In honor of ESA Vegetation Classification Panel’s 25th anniversary, we propose an organized oral session to mark the state of knowledge of vegetation classification and importance of characterizing vegetation communities for research, management, and conservation. With habitat loss the main factor explaining loss of biodiversity, and loss of biodiversity the main factor explaining loss of ecosystem function, it is more important than ever to have a standardized classification across regional, national, and international borders if we are to mitigate the numerous anthropogenic impacts on habitats. This OOS examines the current importance of vegetation classifications and the future of such classifications. American and international scholars, with the charge to integrate the work of the Panel over the past 25 years with international efforts focusing on similar initiatives, will author each talk. All talks will pose questions that forward a research agenda for vegetation characterization and classification that helps address ecosystem change in the 21st century.