Confluence
May 19–21, 2026 | Fort Collins, CO
Confluence 2026 is a national gathering for collaborative conservation practitioners, researchers, students, and emerging leaders who are working across to address complex social and environmental challenges.
This unique event brings people together to learn, share, and build relationships that strengthen the future of collaboration. While Confluence is rooted in the Western United States, it welcomes participants and perspectives from across the country. The theme of 2026:
The Future of Collaboration: The Power of Working Across Divides
At a time of increasing complexity, polarization, and uncertainty, Confluence 2026 explores how collaborative approaches can bridge divides, build trust, and create durable solutions.
What is Confluence?
"Confluence is no ordinary conference. Loved the quick infusion of context through short presentations and offers of thought-provoking ideas and then turning to focus most of the time on smaller groups breaking out for deeper discussion and sharing of thoughts and ideas on those compelling question topics. Great work and kudos to the organizers!"
Confluence is not a traditional conference. The Western Collaborative Conservation Network intentionally designs this gathering to prioritize connection, dialogue, and shared learning through small-group discussions, interactive sessions, and place-based experiences that surface real challenges and insights from across the collaborative conservation field.
At Confluence, you can expect:
- Peer-to-peer learning across roles, disciplines, and career stages
- Interactive sessions focused on skills, relationships, and practice
- Space for honest dialogue, reflection, and problem-solving
- Mentorship, networking, and community-building — including field trips and a dedicated mentorship program
If you want to learn about previous Confluence gatherings, we have information on 2020, 2022, and 2024 here.
Who Should Attend
Confluence 2026 is designed for individuals engaged in collaborative conservation across the Western United States and beyond, including:
- Practitioners working in collaborative conservation, natural resource management, community engagement, and related fields
- Researchers exploring collaboration, governance, and social-ecological systems
- Students and early-career professionals seeking skills, mentorship, and connections in collaborative conservation
Agenda at a Glance
Registration
Registration includes access to conference sessions, community activities, and networking opportunities throughout the entire gathering.
Indigenous Scholarship Applications Close: April 1, 2026
Discounted Registration Applications Close: April, 30, 2026
Regular Registration: March 15 – May 5, 2026
| Registration Type | Early Bird Price | Regular Full Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Registration | $420 | $520 | — |
| Half Table | $510 | $610 | Includes one registration |
| Full Table | $560 | $660 | Includes one registration |
| Discounted Registration | $245 | $345 | Application required; closes April 30, 2026 |
Indigenous Scholarships
If you identify as Indigenous and are interested in attending Confluence 2026, we are offering a reduced Indigenous registration rate of $250, thanks to the support of Trees, Water & People, Coalitions & Collaboratives, and The Nature Conservancy – Colorado. A dedicated fund is available to help support travel for Indigenous participants. Applications close April 1.
To learn more about these options, please contact James Calabaza at [email protected] and/or Lindsay Riggs at [email protected].
Discounted Registration
We aim to make Confluence accessible to participants across career stages and organizational contexts. Discounted registrations are available for early-career professionals, individuals representing themselves, small or under-resourced organizations, and others with demonstrated need.
To request discounted prices, please complete a short application. We will notify you if your request has been approved typically within
7 business days.
Our Venue for 2026
Confluence 2026 will be hosted at Colorado State University’s Lory Student Center in Fort Collins, CO.
Fort Collins is approximately an hour north of Denver by car or shuttle. Colorado State University (CSU) sits in the middle of town, making it a central location for our gathering. CSU is also the home of WCCN’s host organization, the Center for Collaborative Conservation.
1101 Center Ave Mall, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Travel
Getting to Fort Collins
If traveling from out of state, we suggest flying into Denver International Airport (DEN/DIA). From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to Fort Collins. There are several shuttle services, but two of the commonly used options are Landline and Groome.
Hotel Options
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hilton Fort Collins for CSU Confluence 2026. The room block has an arrival date of Monday, May 18, 2026. You will be able to book in the block at the group rate of $126.00 per room, per night, Single/Double occupancy, for a standard room with one King bed or two Double beds. Parking is complimentary – please use code: HFCGP. The room rate, room block, and parking will be available until Friday, May 22, 2026, or until it is sold out, whichever happens first.
To reserve online: CSU CONFLUENCE 2026
To Reserve by phone: Please call (800) 768-0605 and ask for CSU Confluence 2026 room block.
Parking on Campus
The closest visitor parking to the Lory Student Center is Lot 310, located just north of Lory. Parking here is $2 per hour from 7:30am – 4:00pm. Payment can be made with the ParkMobile app or with your license plate at meters.
It is important to make sure you are parked in the right area of the lot, marked for hourly parking. Lot 310 also includes permit only parking, but there are signs that will indicate the right parking spot. You can also purchase parking passes for the event when you register.
Sponsorship Opportunities
If you are interested in sponsoring Confluence 2026, please email WCCN Director, Aireona Bonnie Raschke at [email protected].
We are deeply grateful to the organizations contributing time, resources, and support to make Confluence 2026 possible. For general questions, please email WCCN Director, Aireona Bonnie Raschke at [email protected].
Confluence 2026 Co-Conveners
2026 Sponsors
$10,000
$5,000 – $9,999
$2,500 – $4,999
$1,000-$2,499
Rick and Heather Knight
The Steppe Forward Fund
Up to $999
