include opportunities such as fishing, shooting sports, golf outings, outdoor exploration, and local excursions, as well as experiences connected to the Minnesota River corridor and surrounding landscapes.
They are intentionally designed to complement the formal program — giving participants a chance to connect with each other, engage directly with conservation in practice, and experience Minnesota beyond the conference rooms.
These activities are not an afterthought. They are a core part of how the convention builds community and connects ideas to real-world experience.
Do I need to register separately?
Yes — most associated activities require separate registration.
Because these experiences often involve transportation, equipment, site coordination, or limited capacity, they cannot be included automatically in general convention registration.
During the registration process, you will be able to:
- view available activities
- see any associated costs
- reserve your spot
Some activities will fill quickly, so early registration is strongly recommended if there are specific experiences you want to participate in.
What kinds of outdoor experiences are offered?
Outdoor experiences are a central part of the convention and are designed to reflect both the heritage of the Izaak Walton League and the landscape of Minnesota.
These may include:
- Fishing experiences, including access to local waters
- Shooting sports, aligned with IWLA traditions
- Field-based exploration of the Minnesota River corridor, including conservation sites and restoration areas
- Guided or informal outdoor recreation opportunities
These experiences are designed to be accessible to a wide range of skill levels — from experienced participants to those trying something new for the first time.
Are there family-friendly options?
Yes — many associated activities are designed to be family-friendly and accessible across age groups.
In addition to general activities, the convention also includes robust youth programming, including the Youth Convention and Green Crew programming hosted at the Minnesota Valley Chapter property.
Families attending together will have opportunities to:
- participate in shared activities
- engage youth in structured programming
- experience the convention in ways that are appropriate and engaging for different ages
The goal is to make this a convention where families can participate meaningfully, not just attend.
Can I just attend activities without the full convention?
In most cases, associated activities are designed for registered convention attendees and are part of the broader convention experience.
Some activities may allow limited participation outside of full registration, but this is not the standard model and depends on the specific activity, capacity, and logistics.
The convention is designed as an integrated experience — the greatest value comes from participating in both the core program and the associated activities together.
If you are primarily interested in a specific activity, you should review the registration details carefully or contact the convention team to understand what options may be available.
🟣 Travel & Location
Where is the convention being held?
The 2026 IWLA National Convention will be held in Bloomington, Minnesota, just minutes from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).
The primary venue is the main convention hotel in Bloomington, with additional programming hosted at nearby locations — including the Minnesota Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League property, which sits along the Minnesota River and serves as a hub for youth programming, conservation work, and field-based experiences.
This location was intentionally selected to connect the full convention experience to both accessible infrastructure and active conservation landscapes.
How do I get there?
Bloomington is one of the most accessible locations in the Midwest.
You can:
- Fly directly into MSP from most major U.S. cities
- Drive via Interstate 35W, Interstate 494, or Highway 77
- Use regional transit options if you are coming from within Minnesota or neighboring states
Once you arrive, the convention is centralized, with most core programming taking place at the main hotel and transportation coordinated for select off-site activities.
What airport should I fly into?
Fly into Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).
MSP is a major hub airport with extensive direct flights across the country and is located approximately 10 minutes from Bloomington.
From the airport, you can reach the convention hotel quickly by rideshare, taxi, rental car, or light rail connections to the Bloomington area.
Is there transportation between the airport and the hotel?
Yes — the Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport in Bloomington is located approximately 4 minutes from MSP, making arrival quick and simple.
The recommended option is the free hotel shuttle, which provides direct transportation between the airport and the hotel.
Additional options include:
- rideshare services (Uber/Lyft)
- taxis
- rental cars
Because of the extremely close proximity, getting from the airport to the hotel is fast and easy — most attendees will be able to arrive and be settled within minutes of landing.
Is transportation provided?
Transportation will be coordinated for specific convention activities, particularly those taking place off-site — such as programming at the Minnesota Valley Chapter property or other associated activity locations.
