The 2026 Chesapeake Gateways Annual Partner Meeting is scheduled to take place in Charlottesville, VA on February 11th & 12th.
The annual partner meeting is the keystone technical assistance activity of the network to provide in-person assistance to Chesapeake Gateways network members. The technical assistance meeting is for network members and is expected to include 150 public and private sector participants.
This year’s theme, “America’s Story Begins in the Chesapeake,” honors the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a momentous occasion to reflect on the past and plan for the future as connect people to the rich heritage, natural beauty, and authentic experiences of the Chesapeake region. We will be offering 18 workshop-style sessions over two full days in four topical tracks:
-
Community-Driven Placemaking for America at 250 - Prepare your organization/community to activate the power of place by connecting local voices to our nation’s history; it begins right here in the Chesapeake.
-
Revolutionary Ideas for Economic Development - Explore innovative partnerships that boost local economies and tourism while promoting the Chesapeake’s natural and cultural treasures within public access and outdoor recreation sites.
-
Sharing America's Story through the Chesapeake Gateways Network - Learn from the inspiring work being done in education, interpretation, conservation, and recreation as we unite as a network to steward and connect people to the beauty of America’s largest estuary.
- Foundations and Futures for Sustainable Organizations - Frame a bold future for your organization with proven strategies to strengthen capacity, unlock funding, and amplify community impact.
Please register to attend through our form as soon as possible, as space is limited.
2026 Chesapeake Gateways Annual Partner Meeting
February 11-12, 2025
(Optional site visit days on February 10 & 13)
Omni Charlottesville Hotel
212 Ridge Mcintire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with the hotel reservation link, should you choose to stay overnight during your trip to Charlottesville (be advised, our reserved-rate block of rooms is only available through JANUARY 8, 2026).
2026 Chesapeake Gateways Annual Partner Meeting Agenda
Track 1: Community-Driven Placemaking for America at 250
Prepare your organization/community to activate the power of place by connecting local voices to our nation’s history; it begins right here in the Chesapeake.
Wednesday, February 11 at 9:00 a.m.
Get the tea on state level efforts to put local communities on the map and share your own plans for 2026 in this extended question and answer session.
Moderated by Laura Messer of Virginia Tourism Corporation.
Wednesday, February 11 at 3:15 p.m.
With a little creativity, multidisciplinary programming can be a tool for community building, explore real examples and tools to apply in your own community.
Presented by Michale Steen from the Waterman’s Museum in Yorktown, VA
Thursday, February 12 at 10:45am
Learn how to turn big commemorations into lasting strategies that keep your community engaged, your partners invested, and your visitation growing long after the spotlight fades.
Presented by Heidi Schlag, Culture Link Communications.
Thursday, February 12 at 3:15 p.m.
Living history has come a long way since 1976. Immerse yourself in this theatrical performance that breaks the fourth wall on first-person interpretation.
Presented by Shemika Berry of Ms. Story’s Living History
Track 2: Sharing America's Story through the Chesapeake Gateways Network
Learn from the inspiring work being done in education, interpretation, conservation, and recreation as we unite as a network to steward and connect people to the beauty of America’s largest estuary.
Wednesday, February 11 at 1:30 p.m.
Turn pathways into journeys using collaboration, shared branding, and cross-sector partnership strategies to boost visitation and strengthen community identity for successful placemaking.
Presented by Jim Blackwell, Seaford Museum & Nanticoke Heritage Byway.
Wednesday, February 11 at 3:15 p.m.
Explore the power of community action, adaptive reuse, and visionary planning to transform rural sites into vibrant cultural tourism assets that blend recreation, interpretation, and economic revitalization in communities.
Presented by Peter Miele, Susquehanna National Heritage Area.
Thursday, February 12 at 9:00 a.m.
Even the most unassuming places can become powerful platforms for stewardship, preservation, and deeper connections between people and nature within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Join this conversation on placemaking and community between Andrea Rocchio, The Mariners’ Museum & Park, and Rachael Dickey Gilde, Masonville Cove Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership.
Thursday, February 12 at 1:30 p.m.
Spark curiosity through practical storytelling! Engage with experienced storytellers to build community belonging and inspire long-term stewardship by connecting people and media to the Chesapeake’s rich heritage, history, and natural beauty.
This panel will feature immersive experience experts Everett Landon, Experience Smith Island; John Potvin, Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse; and Will Smith, James River Batteau Company.
Track 3: Foundations and Futures for Sustainable Organizations
Frame a bold future for your organization with proven strategies to strengthen capacity, unlock funding, and amplify community impact.
Wednesday, February 11 at 10:45 a.m.
Explore how proactive planning and practical risk-management strategies can help institutions prepare for the unpredictable and build greater long-term resilience.
Presented by Sultana Education Foundation staff and Charles Bennett, City of Hopewell.
Wednesday, February 11 at 3:15 pm
Discover how to strengthen the individuals and families you serve by using a practical, science-based, strengths-focused method called the Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) framework.
Presented by Jill Ferris, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Thursday, February 12 at 1:30 pm
Learn strategies for sparking interest in joint initiatives, building lasting partnerships, and sustaining momentum from idea through implementation.
Presented by Susan Elks, Gateway Forward; Heather Ersts, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, and Dwayne Patterson, Director of the Division of State Parks for North Carolina (ret)
Thursday, February 12 at 10:45 am
Understand the building blocks of designing great tourism experiences, and how places can intentionally design tourism for both visitors and residents alike.
Presented by Simon Jones and Lily Herbert, NatureScapes and TourismWORKS.
Track 4: Revolutionary Ideas for Economic Development
Explore innovative partnerships that boost local economies and tourism while promoting the Chesapeake’s natural and cultural treasures within public access and outdoor recreation sites.
Thursday, February 12 at 9:00 a.m.
Take practical steps through hands on learning to transform local landscapes and stories, strengthen rural economies, and enhance heritage tourism in your own community.
Presented by David Landis, Village to Village Trails; Chris Ridder, Charlottesville Albemarle CVB; and Alan Yost, Director of Tourism for Greene County, VA.
Wednesday, February 11 at 10:45 a.m.
From idea to airtime, delve into the development of the podcast “Founding Footprints” and its successes and challenges in generating visitor engagement.
Presented by Carla Mullen, Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau; Nathan Moore, WTJU 91.1 FM; Will Smith, James River Batteau Company
Thursday, February 12 at 10:45am
Paddle the river, power the economy - examine how recreation, heritage, and public access connect to expand economic development and start your own journey for your community.
Presented by Alana Jajko and Poppy Breining, Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and Mark McLaughlin, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Wednesday, February 11 at 1:30 p.m.
Discover how State Historic Preservation Offices can help you act in preserving important historic places in your community.
Presented by: Troy Nowak, Maryland Historical Trust; Julie Langan, Virginia Department of Historic Resources; Bill Callahan, Pennsylvania Historic Preservation; Meredith Dreistadt, West Virginia Culture Center
Track 5: Network Benefits Workshop
Put your network benefits to work! This interactive workshop will explore opportunities to utilize network benefits. This session will be offered twice as a non-track alternative session for all attendees. the NPS Chesapeake Gateways Communications and Visitor Experience team
Wednesday, February 11 at 1:30pm & Thursday, February 12 at 9:00am
Opening Keynote
More information coming on our opening keynote speaker for 2026.
Wednesday, February 11 at 9:00am
Closing Keynote
More information coming on our closing keynote speaker for 2026.
Thursday, February 12 at 3:15pm
Last updated: December 4, 2025