Get excited for our Texas Master Naturalist 2026 Annual Meeting – to be held Thursday, October 22 through Sunday, October 25 in Waco, Texas!
The Texas Master Naturalist Annual Meeting provides an opportunity for the Texas Master Naturalist volunteers from around the state to gather, participate in hands-on educational seminars, and receive all their Advanced Training requirements for the year in one weekend. It’s also an opportunity for program participants and supporters to network, share new ideas, and to learn from chapters in different regions of the state.
Countdown to the 2026 Annual Meeting
Welcome to Waco!
Waco sits at a remarkable ecological crossroads, where the Blackland Prairie meets the Cross Timbers, creating a rich mosaic of grasslands, woodlands, and riparian corridors along the Brazos River. This convergence of ecosystems offers an exceptional setting for discovery, learning, and field-based inspiration for Master Naturalists. From tallgrass prairie remnants and post oak savannas, to limestone outcrops and riverine habitats, the Waco area showcases the diversity and transition zones that define central Texas landscapes.
Just north of downtown, the Waco Mammoth National Monument provides a globally significant window into the Ice Age, preserving the in-situ remains of Columbian mammoths and other megafauna while highlighting the region’s geologic and palaeoecological history. Nearby, Mother Neff State Park offers hands-on immersion in the Cross Timbers ecosystem, with spring-fed creeks, wildflower-filled prairies, limestone bluffs, and shaded woodland trails that exemplify long-term conservation and stewardship. From the scenic trails around Lake Waco, to the intentional green spaces within the city limits, together, Waco’s natural assets create an ideal backdrop for exploration, connection, and the shared mission of conservation education—making it a compelling host location for the Texas Master Naturalist Annual Meeting.
This webpage contains all you need to know about the Annual Meeting and is updated regularly as information is released. Do you want to be one of the first to know about the new information? Sign up for a regular subscription of our TMN Email Listserv and follow us on Instagram and Facebook—plus turn on post notifications! Learn how to below:
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Agenda
We’re excited to share an outstanding lineup of learning opportunities this year, featuring 124 classroom presentations and 28 field sessions covering a wide variety of natural resource topics presented by experts from across Texas. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, botany, geology, water resources, land stewardship, citizen science, or conservation education, there truly is something for everyone.
This year, you have three options for viewing our 2026 Annual Meeting agenda! Below are two files: one is a matrix agenda showing a snapshot of the whole weekend, and the other is the full agenda complete with session descriptions. You can also visit our event website (CVENT) to view the full sessions and descriptions! Annual Meeting registrants will be able to access the Cvent agenda through our Annual Meeting App (the app is not yet available, check back closer to the event date).
Note: Changes to the agenda schedule and/or content are subject to be made at any given time. For the most up-to-date agenda, visit the Cvent website. Any changes in session times/locations are not guaranteed to be updated on the Agenda Matrix or Full Agenda PDF (both below).
Agenda Matrix (PDF)
Full Agenda (PDF)
Full Agenda (Cvent Website)
Registration
Our registration is not open yet. Check below for cost and other details!
Get ready to register for the best event of the year! You do not have to be a Master Naturalist to join us! The conference is open to the public. Below you can find a breakdown of the pricing:
Early Bird Registration Costs:
- Full Event: $380
- Two Day (Fri. & Sat.): $355
- One Day (Thur., Fri. OR Sat.): $205
- Rates applicable until August 31. After August 31, standard rates apply.
Standard Registration Costs:
- Full Event: $430
- Two Day (Fri. & Sat.): $405
- One Day (Thur., Fri. OR Sat.): $255
- Registration closes September 30.
Meals Only Costs:
- Guest Meals: $300
- Awards Dinner: $75
**Please note: Registration includes the meals and refreshments specified for each registration package. Morning coffee service and refreshment breaks will be provided throughout the conference. Breakfast is not included with registration; however, many of our contracted hotels offer complimentary breakfast for overnight guests. Additional dining options are also available within walking distance of the Convention Center.
Cancelation Policy: Any cancelations made on or before Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, will receive a partial refund (see event website for details). Any cancellations made after Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, are non refundable.
The Texas Master Naturalist Program has established an Annual Meeting Code of Conduct as a positive step towards a safe and equitable gathering. All who register agree to abide by this code, and we provide it in full for your familiarity and reference. The code is also linked from the Annual Meeting app.
