2026 Sustainable Trails Conference
Boise, ID
April 14-16, 2026
Join trail professionals, land managers, and industry leaders from across the globe for the Sustainable Trails Conference, April 14-16 2026. Set in the heart of one of America’s premier trail cities, this dynamic event features educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and the always-popular Dirt Demo — plus the Trail Expo, where exhibitors showcase the latest tools, technology, and services shaping the future of trails.
Beyond the conference halls, you’ll connect with colleagues, explore Boise’s vibrant trail culture, and strengthen the community driving the global trail movement.
Secure your spot today with early bird rates—don’t miss this chance to learn, collaborate, and be inspired in one of America’s premier trail cities!
About the Conference
Who: Trail professionals, advocates, planners, and builders from private, public, academic, and nonprofit sectors.
What: 2.5 days of technical training, collaborative education, networking, field-based learning, and trail exploration
Where: Boise, Idaho, the ultimate trail town with 190+ miles of trails just steps from downtown!
Why: To learn, connect, and explore!
What to Expect
Sessions with Substance
Explore the issues and opportunities shaping today’s trail industry - ranging from best practices and workforce development to evolving standards. Presentations will feature a mix of peer-submitted sessions and invited experts.
Practical Skills & Technical Training
Build hands-on knowledge through workshops, roundtables, and interactive sessions designed to translate directly into the field.
Dirt Demo
Operate mechanized trail equipment, trial new tools, and see techniques in action during this outdoor, field-based learning experience.
Collaboration & Community
Connect with colleagues, share ideas, and strengthen relationships during dedicated networking events and informal gatherings.
Schedule-at-a-Glance
Tuesday, April 14
7:30 - 9:00 am: Registration;
Coffee + breakfast buffet
9:15 - 10:30 am: Keynote Speaker
10:30 - 11:00 am: Break + Snacks
11:00 - 11:45 am: General session
12:00 - 1:15 pm: Lunch
1:20 - 2:20 pm: Trail Expo Exclusive
2:30 - 3:30 pm: Breakout Sessions
3:30 - 4:00 pm: Break + Snacks
4:00 - 5:00 pm: Breakout Sessions
5:00 - 7:00 pm: Happy Hour
Wednesday, April 15
7:30 - 8:45 am: Coffee + breakfast buffet
8:45 - 9:45 am: Breakout sessions
9:45 - 10:15 am: Break + Snacks
10:15 - 11:15 am: Breakout sessions
11:30 - 1:00 pm: Lunch
1:15 - 2:15 pm: Breakout Sessions
2:30 - 5:30 pm: Dirt Demo
5:30: Dinner on your own
Thursday, April 16
7:30 - 9:00 am: Coffee + breakfast buffet
9:30 - 10:30 am: Breakout Session
10:30 - 11:00 am: Break + Snacks
11:00 - 12:00 pm: Breakout Session
Conference Ends
Pre- and Post-Conference Workshops
1/2 day, full day, and 2 day workshops will be scheduled before the conference (Saturday 4/11, Sunday 4/12, Monday, 4/13 and/or Thursday 4/16 (afternoon), Friday 4/17
Call for Presentations + Workshops
PTBA invites you to share your expertise at the 2026 Sustainable Trails Conference in Boise, Idaho. We’re seeking sessions that dive into the issues and opportunities shaping today’s trail industry — from best practices in planning, design, and construction to workforce development, evolving standards, and innovative management models.
We’re offering a variety of session formats to fit different learning styles: Classroom Sessions (1-hour breakouts with AV support), Roundtable Discussions (interactive conversations with experts, no AV), Field Sessions (hands-on learning at the Dirt Demo), and Workshops (extended deep dives into technical skills and topics pre- and post-conference).
Whether you bring lessons from the field, research insights, or bold ideas for the future, your contribution will help strengthen and inspire the global trail community.
Exhibit & Sponsorship Opportunities
At the 2026 Sustainable Trails Conference, exhibitors are central to the experience — not just vendors. Your booth becomes a hub for networking, with opportunities to attend sessions, join meals and receptions, and connect with attendees throughout the event.
The Trail Expo and Dirt Demo put your products and services in action, while dedicated expo hours ensure meaningful engagement with the trail community.
Ready to take it to the next level? Demonstrate your support as a sponsor and gain even greater visibility and impact.
Our Site: Boise, ID
The Visit Boise website says it all: Part Rugged, Part Refined - the city you’d want to have a beer with!
The conference will be held at the Boise Centre - in the heart of downtown. From there, outdoor adventures are just steps away. Hundreds of miles of trails are around the corner from the city center. A river runs through the heart of our city, and it’s almost all walkable so you can skip the car if you want.
➡️ The Hiker’s Guide to Wildflower Season
➡️ Mountain Biking the Ridge to Rivers Trail System
And Boise is a culinary adventure, from farm-fresh restaurants and global food trucks to lounges, pubs, and eateries of every style. The city also boasts a downtown distillery, 20+ breweries, and local wineries.
