2026 Great Lakes Regional Learning Exchange

Join us for our second Great Lakes Regional Learning Exchange, a free, day-long event designed to build the capacity of organizations working to protect and restore the Great Lakes. This gathering brings together community leaders, nonprofit professionals, and regional experts to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and strengthen the skills needed to access and manage federal funding successfully.  

Meals will be provided, and all sessions are free and open to those committed to advancing locally led environmental solutions across the Great Lakes region.  

Tentative Agenda:

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Registration & Coffee  

9:30 AM – 9:50 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks 

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Opening Plenary 

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Breakout Sessions

• 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM – Session Option A
• 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM – Session Option B

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch and Networking

1:30 PM – 2:45 PM | Breakout Sessions 

• 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM | Session Option A
• 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM | Session Option B

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Closing Plenary 

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Closing Remarks & Adjournment

Please note: This is a tentative agenda. A detailed agenda, including session topics, speakers, and breakout session descriptions, will be provided in the coming weeks.

Target Audience:

This event is designed for community-based organizations, nonprofit leaders, and program staff working to advance positive environmental outcomes in Great Lakes communities. Whether part of a small or emerging nonprofit new to federal funding, or an established organization looking to strengthen your grant management infrastructure, the Learning Exchange offers valuable training and peer learning opportunities. The event also welcomes tribal and Indigenous organizations, local government partners, technical assistance providers, and regional coalitions committed to building community capacity and driving restoration efforts across the Great Lakes region.  

Accommodations & Travel Stipends:

The Great Lakes Regional Learning Exchange will take place in Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood. For your convenience, we recommend booking accommodations at the Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland University Circle, located just a six-minute walk from the venue. The hotel is situated near Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

If you need hotel and/or travel accommodations, please contact Lisette Perez at lperez@estuaries.org  

A limited number of stipends are available. If you would like to request stipend support, please do so as soon as possible. Requests must be submitted by the end of the day on September 18.

·        Public Transportation – RTA Red Line: The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Red Line provides direct rail service from Cleveland Hopkins Airport to the CWRU/University Circle area. The RTA station is located on the lower level of the airport terminal. Take the Red Line eastbound toward Windermere. You can exit at Cedar–University or Little Italy–University Circle, depending on which is closest to your hotel. The trip is approximately 40 minutes, and no transfer at Downtown Cleveland/Tower City is required. From the station, attendees can walk, use a local shuttle, or take a short rideshare to their hotel.

·        Uber & Lyft: Rideshare services are available at Cleveland Hopkins and provide direct transportation to hotels in the CWRU/University Circle area. Follow airport signage to the designated rideshare pickup area after collecting your luggage.

·        Taxi: Taxi service is also available from Cleveland Hopkins. Taxis can provide direct transportation from the airport to your hotel or the CWRU/University Circle area.

·        Rental Cars: Several major rental car companies serve Cleveland Hopkins for those who prefer to have a vehicle during their stay. Keep in mind that parking availability and fees may vary depending on your hotel and destination.

We look forward to having you there!