Join fellow Stewards, Land Managers, legislators, and friends from across the state to celebrate four decades of protecting Arizona's fragile archaeological heritage.
Friday, November 13, 2026 · 5:00 – 8:00 PMGila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass | Chandler, Arizona
The Arizona Site Steward Program is a proven success today and a model for other state programs because of the foresight Governor Babbitt and his administration demonstrated in 1986. The current objective of the Arizona Site Steward Program Foundation is to obtain sponsorship for the future of the Program, to ensure sustainability independent of unpredictable government funding support. We are pleased with the response so far and encourage you to check out the sponsor page. Let’s work together to add you to that sponsorship listing.
“Getting the program underway was one of the best accomplishments of my time as Governor.”
— Governor Bruce Babbitt (9/2026)
Friday, November 13th
Saturday, November 14th
We've secured a special group rate at Gila River Resorts – Wild Horse Pass, located just off I-10 south of Chandler. Reserve through the event registration link to access the discounted rate.
Rates are available Thursday, November 12 through Sunday, November 15 — make a full weekend of it.
A $50/night incidental hold is placed at check-in and released within 7–10 days if no room charges are made. For hotel questions, .
📅 Nov 12 – 15, 2026
📍 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd
Chandler, Arizona
Active Site Stewards attend at no charge. Non-steward guests are welcome with a $35 registration fee — a portion of which supports youth archaeology education through Project Archaeology. Everyone attending must register separately.
Registration deadline: October 25, 2026
Is this a conference?
No — this is a celebration. The event honors 40 years of amazing work by our Stewards, Land Manager partners, and the 6,000+ individuals who have called themselves Stewards over the decades.
Do Site Stewards pay to attend?
No, Stewards attend free. Non-steward guests pay $35 to offset additional event costs.
Does everyone need to register separately?
Yes — to get an accurate count for food and seating, every person attending (including Stewards and their guests) must register individually.
Can I register at the door on November 13th?
No — please register no later than October 25, 2026.
Can I make my hotel reservation when I register?
Yes — the hotel reservation link is included in the event registration form. You can also pay by check; contact us for mailing details.
Will there be special guests?
We have extended an invitation to former Governor and Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt. Invitations are going to all 22 tribes in Arizona, state legislators, Land Managers, and Sponsors.
Sponsorship levels are named for significant cultural heritage sites and landscapes across Arizona. Sponsorships support both the 40th Anniversary event and 2026–2027 programming.
Heritage Champion
$40,000
Preservation Partner
$30,000
Site Steward Guardian
$20,000
Cultural Heritage Patron
$10,000
Desert Legacy Keeper
$7,500
Cultural Discovery Sentinel
$5,000
Ancient Landscapes Navigator
$2,500
Preservation Education Supporter
$1,500