National Association of State Foresters 2026 Annual Meeting
About this Event
The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) has convened State Foresters and their partners at our Annual Meeting every year since 1920. Attracting more than 200 forestry and wildland fire leaders, this meeting offers extraordinary networking opportunities with key decision-makers.
The 2026 NASF Annual Meeting will be held in Lexington KY at the Hilton Lexington-Downtown.
State forestry agencies connect professionals, partners, and the public to manage America’s trees and forests. Distant decisions have local impacts, and well-informed decisions have the best outcomes. NASF’s 2026 Annual Meeting will be a microcosm of national decision-making. Small breakout meetings will address compelling questions with diverse partners. These meetings will inform dialogue with national leaders in a combined general session.
Registration will close on Friday, September 4.
Late Registration for an additional fee will be available through Sunday, September 13. The tour is not available to late registrants.
TRANSPORTATION & LODGING
There is a group rate at the Hilton at the rate of $127-169/night, depending upon availability. Reservations must be made by the cutoff date of August 30, 2026 to guarantee this discounted rate. Please call (859)231-9000 and reference the NASF Annual Meeting, or .
The Hilton is four minutes' walk from Rupp Arena, less than half a mile to Central Bank Center, and a mile to the University of Kentucky. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to Blue Grass Airport LEX, which is only 7 miles from the hotel.
During your stay, enjoy Triangle Park and downtown Lexington views from the rooms. The hotel bar, BBM, offers drinks including over 150 bourbons and craft beers, lighter fare, and outdoor patio access. Triangle Grille serves Kentucky-style dishes all day, while sandwiches are quick at Crossroads Café.
Looking for things to do for you and your guests while in Lexington? Please check out Visit Lex.
FIELD TOURS
If you choose to attend the field tour, you will be required to select a tour during registration (except to Late Registrants, who are not eligible to attend). Tours are as follows:
Tour 1: Red River Gorge Geologic Area/Natural Bridge State Park
recreation, tourism, joint wildfire response
Tour 2: Bernheim Forest & Cooperage
art, conservation, ecotourism
Tour 3: UK Beam Institute & Town Branch
education, urban development, urban and community forestry
Tour 4: Maker's Mark
white oak, bourbon, sustainability, art, conservation
EXHIBITORS
To become a meeting exhibitor please make your commitment by August 17, 2026 to ensure recognition in the meeting program and signage. Exhibitor and sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Grace Hogue at [email protected].
The fee to exhibit at this year’s annual meeting is $2,500. This fee includes one (1) complimentary meeting registration, one (1) exhibitor booth, and (1) one flyer and/or (1) one swag bag item for inclusion in the conference registration materials.
Meeting registration includes all provided meals during the meeting and offers admission to all of the meeting’s sessions and the Field Tour. Each additional exhibitor attending the meeting must purchase an “Additional Exhibitor Staff Registration” at a discounted rate of $650.
Shipping Information & A/V Needs: Please refer to the Prospectus above for instructions.
Exhibition Hours Exhibit move-in is Monday, September 21, 12-5pm.
- Tuesday, September 22: 8am-5pm
- Wednesday, September 23: 8am-5pm
- Thursday, September 24: 5pm-7pm*
*Exhibit tear down must be complete by Friday, September 25 at 11am.
SPONSORS
To become a meeting sponsor, please make your commitment by August 17, 2026 to ensure recognition in the meeting program and on signage. Exhibitor and sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Grace Hogue at [email protected].
Walnut
Starting at $15,000 — Recognition in meeting program with full-page-sized logo or ad; Recognized as Walnut-level sponsor in promotional communications (including at least one press release); Exclusive sponsorship of a premium conference event with signage and promotional materials denoting sponsorship; Up to two inserts in meeting materials packet; One exhibit space in prime location ($2,500 value); Four full conference registrations ($3,400 value).
