Can one week really change your entire year? 🤨
It's a fair question. With limited budgets and countless demands on your time, every trip has to be worth the investment. We could tell you why the Public Lands Alliance Convention and Trade Show is worth attending. But we'd rather let the people who know it best do the talking. Here are the voices of nonprofit leaders, exhibitors, and first-time attendees who discovered how one week of learning, connection, and inspiration can spark ideas, partnerships, and momentum that last all year long.
“The PLA Convention and Trade Show never disappoints. It is the best event of the year for networking, enhancing your organization's operations, and learning about the most innovative ideas to better serve the public lands community.” — Jeff Gabriel, Executive Director, Sierra Forever
"PLA is definitely the mountain-top experience that helps my staff grasp the big picture of public lands. It's the fastest, most effective way to orient new employees to the work of cooperating associations and to take existing staff to a new level of understanding about our work." — France Figart, Creative Services Director, Smokies LifeÂ
"Of all the trade shows we do, this is THE BEST show where buyers actually speak their mind and give you information you would never be aware of.” — John Foy, Impulse Souvenirs
“Wonderful and welcoming community for a first-time exhibitor. The show was one of the easiest we have ever done and exceeded our expectations. Thank you and see you next year!” — Jason Neely, Little & Wood
“The learning sessions were directly relevant to challenges we face and structured in a way that made it easy to establish connections with peers in other organizations and share resources. We left with pages of action items that will help increase the support for our park.” — Judd Isbell, President, Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail
“I can't think of a better investment an organization can make in its future ability to deliver on its mission than to take advantage of all the resources PLA makes available, starting with the annual convention and trade show. No one is in this work alone... someone in the PLA family has been where you are.” — Cathy Allen, The Board Doctor LLC
“The PLA Convention is a great way to kick off the year. I always leave feeling inspired, energized, and excited to bring new ideas back to support the public lands community.” — Noel Blanc, Social Media and Outreach, Canyonlands Natural History Association
“PLA is the best place to build long-term relationships with buyers. I always come away feeling like I caught up with old friends.” — Jen Moreau, The Landmark Project
The conference was a valuable opportunity not only to connect with colleagues from organizations across the country, but also to spend dedicated time engaging with my own team in new and meaningful ways. These immersive experiences are essential for fostering creative thinking, advancing strategic planning, and strengthening partnerships.” — Carryn Golden, Publications Manager, Eastern National
“The opportunity to ask questions of peers is invaluable. We all have something that contributes to successes and areas where we'd like to improve. PLA provides wonderful opportunities for networking and sharing.” — Tara Young, Executive Director, Petrified Forest Museum Association
“The best part of PLA is being surrounded by people who share a genuine passion for protecting Public Lands for future generations. Being among individuals who are so committed to stewardship not only strengthens your own resolve but also offers renewed hope, inspiration, and encouragement to continue your important work.” —Dawn Roark, Retail Director, Smokies Life
“This show was invaluable for making contacts within the industry. Plus, it was really a lot of fun! I enjoyed seeing what everyone else has created, and I loved the silent auction!” — Mary Abbott, Jabebo LLC
“This time with our community is invaluable. To have everyone gathered and engaged is extremely beneficial.” — Geri Vogelsberg, McGovern Outdoor
You will not find a better place to meet with public lands champions across the country than at the PLA convention! ”— Matthew Emmer, President, Friends of the Savannah Coastal Wildlife Refuges
“The experiences shared during the roundtables and the ideas generated by listening to other partners’ solutions and successes are priceless. As a newcomer, the information I have received during these last two conventions has helped to give me a deeper understanding of what is possible.” —Peggy Marie Junker, Development Manager, Cabrillo National Monument Foundation
"It’s an opportunity to really make a genuine connection through time spent and establish a great foundation for a business relationship" — Conor Tourmarkine, Sticker Pack
🤩 Imagine what your organization could accomplish with a week of fresh ideas, innovative partnerships, and a nationwide network of peers behind you.
Join us in Bellevue, Washington, February 7–11, 2027, and discover why one week can make all the difference.