Special Events

Looking for the latest conference details?

This page contains information from a previous year. We’ll be updating with 2025 content as soon as it’s available. In the meantime, subscribe to our conference newsletter for the most up-to-date news.

Opening Night! Wednesday, November 6

Reception: 5:00–6:30 PM EST
Welcome and Keynote: 6:30–8:30 PM EST

Opening Reception & Welcome

Greet familiar friends and meet new colleagues at the opening reception for the conference. In addition to hors d’oeuvres and drinks, there will be special activities, including the Share Fair, the Authors’ Corner, and—in keeping with Pittsburgh tradition—a fabulous cookie table along with other surprises! Following the reception, NAAEE Executive Director Judy Braus will extend a warm welcome and we’ll hear from our opening keynote speakers, Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, authors of When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids.

#004c7b

Right

During the reception, the Share Fair showcases nonprofit organizations and their innovative programs via tabletop displays and engaging conversations. In the Authors’ Corner, authors share their latest works and promote, sign, and sell their publications. To share your work, reserve tabletop display space through conference registration. (Space is limited.)

Thursday, November 7

Whale of a Share-a-Thon

8:30–10:00 AM EST (plus sessions throughout the day)

Dive into marine education resources at this special showcase, followed by a series of sessions that promote ocean and climate literacy. Offered in partnership with the National Marine Educators Association.

#007ec2

Left

Drawdown’s Neighborhood

5:30–7:00 PM EST

Before you head out on Thursday evening, join Project Drawdown to celebrate Pittsburgh’s climate success stories. Meet some of the local residents featured in Drawdown’s Neighborhood, a documentary series that spotlights climate heroes who often go unheard. Learn about their pathways to becoming climate leaders and gather lessons to help your learners do the same.

Watch the uplifting special event, Drawdown's Neighborhood >

#007ec2

Right

Closing Celebration! Friday, November 8

7:00–9:30 PM EST

Closing Celebration at the Heinz History Center

Celebrate the closing evening of the conference at the Smithsonian's home in Pittsburgh, the Heinz History Center—known as Pittsburgh's "people museum" and recently voted the #1 history museum in the United States in USA TODAY's Readers' Choice Awards. Among the six floors of exhibits are iconic artifacts such as the world's oldest jeep and the original TV set from the popular children's show Mister Roger's Neighborhood, which was filmed in Pittsburgh. Can you picture the friendly living room set or King Friday XIII's Castle? See the real thing! Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages, great conversations, and inspiring stories of Western Pennsylvania’s people who have helped change the course of American history.

#4b4ba3

Left

NAAEE: North American Association for Environmental Education

Share Fair, Authors' Corner, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, and More!

Special Events

Looking for the latest conference details?

Opening Night! Wednesday, November 6

Reception: 5:00–6:30 PM EST
Welcome and Keynote: 6:30–8:30 PM EST

Special Events

Special Events

Looking for the latest conference details?

Opening Night! Wednesday, November 6

Reception: 5:00–6:30 PM ESTWelcome and Keynote: 6:30–8:30 PM EST

Reception: 5:00–6:30 PM EST
Welcome and Keynote: 6:30–8:30 PM EST