For arrival and departure, attendees typically use rideshare services, rental cars, or hotel shuttle options where available.
More detailed transportation guidance will be provided closer to the convention to help attendees plan efficiently.
What should I expect from the location?
Bloomington offers a unique combination of accessibility and direct connection to conservation work.
You will be:
- Minutes from a major international airport
- Near the Minnesota River corridor, one of the most significant and challenged ecosystems in the region
- Close to both urban amenities and natural areas
This is not a destination chosen for convenience alone — it is a place where the issues being discussed at the convention are actively playing out on the landscape.
🟤 Hotel & Lodging
Where should I stay?
The primary convention hotel is the Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport in Bloomington, Minnesota. The hotel will serve as the central hub of the convention. Staying at the convention hotel is the simplest and most connected option because it places you in the middle of the core experience: major sessions, shared meals, informal networking, chapter-to-chapter conversations, and the everyday flow of the event. It also makes it much easier to participate fully in early morning programming, evening events, and any spontaneous conversations that are often just as valuable as the formal agenda.
For many attendees, especially first-time attendees, delegates, chapter leaders, volunteers, and people coming without a large group, the main hotel is strongly recommended. Even if some associated activities or youth programming occur off-site, the hotel remains the operational center of the convention. If you stay elsewhere, you may save money or use points, but you will almost certainly lose some convenience and some of the informal access that makes a national convention worthwhile.
If you are traveling as part of a chapter delegation, you may also want to coordinate your lodging strategy with your chapter in advance. Some chapters may choose to stay on the same floor, share transportation, or organize around common arrival and departure plans. If you want to be in the middle of the action, stay at the convention hotel.
How do I book a hotel room?
Rooms at the Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport should be booked through the official convention room block using the instructions provided during registration or on the convention website.
Booking through the room block ensures:
- access to the negotiated convention rate
- placement within the main hotel alongside other attendees
- inclusion in any coordinated lodging efforts tied to chapters or convention programming
Attendees are strongly encouraged to book early. Waiting increases the risk of the room block filling and reduces flexibility in room type and placement.
What is the room block?
The room block is a set of rooms reserved at the Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport specifically for convention attendees at a negotiated rate.
It exists to keep attendees together in one place and to support the overall functioning of the convention — from logistics to community building. Staying within the room block makes it easier to participate in early sessions, evening events, and informal gatherings that happen throughout the hotel.
The room block also supports coordination for things like chapter presence and Parade of States room hosting, where groups may be clustered intentionally within the hotel.
Because the number of rooms is limited, booking within the block as early as possible is strongly recommended.
Do I need a confirmation number?
Yes. You should keep your hotel confirmation number after booking your room at the Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport.
This number may be needed for:
- verifying your reservation
- resolving any booking issues
- participating in hotel-related coordination, including potential room placement connected to chapter activities or Parade of States hosting
Keep your confirmation email and have the number accessible. It is the simplest way to ensure everything runs smoothly if any adjustments are needed.
Can I share a room?
Yes, attendees may share rooms at the Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport, subject to hotel occupancy policies.
Room sharing is a common way to reduce costs, particularly for chapter delegations, volunteers, and attendees traveling together. If you plan to share a room, it is best to coordinate in advance around schedules, expectations, and logistics to ensure a smooth experience.
For groups, chapters, or youth-related participation, additional coordination or requirements may apply, and those should be followed as appropriate.
What if I miss the room block?
If the room block at the Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport fills, you can still attend the convention, but your experience may be less seamless.
You may need to stay at a nearby hotel, potentially at a higher cost, and arrange your own transportation to and from the convention site. This can make it harder to participate in early morning sessions, late evening gatherings, and informal networking that happens throughout the day.
It may also limit your ability to participate in chapter-based hotel activities, including Parade of States hosting and other shared experiences.
For these reasons, the best approach is to book early and secure a room within the official hotel block.
🟡 Volunteers
How can I volunteer?
Volunteering is one of the primary ways to participate in and help deliver the 2026 IWLA National Convention.
Volunteers support all aspects of the event — from welcoming attendees and managing logistics to assisting with youth programming, sessions, and on-site coordination.
You do not need prior convention experience. What matters is a willingness to help, be present, and contribute to making the convention run smoothly.
Volunteers are not on the sidelines. They are part of the team that makes the convention possible.
What roles are available?
Volunteer roles are diverse and designed to match a range of interests, experience levels, and availability.
Roles may include:
- Registration and welcome team — greeting attendees, check-in, wayfinding
- Session and program support — assisting speakers, managing rooms, supporting transitions
- Youth program support — helping facilitate activities at the Minnesota Valley Chapter property and during Youth Convention programming
- Transportation and logistics coordination — supporting movement between venues and activities
- Innovation Fair and event support — assisting presenters, setup, and engagement
- Media and communications support — helping capture stories, photos, and social content
- General operations — flexible roles responding to real-time needs
Volunteers may serve in a single role or across multiple areas depending on interest and need.
Do volunteers get free registration?
Yes — many volunteer roles include complimentary registration to the convention.
This reflects the value of volunteer contributions and ensures that cost is not a barrier to participation for those helping deliver the event.
Details on what is included (such as meals, access to sessions, and scheduling expectations) will be provided as part of the volunteer sign-up process.
Volunteering is both a way to give and a way to fully participate in the convention.
What is expected of volunteers?
Volunteers are expected to be reliable, engaged, and ready to contribute.
This includes:
- Showing up for assigned shifts and responsibilities
- Being responsive to coordination and communication from the volunteer team
- Supporting attendees, speakers, and participants in a welcoming and professional way
- Helping solve problems as they arise
At the same time, volunteers are not expected to miss the entire convention. Roles are structured so that volunteers can both contribute and participate meaningfully in sessions, activities, and community-building.
How do I sign up?
Volunteer sign-up will be available through the convention registration process or a dedicated volunteer registration form.
During sign-up, you will:
- indicate your areas of interest
- provide availability
- receive information about roles, expectations, and scheduling
Volunteers will be coordinated in advance and supported throughout the convention, including access to communication channels, updates, and on-site guidance.
If you are interested, the best approach is to sign up early — this helps ensure you are placed in a role that matches your interests and the needs of the convention.
🟢 Youth Programs
What youth programs are available?
The 2026 IWLA National Convention includes a full youth program integrated into the core of the event, not separated from it.
Youth programming includes multiple pathways based on age and experience:
- ELF programming (approx. ages 5–8)
- Green Summer (ages 8–18)
- Youth Convention (ages 8–18)
- Junior Counselors (ages 14–17)
- Green Crew Summit (ages 14–21)
These programs are designed to move from exploration → participation → leadership, giving young people meaningful roles in conservation work, not just exposure to it.
What is the Youth Convention?
The Youth Convention is a structured, multi-day program for youth ages 8–18, held primarily at the Minnesota Valley Chapter property, with access to nearby refuge and natural areas.
Participants are grouped by age and experience and engage in:
- hands-on conservation activities
- environmental learning and field work
- Outdoor Ethics-based games and challenges
- team-based experiences such as the Aegis program, where groups adopt and advocate for a native Minnesota species
The Youth Convention is designed to be immersive, active, and rooted in real-world conservation work.
What ages can participate?
Youth programming is designed to support a wide range of ages:
- ELF: approximately ages 5–8
- Youth Convention / Green Summer: ages 8–18
- Junior Counselors: ages 14–17
- Green Crew Summit: ages 14–21
This structure allows youth to grow into increasing levels of responsibility, leadership, and independence over time.
Is there an overnight option?
Yes — there is an optional overnight component as part of the Youth Convention experience.
Youth participants may stay overnight at the Minnesota Valley Chapter property during designated portions of the program. This creates a more immersive experience and allows for deeper engagement, team-building, and connection to the place and the work.
Specific details, including supervision, safety protocols, and packing requirements, will be provided in advance to families and participants.
