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2026 MAEOE Conference

Early bird conference registration closes September 1!

Register for the MAEOE Conference

Attend the upcoming MAEOE Town Hall, Flint 2026: Your MAEOE Conference Guide - a virtual session designed to help you get the most out of this year’s conference experience. This virtual conference orientation takes place August 26 from 5:00p.m. - 6:00p.m. EDT.

Register for the August Town Hall

Please continue to check back as new information is added in the coming weeks!

Join MAEOE in Flint, Michigan, for our 2026 Annual Conference. Flint’s history is a powerful study of the American Industrial Revolution; as the "Vehicle City," it was the birthplace of General Motors and once served as a global hub of manufacturing. However, this industrial peak also left behind a complex environmental legacy. By gathering here, we recognize that Flint is not just a location on a map but a national beacon for community resiliency. We are excited to be in Flint to showcase the incredible strength of a community that has turned a water crisis into a global movement for environmental justice and transparency. Our presence here is a celebration of the stewards, educators, and residents who are actively rewriting the city’s future through science and grassroots action.


Beyond its storied history, Genesee County offers a rich ecological landscape that serves as a premier destination for outdoor education. The Flint River itself is currently undergoing a massive naturalization process, including the removal of the Hamilton Dam to open up 25 miles of waterways for fish passage, such as walleye and lake sturgeon, for the first time in a century. This restoration is the centerpiece of Michigan’s newest State Park, the 104th in the system and the first of its kind in the county. For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum further distinguishes the region with its famous barrier-free treehouse and a "living history" bird museum dating back to the Civil War. Furthermore, Flint is the birthplace of the Flint River GREEN program, a pioneer in student-led water quality monitoring since 1989. For any environmental educator, being in Flint means standing at the intersection of history and innovation, where the lessons of the past are actively fueling the restoration of our natural world.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The MAEOE Conference is an opportunity to connect as a network and support professionals who are leaders in environmental education, stewardship, and outdoor recreation. Showcase your resources and opportunities while you support MAEOE with a sponsorship.

Become a sponsor

Priority sponsorships open through September 1

Why Attend?

At the MAEOE Conference, you will gain professional connections, educational resources, implementation strategies, and unique experiences, all while earning SCECHs! 

Need help making the case? We've drafted a Justification to Attend Letter you can share with your administrator:

Use the Justification Letter template

Early bird pricing ends September 1!

Schedule of Events and Locations

Thursday, October 1 (Pre-Conference)

      Friday, October 2

        Saturday, October 3

        Sunday, October 4

        picture of the Flint Farmers' Market sign and building

        Lodging Options

        Conference Hotel Block

        MAEOE has reserved a hotel block at the Hilton Garden Inn, just across the street from the main conference venue! Conference attendees can reserve rooms Thursday, October 1 through Sunday October 4 at the negotiated rate of $144/night. Multiple room types are available including mobility and hearing accessible options. Hotel parking is an additional fee - valet with in/out privileges.

        To reserve a room from the conference block, use the "Book Now" button:

        Hilton Garden Inn

        110 W. Kearsley Street, Flint, MI 48502

        Book now

        Book early to secure your room. The room block closes on Thursday, September 10 at 5:00 p.m. EDT, or until full.

        picture of the Hilton Garden Inn

        UM-Flint Residence Hall Guest Housing

        UM-Flint Office of Housing & Residential Life offers conference attendees overnight accommodations on campus. The residence hall is attached to the Riverfront Conference Center and rooms are set up suite style with each having a kitchenette, living space, and bathroom. Conference attendees can request a room in a suite for Thursday, October 1 through Sunday October 4 and pay with credit card when you arrive (current rates are $65/night plus fees).

        UM-Flint Guest Housing

        1 Riverfront Plaza, Flint, MI 48502

        Request Guest Housing

        Want to share a suite with another conference attendee? Two to four guests can stay in a suite. All parties should fill out the form separately, and indicate their preferred suite mate(s).

        Additional Hotel Information

        Please visit Explore Flint & Genesee’s website to view alternative lodging options in the area.

        picture of Flint welcome archway and buildings

        Camping

        Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of several nearby camping opportunities, offering a relaxing way to unwind and enjoy Michigan’s natural beauty during the conference.


        Please visit the following Genesee County and Michigan State Park websites for details and to make your own reservations.


        Genesee County Park Campground

        There is a $10/vehicle daily visitor fee. Genesee County Parks are currently taking reservations for 2026.

        Wolverine Campground

        7698 N. Baxter Rd., Columbiaville, MI 48421

        • Approximately 27 minutes northeast of Riverfront Conference Center

        Michigan State Park Campgrounds

        A Recreation Passport (park pass) is required for vehicle entry into all state park and forest campgrounds. MI State Parks begins taking reservations 6 months prior to the first night of your stay.

        Holly State Recreation Area

        8100 Grange Hall Road, Holly, MI, 48442

        • Approximately 22 minutes southeast of Riverfront Conference Center

        Seven Lakes State Park

        14390 Fish Lake Road, Holly, MI, 48442

        • Approximately 26 minutes south of Riverfront Conference Center

        Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area

        3871 Herd Road, Metamora, MI, 48455

        • Approximately 28 minutes east of Riverfront Conference Center

        MAEOE Members Exclusive: Conference Book Club

        MAEOE Members are invited to participate in the Conference Book Club in preparation for the upcoming Flint Conference!

        We are reading What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City by Dr. Mona Hanna.

        To join in the conversation, login to your MAEOE account, navigate to the Discussion Forum Page under the Member Exclusive tab and subscribe to the Book Club topic.

        How it Works

        • Reading assignments - posted on the 1st of the month
        • Discussion prompts - posted on the 15th of the month

        Why Join?

        • Engage in meaningful conversations
        • Connect with peers before the conference
        • Explore themes of environmental justice and community resilience

        cover image of the book What the Eyes Don't See

        P.O. Box 27426
        Lansing, MI 48909

        MAEOE logo image

        Need help?
        admin@MAEOE.com

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