2026 National Extension Master Gardener Coordinator Conference
Navigating New Horizons: Master Gardener Programs in a Changing World
SAVE THE DATE
August 18-21, 2026
Downtown Chicago, Illinois
Conference webpage: https://go.illinois.edu/NEMGCC2026
Join us in one of the nation’s most vibrant horticultural hubs for the 2026 National Extension Master Gardener Coordinator Conference, proudly hosted by the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program! We are thrilled to welcome Extension Master Gardener program staff from across the country to Chicago—a dynamic crossroads of urban innovation, cultural richness, and world‑class green spaces.
The conference event page will be released very soon, but in the meantime we’re releasing the Call for Proposals as soon as possible so that you can start brainstorming a topic to present to your peers. See below for all the details needed for submission.
The National EMG Coordinators’ Conference (NEMGCC) offers an opportunity for EMG coordinators to network and share ideas, projects, and methods for EMG-led Extension programming. During our three days together, we will be exploring success stories and lessons learned. This call for proposals is open to any topic related to Master Gardener programming efforts. Based on feedback from previous conference attendees and the national coordinator survey, preference will be given to proposals focused on the topics below. The survey will allow three co-presenters for each submission.
Volunteer Recruitment: reaching new and diverse audiences, marketing strategies, etc
Volunteer Retention: strategies for retaining our current volunteers, volunteer recognition ideas, retaining volunteers through technology changes, etc
Conflict Management: strategies for managing conflict between peer volunteers, between program staff and volunteers, etc.
Prioritizing Mental Health: strategies and program ideas to support staff and volunteer mental health and self care, etc.
New and Creative Programming: share a unique program or program delivery method that is having success in your state, etc.
Funding Opportunities: ideas for maintaining or gaining new funding for local MG programs, etc.
Other
Individuals who share a proposal but are not selected to present may be invited to display a poster for the duration of the conference, if our conference venue space allows.
Key Dates:
Proposal Submission Deadline: April 15, 2026
Notification of Accepted Proposals: by May 15, 2026
Conference Registration opens: May 15, 2026
Questions regarding the RFP process should be directed to NEMGCC Host, Candice Anderson, mille116@illinois.edu
