Cobleskill, NY - June 21st - 28th
2025 NSS Convention
Celebrate A Lifetime Of Caving
The National Speleological Society (NSS) returns to beautiful Schoharie County in upstate New York to hold our 82nd Annual Convention.
Merchandise is now subject to available inventory. Place your orders while limited supplies last.
Join us in Cobleskill
In 1991 SUNY Cobleskill served as the primary location for the Society’s annual convention. In 2025 the Society returns to the school and will use The Sunshine Fairgrounds as the center of convention activities as well. Scientific, artistic, educational, historic, and technical sessions along with exhibits will be at the college. Daily cave trips throughout the region will give way to social activities at the fairgrounds including the Monday evening Howdy Party and culminating with the awards banquet on Friday.
Click here to see detailed maps of the college, fairgrounds, and downtown Cobleskill
Dig A Little Deeper:
Tell Me More About 2025
Robbie Shone: Our Featured Tuesday Night Speaker
His presentation will be "Life as a Cave Photographer: A Journey into the Depths of the Earth”. Robbie’s legendary caving exploits around the world have been featured in National Geographic Magazine and many other leading publications. His photos have been used on multiple Nat Geo covers, with one most recently recognized as among the photos of the year for that magazine. He is an in demand presenter globally. The heart of his work is expedition cave photography under the most challenging circumstances.
Say It Again, And Celebrate A Lifetime Of Caving Together
There will be a wedding vows renewal ceremony for any cavers wishing to express their batty love for each other in the presence of the cave family. The event will be in the campground on Sunday evening June 22. The joyous event will be officiated by the reverend Dr. Pat Kambesis with readings from the Cave James Scriptures by Speleopastor Anmar Mirza. If you plan on participating please RSVP to Ken Moore at caverken@gmail.com by May first. Cake will be served after the ceremony. Cave suits are considered formal wear.
What is the Caver Co-Op?
The Caver Co-Op provides an opportunity for cavers to buy and sell caving related items at the convention. The Caver Co-Op is located in the vendor area and open to check in items on Sunday, with regular hours beginning Monday for sales and to check in additional merchandise. Use this link for details about selling.
Tell Us Your Story
We are publishing a small book of stories from lifetime cavers of the NSS. Look for this delightful little book in your registration package.
Meal Plan, Camping, (Our Motel Is Full)
Luminary Speakers Include Cobleskill’s Own Lifetime Caver Bob Addis
Bob is a former long serving board member and recipient of the Victor A. Schmidt Conservation Award. Those who know Bob also know he has many tales to share! From co-founding Bob & Bob Enterprises and the Northeastern Cave Conservancy to starting and acting as the MC of the OTR Do Dah parade, he has alway been at the heart of matters in the caving community. As Bob likes to say, you can never have too much fun. Jim Pisarowicz and Bruce Smith will be on stage as luminaries as well. We can’t wait to hear from this year’s luminaries!
Join The Junior Speleological Society In Cobleskill
For youth 7 to 17 years old. We’ll explore hydropower to generate electricity as well as form caves. See valleys from hiking and park vistas. Search for clues pointing to possible hidden caves. Scour up close in multiple places to spot fossils. We’ll investigate wild caves and a commercial cave. Challenge your body at Wild Play ariel adventure course. Mine for Herkimer Diamonds in an open quarry and keep the crystals you find. Cave Sim, JSS Olympics, scavenger hunts and more are planned. Learn from a variety of adult experts about vertical climbing, cave photography, geology, biology and cave rescue. Have a passion for a topic? Connect with us to prepare a 10-minute talk by a JSS member for JSS members. Join in the planning with your ideas. Celebrate along the way with the NSS Howdy Party, a special JSS themed-party, NSS Campground Party, NSS Salons, NSS Banquet and JSS-slideshow as wrap-up to this JSS scientific meeting. Adult volunteers are needed and appreciated! Please contact Bonnie (518) 309-0621, bonniemschultz@gmail.com if you have a few hours or a day to chaperone and/or assist. Adult family members of JSS participants are encouraged to participate in all JSS events.
Floyd Collins, Floyd Collins!
This is the 100th anniversary of the Floyd Collins event. On such a significant anniversary you may get lucky and see him hanging around the convention!
our vendors and exhibitors will be conveniently located in the gymnasium in Bouck Hall near the auditorium and registration.
VENDORS: On Rope1, Southeast Expedition Medical, Gneiss Art, Mountain Street Pottery, Northeastern Cave Conservancy & Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Outstanding Stitches, Inner Mountain Outfitters, Sophi Reap Tress, Marble Mountain Electronics, Speleobooks, PMI, Michael Kehs Woodworks, West Virginia Underground, LLC.
EXHIBITORS: Cricket Maze Cave Conservancy, Cave Conservancy of Hawaii, Rockcastle Karst Conservancy, National Cave and Karst Research Institute, West Virginia Cave Conservancy, Appalachian Cave Conservancy, Cave Conservancy Foundation, Cave Conservancy of the Virginias, National Cave Association, American Cave Conservation Association.
Dancing Cat Videos!!!
Click bait videos... Along with a nod to our great staff
Watch our promotional video
Want to see where sessions and events will take place, local dining venues, a sampling of the caves in Albany and Schoharie Counties, and some of the nearby outdoor vistas? Check out our promotional video!
Thanks to our Sponsors!
Ruby Sponsor $2,500
Bronze Sponsor $100