Chestnut
Starting at $10,000 — Recognition in meeting program with half-page-sized logo or ad; Recognized as Chestnut-level sponsor in promotional communications (including at least one press release); Sponsorship of any standard event with signage and promotional materials denoting sponsorship; Up to two inserts in meeting materials packet; One exhibit space in prominent location ($2,500 value); Three full conference registrations ($2,550 value).
Oak
Starting at $6,000 — Recognition in meeting program with half-page-sized ad or logo; Recognized as Oak-level sponsor in promotional communications; One insert in meeting materials packet; One exhibit space ($2,500 value); Two full conference registrations ($1,700 value).
Pine
Starting at $4,000 — Recognition in meeting program with quarter-page-sized logo; Recognized as Pine-level sponsor in promotional communications; One insert in meeting materials packet; One exhibit space ($2,500 value); Two full conference registrations ($1,700 value).
Friend of Forestry
Under $2,500 — Recognition in NASF Newsletter and Meeting Signage. Donations must be made via this website no later than August 25, 2025 to guarantee meeting signage. Donations benefit the NASF Foundation.
SILENT AUCTION
One of the most beloved components of the State Foresters’ annual meeting each year is the NASF Foundation’s Silent Auction. This annual event supports NASF’s work to represent state and private forestry interests in Washington, D.C., through a variety of meaningful programs. By participating in the Silent Auction, you ensure that your great state or organization contributes to ongoing national initiatives that make a real difference for your forests at home.
Consider donating an item (or two, or three!) to this year’s Silent Auction. You can either bring your Silent Auction item(s) with you or ship them ahead of the meeting.
Prior to mailing an item, please email Katie Forman-Cook, the Executive Director for the NASF Foundation, at [email protected] for instructions.
Mon 9/21
🕑: 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM
NASF Foundation Meeting - BY INVITATION ONLY
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Foundation/Executive Committee Lunch - BY INVITATION ONLY
🕑: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Executive Committee Meeting - BY INVITATION ONLY
🕑: 03:30 PM - 05:00 PM
New Member Orientation - BY INVITATION ONLY
Tue 9/22
🕑: 06:30 AM - 07:45 AM
Breakfast
🕑: 08:00 AM - 11:30 AM
NASF Business Meetings - STATE FORESTERS ONLY
🕑: 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Lunch for All Attendees
🕑: 12:00 PM
Breakout Instructions from Meeting Leadership
🕑: 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Breakout Sessions I
Info: You will be prompted to select a breakout session upon registration. Topics include: Wildland Fire, Forest Markets/Forest Management, and Forest Science & Health.
🕑: 03:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Breakout Sessions II
Info: You will be prompted to select a breakout session upon registration. Topics include: Wildland Fire, Urban & Community Forestry, and Forest Management: Shared Stewardship/GNA.
🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
President's Reception
Wed 9/23
🕑: 06:30 AM - 07:45 AM
Breakfast
🕑: 08:00 AM - 11:30 AM
General Session I
Info: Welcome, Introductions, Opening Remarks, Host State Welcome, Keynote, Breakout Reports.
🕑: 11:45 AM - 01:45 PM
Partners & Awards Luncheon
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:30 PM
General Session II
Info: Leadership Panel, Technology Panel
🕑: 05:30 PM
Buses Depart for Host State Dinner
🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Host State Dinner
Info: Buses will depart the hotel at 5pm, and will depart the venue for return to the hotel at 8:30pm.
🕑: 08:30 PM
Buses Depart for Return to Hotel
Thu 9/24
🕑: 06:30 AM - 07:45 AM
Breakfast
🕑: 08:15 AM - 08:30 AM
Board Buses for Field Tours
🕑: 08:15 AM - 03:00 PM
Field Tours (lunch included)
Info: You will be prompted to select a tour during registration. Tour details are on the home page. Buses will depart the hotel at 8:45am, and return at approximately 3:30pm.
🕑: 04:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Closing Reception & Silent Auction
Info: Final Silent Auction bidding and closing. Reception includes beverages and hors d'oeuvres (dinner on your own). Silent Auction winners to be announced at 6pm.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 100.00 to USD 15000.00
