The Northern Rockies Conservation Symposium, formerly known as the Jackson Hole Wildlife Symposium, is a biennial gathering of conservation professionals, community leaders, and learning networks from Jackson Hole, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), the Northern Rockies region, and beyond. Organized and hosted by the Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative (NRCC), 2026 marks the Symposium’s 10th anniversary.
The 2026 Northern Rockies Conservation Symposium centers on the theme Building Resilient Networks for Conservation in a Changing Democracy. This day-long event will explore how more effective networks can advance shared conservation successes amid accelerating ecological change and mounting threats to social, political, and democratic norms. NRCC invites conservation and management professionals, scientists, elected officials, students, engaged community leaders, and interested citizens to participate in addressing the challenges facing the GYE, the region, and—more broadly—nature and humanity.
The Symposium will feature discussions of the interconnected scientific, technical, and structural trends shaping today’s conservation landscape. Programming includes presentations by distinguished speakers from across policy, economics, law, ecology, and history, along with the return of the energetic and ever-popular Quicktalks. The event also includes a professional networking lunch and a poster exhibition and art exhibit. All are invited to attend the evening keynote presentation and reception, which is open to the public at no cost. Panelists include Todd Wilkinson, Jonathan Schechter, Andrew Hansen, Susan Clark, and Robert Keiter. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Christina Cromley Bruner, Co-Founder and President of For 250 More.
Registration
Registration is $75 and includes light breakfast, lunch, snacks, and coffee.
NRCC encourages participation by early-career professionals and students. Scholarships are available for early-career attendees (those with 1–3 years of professional experience post-education) and for current students at any degree level. Eligible attendees may use the promo code EARLYCAREER to receive $50 off registration.
Event Sponsorship
We are eagerly seeking event sponsors, and hope you would consider joining us in facilitating this important community gathering. Sponsorship provides critical support to help offset the cost of registration, which increases access and opportunities for engagement. Sponsorship also serves to promote your business or organization within an active and robust community. To learn more, please read our sponsorship letter, or make a direct donation here. Thank you for your essential support!
Coming into Town?
We have a block of rooms at the Mountain Modern in Jackson under a discounted rate. To book using the discount:
- Call the Mountain Modern directly at 307-733-4340, etx. 1, and mention the Northern Rockies Conservation Symposium room block; or
- Book online using this link (this is not the general Mountain Modern website, but a unique link for the room block).
DRAFT AGENDA
10th Biennial Northern Rockies Conservation Symposium
Center for the Arts, Jackson WY + Live-streaming
8:00 AM – 7:45 PM | April 30, 2026
8:00 – 8:30: Registration, coffee & breakfast, networking
8:30 – 8:50: Welcome and opening remarks
8:50 – 10:10: A Look at Where We Are and Where We’re Headed: Existential Threats to Yellowstone’s Future and What We Can Do About It
Panel presentations by Susan Clark, Andrew Hansen, Jonathan Schechter, Robert Keiter, and Todd Wilkinson
10:10 – 10:35: Networking coffee break
10:35 – 11:45: Panel discussion + panel Q&A
Panelists respond to and synthesize morning presentations, with moderated Q&A
11:45 – 12:45: Professional networking lunch
12:45 – 2:20: Part 1 Quicktalks + presenter Q&A
First in series of ten 6-minute presentations on current research, conservation projects, and other scientific, political, and social efforts by selected presenters, followed by open group forum discussion and Q&A.
2:20 – 2:40: Break
2:40 – 4:15: Part 2 Quicktalks + presenter Q&A
Second in series of ten 6-minute presentations on current research, conservation projects, and other scientific, political, and social efforts by selected presenters, followed by open group forum discussion and Q&A.
4:15 – 5:00: Poster session + light snacks
Poster exhibition presents current research and conservation projects.
5:00 – 7:45 Keynote Program
- 5:00 – 5:30: Welcome + Awards Ceremony
- 5:30 – 7:00: Saving Democracy & the Environment with Christina Cromley Bruner
- 7:00 – 7:45: Art exhibit + reception
- Event reception includes an art exhibit featuring works from regional artists and networking over appetizers, bar drinks, and book signings.
Ways to Participate
All-day, In-person
Symposium programming from 8:00am – 5:00 pm requires registration. This includes a morning panel, afternoon Quicktalk presentations, and poster exhibition, as well as breakfast and lunch.
Evening Keynote Event
The keynote event runs from 5:00pm – 7:45pm at the Center for the Arts in Jackson. All are welcome to attend the keynote, which is free and open to the public and does not require registration.
Live-streaming
Free live-streaming is available for all of the day’s events. Information on how to register for live-streaming is coming soon.
More information about the event is forthcoming and will be made available on this webpage.
If you’d like to be added to our email list for updates, please email cameron@nrccooperative.org.