How do I register a youth participant?
Youth participants are registered through the convention registration process, with specific youth program selections included.
During registration, you will:
- select the appropriate youth program based on age and interest
- provide required participant information
- review any additional details related to transportation, schedule, and participation
Because some youth programs have capacity limits, early registration is strongly recommended.
What forms are required?
Youth participation requires completion of a set of standard forms and permissions to ensure safety, communication, and proper coordination.
These include:
- Permission and waiver forms, including media release
- Health and medical information forms
- Program-specific information as needed
Participants will also receive a youth checklist, including recommended items such as appropriate clothing, gear, and supplies for outdoor activities and overnight participation if applicable.
All required forms and instructions will be provided in advance of the convention.
🔵 Chapters & Delegations
How do chapters participate?
Chapters are at the center of the convention — both in representation and in how the League functions.
Chapters participate by:
- Sending delegates to represent their members in the formal business of the League, including the consideration of resolutions and election of officers
- Bringing members to learn, connect, and engage with conservation work from across the country
- Sharing their own work, ideas, and models through conversations, the Innovation Fair, and informal networking
Chapters are not just attendees. They are the organizational backbone of the convention, helping shape both the experience and the future direction of the League.
What is the Parade of States?
The Parade of States is a long-standing tradition where chapters and divisions create informal hospitality spaces within the hotel to connect with others, share their identity, and build relationships across the League.
Rather than a formal parade, this typically takes the form of chapter-hosted rooms or clustered spaces where attendees can gather, visit, and engage with one another in a relaxed setting.
For the 2026 convention, there is a strong emphasis on coordinating these spaces within the same hotel area or floor, so that the Parade of States becomes a lively, shared experience rather than isolated gatherings.
It is one of the most social and relationship-driven parts of the convention.
How do we coordinate as a group?
Chapters are encouraged to coordinate in advance to make the most of the convention experience.
This may include:
- Identifying who will attend and who will serve as delegates
- Coordinating hotel reservations within the room block to stay together or on the same floor
- Planning participation in the Parade of States
- Aligning on which sessions, activities, and events the group wants to prioritize
The convention team will provide information to support coordination, but the most effective chapters take an active role in organizing themselves ahead of time.
Are there incentives for chapters?
Yes — there are specific efforts to encourage broad chapter participation.
For the 2026 convention:
- Chapters that did not send delegates to the previous convention may be eligible for free registration
- Early registration opportunities and incentives may be available
- Chapters benefit from being part of a highly visible, national gathering where their work can be shared and amplified
Beyond formal incentives, the real value is participation itself — the opportunity to bring ideas back, build relationships, and strengthen your chapter’s connection to the broader League.
🟢 Green Crew
What is the Green Crew?
The Green Crew is a youth-led, science-based environmental leadership and conservation service program based at the Minnesota Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League.
It is not a camp or a one-time experience. It is a model for youth-led conservation, where young people design, lead, and implement real projects — from habitat restoration to water quality monitoring to community engagement.
At the convention, Green Crew is not just a program being showcased. It is actively shaping the experience, leading sessions, facilitating conversations, and demonstrating what youth leadership looks like in practice.
What is the Green Crew Summit?
The Green Crew Summit is a leadership-focused gathering for youth and young adults (approximately ages 14–21), held prior to the main convention.
It brings together youth leaders from across Minnesota and beyond to:
- develop leadership skills
- share projects and ideas
- build networks across chapters and communities
- prepare to engage in and lead during the full convention
The Summit is where youth move from participants to leaders in the room — shaping conversations and contributing to the direction of the League.
🟣 Events, Highlights & Special Experiences
What are the must-see moments?
Several moments bring the entire convention together and define the shared experience.
These include the Public Lands Forum on Saturday afternoon, the Friday Awards Luncheon, the Saturday Conservation Luncheon, and the Saturday Night Volunteer Appreciation Banquet.