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Lodging
This year’s Annual Meeting will be hosted at the Hilton Waco, attached to the Waco Convention Center, and three additional hotels all within a 10 minute walk from the center.
Courtyard by Marriott Waco
Address: 101 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Phone: (254) 752-8686
Contracted Room Block: Wednesday, October 21, through Sunday, October 25, 2026 (Note: limited rooms on Wednesday night. If you have issues booking, try selecting Thursday – Sunday).
Cost: $110/night, not including fees or taxes
Includes:
- Complimentary parking
- Breakfast included in group rate
- Mix of king and double queen rooms
Block Closes: September 21, 2026
*Note: If there are issues with the links for hotels, please call their front desks to book under our Texas Master Naturalist block.
Residence Inn by Marriot Waco
Address: 501 S University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76706
Phone: (254) 714-1386
Contracted Room Block: Wednesday, October 21, through Sunday, October 25, 2026 (Note: limited rooms on Wednesday night. If you have issues booking, try selecting Thursday – Sunday).
Cost: $110/night, not including fees or taxes
Includes:
- Complimentary parking
- Free wifi + welcome amenities
- Extended stay suites
- 3 days pre/post available at group rate
Block Closes: September 21, 2026
*Note – if there are issues with the links for hotels, please call their front desks to book under our Texas Master Naturalist block.
Even Hotel Waco
Address: 110 S MLK JR BLVD Building B, Waco, TX 76704
Phone: (254) 633-3836
Contracted Room Block: Wednesday, October 21, through Sunday, October 25, 2026 (Note: limited rooms on Wednesday night. If you have issues booking, try selecting Thursday – Sunday).
Cost: $110/night Wednesday and Thursday; $129/night Friday and Saturday, not including fees or taxes
Includes:
- Complimentary parking (includes bus parking)
- Free wifi + guest laundry
- 3 days pre/post available at group rate
Block Closes: September 22, 2026
*Note – if there are issues with the links for hotels, please call their front desks to book under our Texas Master Naturalist block.
Hilton Waco – FULL
Address: 113 S University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76701
Phone: (254) 754-8484
Contracted Room Block: Wednesday, October 21, through Sunday, October 25, 2026 (limited rooms available).
Cost: $110, not including fees or taxes
Includes:
- Complimentary parking
- Breakfast included in group rate
- Full-service hotel (restaurant, amenities, etc.)
Block Closes: September 21, 2026
*Note: If there are issues with the links for hotels, please call their front desks to book under our Texas Master Naturalist block.
THIS BLOCK IS FULL. PLEASE USE THE OTHER HOTEL LINKS ABOVE.
Sponsors
All sponsorships receive special recognition through conference communication, fliers, announcements, and programs. Sponsors could make a general contribution to support and sponsor the TMN Annual Meeting at any of the following levels with recognition at each level as given:
Friend – $150
- Posted on Annual Meeting website/socials
Ecologist – $300
- All Friend level recognition, plus:
- Posted on conference hallway signs
Steward – $500
- All Ecologist level recognition, plus:
- Posted on Annual Meeting app
- Recognition given during awards ceremony
Conservationist – $1,000
- All Steward level recognition, plus:
- Complimentary Vendor Booth (optional)
Guardian – $3,000
- All Conservationist level recognition, plus:
- Reserved table at Annual Meeting awards dinner
- Inclusion of collateral materials in attendee registration bags
Naturalist – $5,000+
- All Conservationist level recognition, plus:
- Organization highlight page on website
To be a sponsor of the 2026 Annual Meeting, download the Sponsorship Packet and contact Mary Pearl Meuth – marypearl.meuth@ag.tamu.edu
Vendors
We are once again hosting our event with the opportunity to invite vendors and exhibitors with naturalist-related goods, artwork, projects, plants, educational materials, and outreach from partnership organizations. The vendor booths will be located in the Brazos Ballroom of the Waco Convention Center.
There will be ample time throughout the conference for attendees to browse the vendor areas, with breaks and socials scheduled to be held in the vendor space. We kindly ask that all vendors donate an item for the Silent Auction. The money raised from the silent auction will be used towards scholarship funds for Master Naturalists expressing a financial need to be able to attend our conference the following year.
Vendor Booth Space Information:
- Vendor setup will be on Thursday, October 22 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm, with take down and move out by 10:00am on Sunday, October 25. Vendors will be responsible for their own move in, set up, take down, and move out.
