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17th Biennial Coalition for Education in the Outdoors (CEO) Research Symposium
17th Biennial Coalition for Education in the Outdoors (CEO) Research Symposium

17th Biennial Coalition for Education in the Outdoors (CEO) Research Symposium

February 6-8, 2026, at the YMCA’s Blue Ridge Assembly Conference Center in Black Mountain, NC, USA.

Time & Location

Feb 06, 2026, 2:00 PM EST – Feb 08, 2026, 9:00 AM EST

YMCA's Blue Ridge Assembly, 84 Blue Ridge Cir, Black Mountain, NC 28711, USA

About the Event

From February 6-8, 2026 an international research symposium will be held at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly Conference Center in Black Mountain, NC, USA (https://blueridgeassembly.org/). The 17th Biennial Coalition for Education in the Outdoors (CEO) Research Symposium will be Coordinated by 2nd Nature TREC (Training, Research, Education, Consulting).


The purpose of this gathering is to advance the empirical, conceptual, and theoretical bases of outdoor education. Like the first sixteen CEO Research Symposia, this symposium will bring together a wide array of researchers to explore current and future trends in using the outdoors for educational and therapeutic purposes. In addition to spotlighting current research, the program includes featured presentations on timely issues and ample time for both structured and informal dialogue. The last symposium was held in 2024 (see photo gallery). We are thrilled to meet in person again at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, NC, USA.


The…


Tickets

  • Overnight Registration

    This is the CEO Registration, Meals and Lodging Package. Individuals requesting a double room must list the name of the person they want to share the room with and the other person must do the same using this Google Form: https://forms.gle/A2ifdmbbFKSsZNeE8.

    From $380.00 to $540.00

    • $540.00

    • $380.00

    • Thursday Night Lodging

      Thursday night lodging available for an additional fee. Meals on your own until dinner Friday.  Individuals requesting a double room must list the name of the person they want to share the room with and the other person must do the same this Google Form: https://forms.gle/A2ifdmbbFKSsZNeE8.

      From $80.00 to $160.00

      • $80.00

      • $160.00

      • Commuter Registration

        This ticket option includes access to all oral research presentations, any plenary or keynote sessions, and all meals beginning Friday February , 2026 through Sunday February , 2026 after breakfast. NO LODGING INCLUDED. This ticket is intended for those who reside within 75 miles of the YMCA Center. *Please respect the YMCA's request that all attendees stay on site unless you live locally.

        From $160.00 to $235.00

        • $160.00

        • $235.00

        • CEO Student Scholarship

          This ticket is for donations to CEO to fund the graduate student registration scholarship.

          $
        • Sponsor

          Sponsors will be named as title sponsors for one of the evening socials, the snack/beverage breaks during symposium or other event (e.g. pre-symposium session). Includes table to exhibit in main symposium room. Sponsors must also register for the symposium and pay either the Commuter or Full Lodging package registration fee.

          $500.00

        Total

        $0.00

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        Mailing Address

        151 Highway 9 Box 10, Black Mountain, NC 28711

        (828) 357-5611

        ©2018 by 2nd Nature TREC

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