Registration opens February 16
Shaping trails in North Carolina,
The Great Trails State
August 10-12, 2026
The Great Trails State Conference brings together trail planners, designers and builders, recreational professionals, community and elected leaders, tourism partners, and others to learn and share best practices to advance trail and greenway development and promotion throughout North Carolina.
What to Expect
Discover how trails transform communities!
Dive into sessions on trail impact, funding strategies, planning & construction, management, promotion, technology, and leadership.
Hands-on field trips and engaging social events give you the chance to see best practices in action and connect with fellow trail champions.
Learn, explore, and get inspired. Take your trails to the next level!
Deadline: March 6th, 2026
Discount Deadline: April 30, 2026
WSNC
Hosted in Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem is a central location in North Carolina as well as a leader in creating trails with many outdoor opportunities in the city and nearby.
The newly renovated Benton Convention Center features excellent space in the Center of Winston-Salem’s downtown, adjacent to accommodations, local businesses, the Downtown Arts District, Fourth Street’s Restaurant Row, craft breweries, and more.
Co-hosted by
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Conference brings together leaders from every sector that contributes to North Carolina as the Great Trails State. As the state’s premier gathering for trail, recreation, and community development professionals, the event attracts a diverse network of changemakers who are shaping the future of trails and outdoor access across the state.
Why sponsor?
- Demonstrate your organization’s commitment to advancing healthy, prosperous, and sustainable communities through trail and greenway development.
- Connect with attendees and regional member organizations who are working together to leverage their resources to develop trails and greenways.
- Further develop your organization’s brand awareness with an influential community of public and private sector leaders
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Sponsor Perks, Brand Placement, & Member Benefits *Sponsorship Member Discounts Expire Apr 30!
SOLD
Presenting
SPONSOR
Summit
SPONSOR
$7,500
- 5 Attendees
- Priority booth selection
- Attendee list available anytime upon request
- Conference Role: Introduce keynote, Film Fest, or Agency Panel
- Invitation as session presenter
- Website sponsor page
- Event specific sponsor
- App site page
- Membership recognition
- 20% off for Coalition members until Apr 30!
Trailblazer
SPONSOR
$5,000
- 3 Attendees
- Priority booth selection
- Attendee list available 2 weeks prior
- Conference Role: Reception, networking break, lunch, or poster session
- Website sponsor page
- App site page
- Networking sponsor
- Membership recognition
- 15% off for Coalition members until Apr 30!
Wayfinder
SPONSOR
$3,000
- 2 Attendees
- Secondary booth selection
- Attendee list available 1 week prior
- Conference Role: Introduce session speaker
- Website sponsor page
- Session specific sponsor
- Membership recognition
- 15% off for Coalition members until Apr 30!
Exhibitor
SPONSOR
$1,500
- 1 Attendee
- Booth
- Booth selection as available
- Attendee list available 2 days prior
- Conference Role: Exhibitor
- Website sponsor page
- Membership recognition
- 10% off for Coalition members until Apr 30!
Non-Profit
SPONSOR
$600
- 1 Attendee
- Booth
- Booth selection as available
- Attendee list available post conference
- Conference Role: Exhibitor
- Website sponsor page
- Membership recognition
- 10% off for Coalition Members until Apr 30!
We are excited to offer Whova as the conference app for the 2026 Great Trails State Conference! GTSC provides ample one-on-one time to engage with trail advocates, managers and leaders, but using the Whova App will allow you to enhance engagement opportunities. Whova enables booth traffic both virtually and in person through a customized exhibitor webpage, allowing you to generate leads from online interactions and promotional offers.