As communities grapple with scenic-conservation issues ranging from AI data centers to energy infrastructure to digital billboards, the need has never been greater for a conversation about protecting scenic beauty.
So many questions are facing all of us now about transportation projects, the future of parks and public spaces; questions about how to protect the visual character of our country’s landscapes, cities, and towns.
Critical questions have never been timelier. These questions – and the people working to answer them – will come together in St. Louis Sept. 23-24 for Scenic Symposium 2026, a two-day national gathering at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Hosted by Scenic America in partnership with its Scenic Missouri chapter, the Symposium will host professionals, students, volunteers, community leaders, and anyone interested in protecting scenic beauty.
Attendees from across the U.S. will join leaders in scenic conservation to explore solutions to today’s challenges. Among topics covered will be billboard regulation, utility undergrounding, scenic byways, creation of parks and public spaces.
“Beautiful places are the result of thoughtful planning, dedicated stewardship, and communities that recognize scenic beauty as a requirement for a high quality of life,” said Mark Falzone, president and CEO of Scenic America.
“Scenic Symposium brings together people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to share ideas, learn from one another, and help shape the future of scenic beauty in our country, he added.”
While the Symposium draws participants from throughout the country, St. Louis provides an especially fitting setting for the national gathering.
“From the internationally renowned Missouri Botanical Garden, and the expansive landscapes of Forest Park, to the Katy Trail and Missouri’s Ozark Run Scenic Byway, St. Louis offers noteworthy examples of how parks, public spaces, scenic landscapes can uplift communities,” said John Hock, president of Scenic Missouri.
“These principles will provide a fitting backdrop for the conversations taking place throughout the Symposium, Houk noted.”
Beyond the formal program, participants will enjoy opportunities to connect during breaks and an evening networking reception, where conversations can lead to new partnerships, fresh perspectives, and innovative ideas.
Scenic Symposium 2026 is Scenic America’s flagship thought-leadership event on scenic conservation. Additional information and registration are available at www.scenic.org/scenicsymposium2026.
Detailed information on the symposium agenda, session overviews, and speaker bios is available at:
https://www.scenic.org/scenic-symposium-2026-sessions-speakers/.
Environmental Echo 