More than 1,000 Environmental Educators from Around the World Gather in Pittsburgh to ‘Build Bridges’ Across Borders, Disciplines, and Ideas

Media Contact: Stacie Pierpoint, Director of Communications and Technology at NAAEE
Email: stacie@naaee.org

Media Instructions: We can facilitate in-person, video, and telephone interviews with speakers before and directly after the Opening Reception and Ceremony. We encourage press to attend the opening ceremony for free to interview professionals in the field. Please RSVP by emailing Stacie Pierpoint at stacie@naaee.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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More than 1,000 Environmental Educators from Around the World Gather in Pittsburgh to ‘Build Bridges’ Across Borders, Disciplines, and Ideas

Pittsburgh, PA, October 30, 2024 - The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators (PAEE), will host its 53rd Annual Conference from November 6–9, 2024, at the Westin Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With more than 1,000 formal and nonformal environmental educators from thirty countries, this conference is one of the largest gatherings of environmental educators in the world.

This year’s conference theme is “Building Bridges,” drawing inspiration from Pittsburgh's iconic bridges. The gathering will focus on how environmental education bridges gaps across borders, disciplines, and ideas; fosters mutual understanding; and reveals shared values. The event will spotlight the powerful role environmental educators play in creating healthier communities and tackling today’s complex environmental and social issues.

Attendees will dig into vital topics such as climate change education and climate justice, research-based practice, the benefits of connecting to nature, developing a green workforce, protecting biodiversity, and centering equity in their work. They’ll explore creative new approaches to education and delve into ways in which current research can increase effectiveness as they work to transform communities.

The heart of the conference, November 6–9, features an array of inspiring keynote speakers and more than 400 sessions focused on all aspects of environmental education for professionals at all levels—from young professionals to seasoned experts. The conference will also host a number of affinity groups for people of color, LGBTQ+ attendees, and eePRO discussion groups. More than 15% of all sessions focus on equity and inclusion to ensure that the field is increasingly relevant in a changing world.

Members of the press and media are invited to join us for the opening ceremony on Wednesday, November 6, 5:00–8:30 PM ET: After an opening reception for attendees with hor d’oeuvres and activities from 5–6:30, the conference will kick off with a performance from the Big Mac Band, a student steel band from Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Deputy Mayor Jake Pawlak will give opening remarks and read a proclamation declaring it EE Week in Pittsburgh. NAAEE Executive Director Judy Braus and NAAEE Board Member Sheila Williams Ridge will extend a warm welcome, followed by the 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. The authors will do a book signing after the keynote.

Previous attendees have shared the value of this gathering. A 2022 NAAEE conference attendee shared, “I had an absolutely amazing time! I left inspired with a whole new set of tools ready to implement into my existing programs.”

“It’s such an inspiring gathering with educators from all parts of the world coming together to share, learn, and advance our collective work,” says Judy Braus, executive director of NAAEE. “There’s never been more urgency for the work we do as a field to further environmental literacy and civic engagement and to highlight the importance of creating a more equitable and inclusive movement that grapples with the complex issues of our times.”

NAAEE is grateful for all of our conference sponsors. 

About NAAEE

For more than five decades, the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) has served as the professional association, champion, and backbone organization for the field of environmental education (EE), working with EE professionals across United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as globally, to advance environmental literacy and civic engagement to create a more just and sustainable future. For more information on NAAEE, visit https://naaee.org.

Additional Event Details for Opening Night

What: The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators, will open its 53rd Annual Conference.

Who: Judy Braus, executive director of NAAEE; Pittsburgh Deputy Mayor Jake Pawlak; Gregg Behr, executive director of The Grable Foundation; Ryan Rydzweski, award-winning author and speaker

Where: The Westin Pittsburgh / 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 / Opening Reception: Allegheny Foyer / Opening Ceremony: Allegheny Ballroom

When: The Opening Reception and Ceremony for the Conference will take place Wednesday, November 6, from 5:00 to 8:30 PM.