Convention and Trade Show

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PLA 2021

February 9 – 12, 2021 | Virtual event

Our Request for Proposals is now open!


Recognizing the challenges that COVID-19 presents to safely convening our members, partners and friends from across the nation, as well as the economic toll of the pandemic, PLA is moving our annual convention and trade show online in February 2021.

Rest assured, we remain committed to high-level strategic dialogue, exceptional educational content, an engaging trade show experience, and plenty of opportunities to network with colleagues, peers and business partners. And we are excited for the new possibilities this approach opens up for our signature event!

Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions, and click here to sign up for our PLA 2021 email list to receive the most up-to-date information sent straight to your inbox!

Q: When will registration open for PLA 2021? 

PLA Corporate Partners get advanced access to trade show registration! Click here to learn more.


Trade Show Registration Open Dates:

  • PLA Trailblazers: October 6

  • PLA Explorers: October 13

  • PLA Stewards: October 20

  • General Public: October 27


Attendee registration will open in early November.


If you’re not already on our mailing list, click here to be added and receive the latest updates!


Q: What is the cost to attend PLA 2021?

Early Bird Attendee Pricing (11/10-12/4):

  • PLA Members: $300

  • Government: $350

  • NonMember: $400


Regular Attendee Pricing (After 12/4):

  • PLA Members: $350

  • Government: $400

  • NonMember: $450


Virtual booths in our trade show will be available for $1,300 per booth, with discounts available for PLA Corporate Partners (learn more). See the question below for more information on what is included with trade show registration.


Q: What are the virtual booth features for the trade show?

We are excited to host an engaging trade show experience as part of our virtual event! Please note, no travel will be necessary for exhibitors or attendees to participate in the trade show (or any part of this event).


Virtual Booth Features:

  • Face to Face Virtual Booth Hours and 1:1 video chats

  • Ability to upload collateral and videos for attendees to download

  • In-platform email messaging capability

  • Visitor analytics and downloadable lead list

  • Engage in discussions with participants pre- and post- tradeshow

  • Ability to request personal meetings with exhibitors/attendees

  • Upload promotional videos and brochures featured at booth

  • Create polls in your booth

  • Detailed profile for each exhibitor – photo, bio and contact information along with logo, description and tags for your organization

  • Months of virtual presence and promotion

  • On-demand access to all convention education sessions


PLA Corporate Partners get advanced access to trade show registration! Click here to learn more.


Q: What are the themes of PLA 2021?

PLA 2021 will continue conversations we began at this year's convention on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as environmental sustainability. We will also tackle new and emerging priorities like the implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act and the adaptations required by the COVID-19 pandemic.


If you are interested in presenting an educational session, click here to submit a session proposal (deadline: October 2, 2020).


Q: Will PLA meet in Portland, OR in the future? 

Yes, we will return to Portland in 2023.


Have other questions? Contact us!


2020 Convention and Trade Show Recap

Over 600 public lands professionals joined us on March 1 - 5, in Arlington, VA for our 2020 Convention and Trade Show. Throughout the week, participants attended 60+ education and Open Space sessions, shopped and sold interpretive products at the trade show and networked with their colleagues.

Thank you to the volunteers, nonprofits, agency staff, companies and sponsors who helped make this year's event a success!

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What Attendees Say


“The 2020 PLA Convention and Trade Show was important to the sustainability of our organization. I walked away with new ideas, an increased understanding of best practices, fresh energy and friends.”

Aryn LaBrake, Friends of Valle de Oro NWR


"Attending the 2020 PLA Convention and Trade Show exposed me to new opportunities and approaches to employ within my site, as well as gave me a better understanding of the framework in which my public lands partner works, in regard to their partner agencies."

Julie Dougherty Winger, Friends of Ebey’s Landing NHR

Future Dates and Locations

  • February 9 - February 12, 2021 (virtual)
  • March 6 - March 10, 2022 in St. Louis, MO