What began in 1996 as a modest gathering at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine—then housed in a converted elementary school—has grown into one of the most respected herbal medicine conferences in the country. In those early days, panel discussions were held outside under the desert night sky, with the renowned herbalist Michael Moore batting away insects as he shared his stories and wisdom.
The conference soon found its permanent home at the college’s new Tempe campus (now Sonoran University), where it flourished with larger lecture halls, bustling exhibitor spaces, and memorable field studies exploring the Sonoran desert. For more than two decades, this annual event brought together herbalists, naturopathic doctors, and plant enthusiasts for three days of connection, discovery, and deep learning.
When COVID-19 forced a shift online in 2020, the conference adapted—embracing a format that allowed participants from around the world to join in. Far from diminishing the experience, the online transition opened new doors, making the conference more accessible while preserving its community spirit. Lise Alschuler, ND, was also a teacher that year, and has recently assumed the presidency of Sonoran University, and 30 years she is still teaching at this event! Speakers including Kenneth Proefrock NMD, Paul Bergner, Jillian Stansbury, ND, Sam Coffman, LAc, Mary Rondeau, ND, Katie Stage, ND and Lise Alschuler, ND (now president of Sonoran University) are all regulars at this gathering.
Now in its 30th year, the Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine continues this tradition of innovation and connection. Mark your calendars: the conference is moving to earlier dates, February 13–15, 2026. The program will feature 21 clinical lectures from some of the nation’s most experienced herbal practitioners, plus a special pre-conference intensive on neurological health with Donald Yance, CN, RH (AHG).
And while most of the event is online, the spirit of gathering in nature continues: on Friday, join herbalist John Slattery for an in-person field study in the desert, exploring the plants of the region in their natural habitat. And for those who love making their own medicine, Katie Stage, ND demonstrates the preparation of botanical formulas in the school's herb garden on Friday.
As always, attendees will receive six months of video streaming (except outdoor workshops), a full audio set to keep, and digital lecture notes. But more than the materials, it’s the spirit of the gathering that keeps people coming back year after year—the chance to learn from leading voices in botanical medicine and to connect with a vibrant community committed to the healing power of plants.
Registration is now open for this beloved annual event. Be part of the story in 2026 as we celebrate thirty years of herbal knowledge, tradition, and community.
