What's possible when innovation is guided by purpose, partnership, and a commitment to ensuring public lands continue to inspire and serve generations to come?
This is the guiding question that shaped the PLA 2027 theme—Innovation for Impact: Reimagining What's Possible for Public Lands.
For more than 100 years, the public lands community has demonstrated that meaningful impact begins with people—partners, volunteers, communities, and visitors—working together in service of public lands. Innovation has always been a part of the story. From pioneering educational programs and visitor experiences to developing new fundraising models, conservation strategies, and collaborative partnerships, our community has continually found new ways to strengthen the connection between people and place.
Next year, we will gather in Bellevue, WA, a city rooted in big thinking, to celebrate this legacy of innovation, while looking to the future. Innovation for Impact is a call to explore fresh ideas and embrace creative problem-solving in the service of stronger partnerships and stronger public lands.
Throughout the convention, we will explore how organizations across the public lands community are reimagining what's possible by:
- Creating more accessible and inclusive experiences for visitors
- Building innovative partnerships across sectors and communities
- Leveraging technology and data to enhance decision-making and engagement
- Advancing conservation and stewardship through new approaches
- Strengthening nonprofit and business operations for long-term resilience
- Inspiring future generations of public lands advocates, professionals, and supporters
The future of public lands will be shaped by those who are willing to think differently, collaborate boldly, and pursue solutions that create lasting impact—people like you. Join us next February to discover what's possible. Registration opens October 15, 2026.
P.S. You may be asking, "Why the elk?" PLA always chooses an animal ambassador to incorporate into the convention logo. This year, we chose the iconic Roosevelt Elk, which is endemic to the Pacific Northwest.