Each of these gatherings serves a different purpose — from engaging national conservation issues, to recognizing leadership, to celebrating the people who make the work possible.
In addition, the Conservation Issues Session and formal business sessions — including the consideration of resolutions and election of officers — are essential moments where the future direction of the League is actively shaped.
These are the points in the convention where everyone is in the room, and the work and the community come together.
Will there be awards or recognition?
Yes — recognition is a central part of the convention.
The Friday Awards Luncheon honors national award recipients, recognizing individuals and chapters for their contributions to conservation and to the League.
In addition, the Saturday Night Volunteer Appreciation Banquet is a major highlight of the convention, dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the volunteers whose time, leadership, and commitment make the League’s work possible.
Recognition is not a side element of the convention — it is part of how the League acknowledges its people and reinforces its values.
What makes this convention unique?
This convention is designed as a working gathering, not just a conference.
It brings together:
- Formal governance (resolutions, elections, organizational direction)
- Real-world conservation practice (Innovation Fair, field experiences, youth-led work)
- Intergenerational leadership, with youth not only participating but actively shaping the experience through programs like Green Crew
It is also intentionally structured to move between conversation and action — allowing participants to engage with ideas, see them in practice, and leave with models they can apply in their own communities.
The setting in Bloomington, connected directly to the Minnesota River corridor and the Minnesota Valley Chapter’s work, further grounds the convention in real, ongoing conservation efforts.
What are the biggest highlights?
The highlights of the convention come from the combination of shared experiences and meaningful work.
Key highlights include:
- The Public Lands Forum, bringing national-level issues into a shared, multi-perspective conversation
- The Innovation Fair, where participants encounter practical, replicable conservation models
- The Friday Awards Luncheon and Saturday Conservation Luncheon, which bring the full community together around shared purpose
- The Saturday Night Volunteer Appreciation Banquet, a defining moment of recognition, celebration, and community
- The Parade of States, creating informal, relationship-driven spaces within the hotel
- Youth leadership through the Green Crew and Youth Convention, which is fully integrated into the event
For many attendees, the most lasting highlights are not just the formal sessions, but the relationships, ideas, and energy that carry forward long after the convention ends.
🟤 Sponsors, Exhibitors & Innovation Fair
How do I become a sponsor?
Organizations, businesses, and partners can become sponsors of the 2026 IWLA National Convention by selecting from a range of sponsorship opportunities designed to support the event and align with conservation-focused values.
Sponsorships are structured around meaningful engagement — not just visibility. Sponsors are integrated into the convention experience through recognition, participation, and connection to attendees who are actively involved in conservation work across the country.
Sponsorship opportunities and materials will be available through the convention website, and interested sponsors are encouraged to reach out directly to the convention team to explore options that align with their goals and mission.
What is the Innovation Fair?
The Innovation Fair is a central feature of the convention and serves as a showcase of real, working conservation projects from across the League and beyond.
It is designed to highlight ideas that are replicable, scalable, and actionable — giving attendees models they can take back to their own communities.
Participants present their work in an interactive format, including structured engagement times and short presentations that introduce key projects and invite deeper conversation.
This is not a passive exhibit hall — it is a working space where ideas are shared, tested, and expanded.
How do I exhibit?
Exhibiting at the Innovation Fair or as part of the convention involves submitting your organization, project, or initiative for inclusion in the program.
Exhibitors are selected based on their relevance to conservation, alignment with the mission of the League, and their ability to offer meaningful engagement to attendees.
Once accepted, exhibitors are provided with space and opportunities to:
- present their work
- engage directly with attendees
- participate in structured elements of the Innovation Fair
Details on submission and participation will be provided through the convention website and registration materials.
Can I submit a project?
Yes — project submissions are encouraged, particularly for the Innovation Fair.
Projects should focus on real-world conservation work that others can learn from and potentially replicate. This includes initiatives led by chapters, youth programs, partner organizations, and individuals.
Submissions will be reviewed with an emphasis on:
- practical application
- clarity of impact
- ability to be adapted in other communities
If you are doing work that others could learn from, this is the place to share it.
