Rapid City, SD — The National Bison Association (NBA) is proud to announce its 2027 Winter Conference, the largest annual gathering of bison producers, marketers, tribal partners, researchers, and industry stakeholders in North America. Each year, the Winter Conference brings together the full bison community to network, learn, and advance the shared mission of restoring America’s National Mammal to the landscape.
The 2027 Winter Conference will be held in person January 20-23, 2027. This year’s conference will take place at the Hilton Denver City Center, a modern downtown venue located just minutes from the National Western Stock Show—home to the Gold Trophy Show & Sale and the top bison show for the United States. The conference will feature a dedicated exhibitor ballroom at the new venue, providing improved visibility and engagement for vendors and partners.
Attendees will have unique opportunities for bison-specific learning, engagement, producer development, and community building. The conference will kick off with an evening designed to spark connection, curiosity, and commUNITY. Bison researchers from across the world will showcase their work and innovation shaping the future of the bison industry at the welcome reception and poster session. Thursday and Friday will be packed with educational seminars and networking opportunities.
For those not quite ready to be bison ranchers but are exploring the business opportunity, we warmly invite the public to join us at the Thursday Gala Dinner & Fundraising Auction. Highlights include a premium bison steak dinner, a high‑energy live fundraiser auction with unique items and experiences that directly support NBA outreach, education, and foundation programs; and industry camaraderie. Join producers, partners, and friends for an evening that strengthens the relationships driving our collective success.
We also welcome the next generation of bison stewards to join us at the National Western Stock Show Friday morning to participate in the Larry Higgins Junior Judging Contest. Held annually at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, this premier contest is hosted by the National Bison Association and the Rocky Mountain Bison Association. It provides a unique, hands-on opportunity for participants ages 8–21 to evaluate elite bison livestock and compete for academic scholarship prizes either as teams or individuals.
The Winter Conference is the premier bison industry event of the year, offering three days of education, collaboration, and celebration. Explore the full agenda online and begin planning your experience at https://nationalbison.org/event/2027-national-bison-association-winter-conference/
About the NBA
The NBA is a member-based non-profit association of producers, processors, marketers, and bison enthusiasts. The mission of the National Bison Association is to bring together stakeholders to celebrate the heritage of American bison, to educate, and to create a sustainable future for our industry. Learn more at nationalbison.org, or @nationalbison.