Save the Date
Location
The 2026 conference will be hosted at the San Antonio Zoo, an AZA-accredited institution and beloved San Antonio, TX landmark. The staff of Will Smith Zoo School is ready to welcome conference attendees for concurrent sessions both indoors and outdoors in the school's extensive outdoor play and learning areas. Plenary sessions will be hosted at the zoo's brand-new event space, The Ralston, with views across the zoo and the San Antonio skyline. And, as always, the conference will include site tours to nature-rich programs across the San Antonio area.
Tentative Schedule
The conference is being held in June 2026, earlier than it has been held in past years.
- Wednesday June 24: Optional Workshops and Pre-Conference Meetings, Conference Kick-Off
- Thursday and Friday June 25-26: Concurrent and Plenary Sessions
- Saturday June 27: Optional Site Visits of San Antonio-Area Programs
Registration Cost
Registration will open at the end of February. The early bird registration rate is $435 and will be available through June 1. After June 1, the cost for registration will go up to the regular rate of $475.
Conference Hotel
Conference attendees should book their rooms at the Kimpton Santo San Antonio - Riverwalk, steps from both San Antonio's famed Riverwalk, Hemisfair Park, and Tower of the Americas. The Kimpton has provided a special discounted rates starting at $140/night for conference attendees (see booking link below). The conference opening reception will be held at the Kimpton Santo, and transportation will be provided to the San Antonio Zoo for conference sessions. When not attending conference activities, guests can enjoy the Kimpton's rooftop, pool, or relax under the century-old live oaks in the courtyard.
Book a Room
Book a standard room at a discounted rate of $140/night by following this link, or by calling 866-246-5914 and asking for the Natural Start Alliance Annual Conference rate. The conference takes place June 24–27 and the discounted room rate rate applies to stays booked June 21–27.
Check-in time is after 3:00 PM and check-out time is before 12:00 PM.
San Antonio Attractions
Whether you love nature, history, culture, food, or music, San Antonio is full adventures waiting just for you! Get excited about visiting San Antonio and start planning your trip.