The National Marine Educators Association would like to invite you to join us for our silent and live auctions for the 2026 NMEA national conference, hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Marine Education Association at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina in Cambridge, MD from July 12 - 16th.
Each conference hosts several opportunities for attendees to help raise funds to support the mission of NMEA. The annual NMEA auction is one of the highlights of the conference…a chance to have fun, bid on unique aquatic-themed items donated by NMEA members and local businesses, and raise money for our scholarship fund! All of the funds raised at our annual silent and live auction will go to our scholarship programs, which directly support marine and aquatic educators.
1976 VIBES
The 2026 NMEA banquet and auction will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 in the Hyatt Regency Ballroom.
Celebrate 50 Years of NMEA Conferences—1976 Style! Join us for a night of nostalgia with dinner, our annual auction, and great camaraderie among fellow water enthusiasts. Dress in your best ’70s fashion and help us relive the spirit of 1976.
AUCTION TYPES
Live Auction—Nothing beats the excitement of in-person bidding! Raise your paddle fast and bid high when the auctioneer showcases these unique treasures.
Silent Auction—Stroll and spend! Peruse the tables and write in your bid for these diverse and eclectic marine-themed items. Be sure to circle back before the auction closes to make sure you’re the highest bid.
Bag Raffle—Play the numbers game! Buy tickets and drop one or more into your favorite bags for the chance to win these items and curated packages.
Chapter Baskets—Showcase your region! Bring items that highlight something unique to your NMEA Chapter region. Chapter representatives will collect all of the members’ donations to create one amazing basket from each region. These will be raffled off during the Annual Board Luncheon and Awards.
DONATIONS
We are eagerly accepting donations of items, gift cards, experiences, or services for the live and silent auctions and bag raffle. Submit this form to let us know what you’ll be donating. You can bring your item to us at check-in or ship your item ahead of the conference; shipping address will be provided upon request. For more information about donations, please contact us at nmea2026@marine-ed.org.
We would love to have your “aquatic” auction items: jewelry; outdoor gear; any and all crafts/artwork; gift certificates for whale watching, fishing trips, bird watching, cabin/hotel/motel accommodations, or guided outdoor trips. Solicitation of auction items on behalf of NMEA is greatly appreciated—please feel free to use this donation request flyer.
Auction FAQs
What is the NMEA Banquet and Auction?
The NMEA Banquet and Auction is a highlight of the annual conference, bringing attendees together for dinner, community, and a fun opportunity to support marine and aquatic education. The evening features both silent and live auctions with unique aquatic-themed items donated by NMEA members, partners, and local businesses. You don’t have to participate in the auction to participate in the fun events of the evening.
When and where will the banquet take place?
The 2026 Banquet and Auction will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in the Hyatt Regency Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina in Cambridge, Maryland.
What do the auction funds support?
All funds raised through the silent and live auctions support NMEA scholarship programs, which help marine and aquatic educators access professional development and conference opportunities.
Where do the auction items come from?
Auction items are generously donated by NMEA members, organizations, and local businesses. Items often include aquatic-themed artwork, educational materials, experiences, gear, and other unique treasures.
How can I participate in the auction?
Conference attendees can participate by bidding in the silent auction throughout the evening and joining the excitement of the live auction during the banquet.
What should I wear?
The 2026 banquet theme is “1976 Vibes” in celebration of 50 years of NMEA conferences. Attendees are encouraged but not required to dress in their favorite 1970s-inspired attire—think bell bottoms, disco flair, tie-dye, or retro ocean vibes!
Do I need to bring anything?
Just bring your conference badge, your enthusiasm, and be ready to bid on some fun and meaningful items while supporting marine and aquatic educators.
Thank you to our 2026 auction donors:
