2026 National Extension Master Gardener Coordinator Conference Registration
Registration has closed for this conference.
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.
Begin the week on August 18 with optional bus tours of local sites (Tours are FULL), followed by three days of engaging content tailored to Extension master gardener program staff on the following themes:
Begin the week on August 18 with optional bus tours of local sites (Tours are FULL), followed by three days of engaging content tailored to Extension master gardener program staff on the following themes:
- 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 Health: strategies and program ideas to support staff and volunteer mental health and self care, reducing burnout, 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.
Visit our conference landing page for all the additional detail you need like the draft agenda, session descriptions and travel details, etc. go.illinois.edu/nemgcc2026
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