- Vendors will receive one 6’ table and two chairs. Additional tables may be available if needed, potentially at an additional cost.
- Electricity and other display items can be discussed if needed, potentially at an additional cost. Wi-Fi will be available in the conference space for all attendees. Hardline and electric cord charges may be available, potentially at an additional cost.
- Please have all vendor applications emailed to Mary Pearl Meuth (marypearl.meuth@ag.tamu.edu), by 5PM CT on Sept. 11, 2026.
Please download the Vendor Packet and email Mary Pearl Meuth, marypearl.meuth@ag.tamu.edu if you’re interested in being a vendor at the 2026 Annual Meeting.
Silent Auction
Our silent auction application is not open yet. Check back later!
Contests and Awards
We host four Annual Meeting contests each year. All award winners for last year can be seen here in the 2025 Annual Meeting Awards Wrap Up.
- Chapter Advisor Award
- Nominate your chapter’s advisor(s) to be recognized!
- Chapter Project Fair
- Submit your chapter project for our virtual fair!
- Video Contest
- Videos of 1 minute to 3 minutes highlighting chapter activities!
- Photo, Art & Media Contest
- Photos and art taken in/focused on Texas
- Media developed for chapter use/promotion
- Note: Photos & Media must be taken somewhere in Texas.
Submission forms for the contests can be found on the pages below:
2026 Annual Meeting Photo, Art & Media Contest
Best of Show 2025 We are excited to once again host our annual Photo, Art…
2026 Annual Meeting Video Contest
We are now accepting Video Contest submissions for the 2026 Annual Meeting! Release the director…
2026 Annual Meeting Chapter Project Fair
We are now accepting Chapter Project Fair submissions for the 2026 Annual Meeting! The Texas…
2026 Annual Meeting Chapter Advisor Award
The Texas Master Naturalist Program presents the Chapter Advisor Award to outstanding advisors and/or teams…
Proposals
We are planning for an in-person Annual Meeting for 2026! We are asking that all presenters be prepared to host their sessions in person with us this fall, however special considerations may be given where needed. The final full event schedule will be released in the summer. We are seeking proposals for both classroom presentations and field sessions in and around Waco:
As a classroom presenter, you would have the opportunity to inform and train TMN members from across the state on various natural resource topics and provide more in-depth information than their initial core training and curriculum. You are also encouraged to make this an opportunity to enlist and train our program volunteers to assist you, your program, and your work as part of their annual volunteer service commitment. Classroom sessions are currently scheduled to begin each day of the conference at 8am and end at 5pm. Classroom sessions will be offered concurrently with one, two, three and four hour blocks, built-in breaks and potentially themed days (dependent on final submissions received).
As a field session presenter, you would have the opportunity to showcase the region’s diversity of natural spaces, highlight local TMN chapter projects and inform and train TMN members from across the state on various natural resource topics. You are also encouraged to make this an opportunity to host a service project for our volunteers to assist you, your program, and your work as part of their annual volunteer service commitment – even while at the conference. Our Annual Meeting is a time to host numerous field session site visits before, during, and after the event. Three goals with Annual Meeting field sessions is to provide advanced training applicable to any registered Master Naturalist traveling to the meeting from anywhere in the state, while also showcasing the local diversity of the area and the work of local host chapters for project sharing, learning and replication. We want field session attending TMN’s to walk away from the event knowing a bit more about the natural landscape of our host location – and to have new ideas for chapter projects or project management ideas.
Annual Meeting registration and costs will be released in the summer. Classroom session presenters will need to register to attend the Annual Meeting if they intend to stay and participate beyond their presentation time or for event activities outside of technical sessions.
Proposals are no longer being accepted for this year’s agenda. Please reach out to Mary Pearl Meuth (mpmeuth@tamu.edu) if you have any questions.
View the past 6 Annual Meetings:
- 2025 Annual Meeting – October 16 – 19, 2025, College Station, TX
- 2024 Annual Meeting – October 24 – 27, 2024, San Marcos, TX
- 2023 Annual Meeting – October 14 – 17, 2023, McAllen, TX
- 2022 Annual Meeting – October 20 – 23, 2022, Houston, TX
- 2021 Annual Meeting – October 21- 24, 2021, Hybrid, Irving, TX
- 2020 Annual Meeting – October 14 – 17, 2020, Virtual