What kind of exposure will I get?
Sponsors and exhibitors will receive meaningful exposure within an engaged, mission-driven audience, rather than passive visibility.
This includes:
- Direct interaction with attendees who are actively involved in conservation work
- Opportunities to present ideas, projects, and initiatives
- Recognition within convention materials and programming
- Visibility through event communications and on-site engagement
The value of participation comes not just from being seen, but from being in conversation with people who are positioned to act, replicate, and extend your work.
🟠 Food, Meals & Dining
What meals are included?
The convention is designed as an all-inclusive dining experience, with meals fully integrated into the program and included in registration.
The full meal schedule includes:
- Thursday Welcome Dinner — opening the convention with a shared meal and informal gathering
- Friday Breakfast
- Friday Awards Luncheon
- Friday Pre-Parade Appetizers — served ahead of the Parade of States to create a shared transition into the evening
- Saturday Breakfast
- Saturday Conservation Luncheon
- Saturday Night Volunteer Appreciation Banquet — a signature closing celebration and recognition event
In addition, coffee and snacks will be available throughout the convention, supporting participants between sessions and activities.
Meals are not an add-on — they are part of the structure of the convention, creating shared moments for connection, recognition, and community.
Are there dietary accommodations?
Yes — dietary needs and preferences will be accommodated.
During registration, attendees will be able to indicate dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other needs.
Meals are served buffet-style, allowing attendees to select what works best for them and adjust portions accordingly. This format supports flexibility and accessibility across a wide range of dietary needs.
If you have specific or complex dietary requirements, you are encouraged to indicate them clearly during registration.
What is the dining experience like?
Dining at the convention is intentionally designed as a celebration of Minnesota — its land, water, and food traditions.
All food service is provided by:
- 🍽️ Blue Water Grill, the on-site restaurant at the Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport in Bloomington
- Led by Executive Chef Troy Vanasse, who oversees the hotel’s culinary program
The menu will reflect a Minnesota-focused culinary experience, highlighting regional flavors and ingredients. A full menu will be published in advance of the convention.
Meals are served buffet-style, allowing participants to choose what they want and how much, while also supporting efficient service for a large, active gathering.
These meals are shared experiences — bringing the full convention community together in ways that are social, intentional, and grounded in place.
Can I bring guests?
Yes — guests may attend meals, but all guests must be registered to the convention as guests in advance.
This ensures that:
- meals are prepared at the appropriate scale
- seating is properly arranged
- all participants are accounted for within the convention
Guests cannot be added informally at the door. If you plan to bring someone to a meal or event, they must be included through the registration process ahead of time.
🔴 Final Questions / Still Need Help?
Who do I contact with questions?
If you have questions at any point, you can reach out directly to the convention team.
Questions may include:
- registration and pricing
- lodging at the Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport in Bloomington
- youth programs and Green Crew participation
- volunteering, chapters, or associated activities
A dedicated convention contact email will be available through the registration site and official communications.
If you are unsure where to direct your question — send it. We will route it to the right place.
Where can I stay updated?
The most current information about the convention will be shared through:
- The official convention website
- Email communications following registration or expressed interest
- Updates shared through IWLA chapters and partner networks
In addition, the convention will utilize a mobile/web app (available on Google, Apple, and web) where attendees can access:
- schedules
- program updates
- announcements
- real-time information during the event
As details are finalized — including the full schedule, menus, and activities — they will be published through these channels.
How do I get involved before the convention?
There are multiple ways to engage before the convention begins — and early involvement makes a difference.
You can:
- Register early to secure your place and access updates
- Volunteer and take on a role in delivering the convention
- Submit a project to the Innovation Fair
- Participate in youth programming, including the Green Crew Summit and Youth Convention
- Coordinate with your chapter to attend as a group or delegation
- Become a sponsor or exhibitor and contribute to the experience
The convention is not just something you attend — it is something you can help shape.