2026 CAEE Advancing EE Conference

We are profoundly honored to welcome world-renowned author, advocate, and CSU professor Dr. Temple Grandin as our 2026 keynote speaker. In this inspiring address, Dr. Grandin will dive into the core concepts of her transformative book, Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions.

For too long, our educational and professional systems have leaned heavily on verbal thinking, often overlooking those who perceive the world through structure, imagery, and spatial relationships. Dr. Grandin argues that a world relying on only one type of mind is a world ill-equipped to solve its most pressing crises. To ground our work in our common roots and truly cultivate community care, we must understand and champion neurodiversity.

Complex ecological challenges—from sustainable agriculture to resource conservation—require a collective tapestry of diverse thinkers. Object visualizers, spatial pattern-seekers, and verbal thinkers must collaborate to build the safe, healthy future our living landscapes deserve. As environmental and outdoor learning professionals, you are uniquely positioned to unlock these hidden gifts in your learners. Dr. Grandin’s insights will redefine how you view education, communication, and problem-solving, offering invaluable tools to reach and inspire every type of mind in your programs.

Join us for a fascinating exploration of how thinking differently is not just an asset, but a strict necessity for collective action. Prepare to leave this session with a renewed sense of empathy, a deeper understanding of human potential, and a whole new lens through which to see the world.