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2026 Affiliate Partnerships

In 2026, the NMEA is excited to introduce Affiliate Partnerships as a new conference program designed to deepen collaboration with aligned organizations and elevate the work of their members within the NMEA Annual Conference.

Affiliate Partnerships reflect NMEA’s commitment to shared leadership, collaboration, and the collective advancement of marine and aquatic education. This inaugural year establishes a new framework for recognizing and integrating affiliate contributions into the core conference experience.

What Are Affiliate Partnerships?

Affiliate Partnerships are a new conference program that provides participating organizations with a dedicated, coordinated set of sessions embedded within the main conference agenda.

Each Affiliate Partnership includes four related presentation slots, centered on the affiliate organization’s programs, expertise, or areas of focus. Sessions are proposed and presented by members of the affiliate organization and submitted through NMEA’s standard Call for Proposals process. Accepted sessions are grouped and clearly identified as part of the Affiliate Partnership in conference schedules, program materials, and the conference app.

Why Affiliate Partnerships?

The Affiliate Partnerships program was created to:

  • Introduce a more intentional structure for showcasing affiliate organizations at the national conference

  • Elevate member-led programs, research, and professional learning initiatives

  • Foster collaboration across organizations, disciplines, and regions

  • Strengthen alignment between affiliate organizations and NMEA’s mission and values

By launching Affiliate Partnerships, NMEA creates a consistent and visible pathway for affiliates to contribute meaningfully to conference programming.

Recognition and Program Features

Affiliate organizations participating in the inaugural year of Affiliate Partnerships receive:

  • Conference Program Visibility
    Affiliate Partnerships are identified on the NMEA website, in the official conference program, and within the conference app.

  • Member Recognition
    Presenting members are acknowledged as part of their organization’s Affiliate Partnership across conference platforms.

  • Enhanced Discoverability
    Grouped sessions help attendees more easily identify organizations and themes aligned with their interests.

  • Membership Incentives
    Affiliate members are eligible for discounted new individual NMEA memberships, supporting deeper engagement with the NMEA community.

Affiliate Partnerships at NMEA 2026

The inaugural Affiliate Partnerships program debuts at NMEA 2026: Meeting of the Waters, taking place July 12–16, 2026, in Cambridge, Maryland. As part of NMEA’s 50th anniversary year, this new program highlights the strength of collaboration across the marine education community and sets the foundation for future partnership models. We are thrilled to welcome the following Affiliate Partners in 2026:

 
 

Learn More

For additional information about Affiliate Partnerships or conference engagement, please contact nmea@marine-ed.org.