Education conferences give teachers, administrators, and other education professionals a chance to explore new ideas and strategies, network with their peers, and get reenergized. Plus, there’s always a lot of fun (free) swag! In 2026, there are conferences for every type of teacher and school professional—the ed-techie, the project-based learning guru, the school counselor, and more. (Tip: Plan ahead and book early to get the best rates.)
Here are our picks for the best education conferences for 2026.
January
Future of Education Technology Conference
Enhance your expertise in the K-12 landscape and beyond through a dynamic experience where innovation meets inspiration at FETC. Engage with specialized sessions spanning eight unique tracks, each meticulously crafted to advance specific educational roles in the fast-evolving ed-tech domain. The 2026 conference has already taken place, but you can register for the 2027 event now.
- January 26–29, 2027
- Orlando, Florida
Bett
Bett is the international organization for educational technology. Learn about education tech, collaborate with other teachers and leaders, and get new ideas for how to use ed tech in your classroom at this exclusive educational conference.
- London, England: January 21–23, 2026
- Sao Paolo, Brazil: May 5–8, 2026
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: September 23–24, 2026
TCEA
The TCEA (Texas Computer Education Association) conference has more than 700 sessions to choose from. Check out their sessions on AI, research-based teaching practices, and more. The exhibition hall has more than 450 exhibitors. Attend for a day or for the entire week to maximize networking and engagement.
- January 31 to February 4, 2026
- San Antonio, Texas
February 2026
LitCon 2026
LitCon is a literacy instruction conference that will go completely online in 2026. Attendees can attend as many of 75 online sessions as they want and learn about the latest in literacy research and instruction. Classroom teachers, literacy coaches, specialists, Title I teachers, coordinators, and Reading Recovery professionals who attend will find the content particularly beneficial. This event is designed to support these roles with effective strategies and innovative approaches in teaching literacy.
- January 26 to February 28, 2026
- Online
Innovative Schools Summit
The Innovative Schools Summit is a premier K-12 education conference in the United States. This event brings together renowned thought leaders, administrators, teachers, and consultants from around the world for an exclusive educational conference experience. They gather to share cutting-edge practices and research-driven strategies in a stimulating and inspiring setting, making it a must-attend for those committed to transforming education.
- New York, New York: February 25–28, 2026
- Orlando, Florida: March 12–15, 2026
- Las Vegas, Nevada: July 6–10, 2026
- Nashville, Tennessee: July 25–29, 2026
AASA National Conference on Education
This year’s conference focused on integrating emerging technologies, with an expansion in discussions around artificial intelligence, a trend that has gained tremendous momentum over the last year. The 2026 conference already took place, but save the date for NCE 2027.
- February 25–27, 2027
- Atlanta, Georgia
March 2026
FLANC Spring Conference
This conference is designed for K-20 world language and K-12 dual language immersion educators. It focuses on enhancing world language programs, emphasizing strategies to enrich language learners’ proficiency, develop educational programs, and prepare world language educators for future challenges.
- March 19–21, 2026
- Raleigh, North Carolina
SXSW EDU Conference & Festival
This conference is truly a voice for educators as participants play an active role in choosing the final lineup by voting on proposals submitted by their peers. Check out more than 300 sessions and workshops, 15 films and performances, competitions, exhibitions, and more.
- March 9–12, 2026
- Austin, Texas
CEC 2026 Convention & Expo
Every year, the CEC Convention & Expo brings together thousands of special education professionals from across the globe to learn, share insights, and connect with one another. Offering hundreds of sessions covering a wide range of topics in the field, this event stands out as the essential professional development gathering for those dedicated to supporting their students. Attendees gain access to the latest research, practical tips, and effective strategies, making it an invaluable resource for anyone involved in special education.
- March 11–14, 2026
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Virtual component: April 8 to July 9, 2026
CUE Spring Conference
CUE is an ed-tech organization that focuses on increasing access to technology and using technology to solve problems and improve communities and the world. The CUE conference is an opportunity to gather with other educators and collaborate, network, and learn through hands-on workshops.
- March 19–21, 2026
- Palm Springs, California
Deeper Learning Conference
Come together with other teachers to engage in joy and learning committed to creating student-centered schools. This innovative, forward-thinking conference is a refreshing change from typical conferences.
- March 30 to April 1, 2026
- San Diego, California
TESOL 2026 Convention & Expo
The TESOL association conference is for teachers who focus on multilingual learners and teach students who are learning English. Attend workshops, connect with other teachers, and grow your network of friends who can support your work with multilingual learners.
- March 24–27, 2026
- Salt Lake City, Utah
April 2026
NSTA
This is a beneficial conference whether you’re a pre-service teacher, veteran educator, teacher leader, curriculum specialist, instructional coach, informal educator, or anything in between.
- April 15–18, 2026
- Anaheim, California
June 2026
PBL World
If your school uses project-based learning (PBL) or you’re interested in this method of learning, PBL World is a multiday PBL conference put on by PBL Works. Teachers, coaches, and leaders come together to learn about PBL and connect with peers.
- June 15–18, 2026
- American Canyon, California
2026 Model Schools Conference (formerly ICLE)
Be inspired by renowned speakers and engaging sessions, and learn from Model Schools and Innovative Districts that are making strides in transforming their educational cultures and boosting student achievement. This event offers a unique opportunity to network with peers within a collaborative learning community. You’ll leave with practical, actionable strategies to implement in your school.
- June 28 to July 1, 2026
- Orlando, Florida
ELEVATE Your Classroom
ELEVATE is a key conference for pre-K-to-2nd-grade educators and administrators focused on practical strategies to improve teaching and leadership. Featuring research-backed sessions from experienced educators, the event covers tools, inclusive teaching methods, and solutions to support student learning and outcomes. Whether you want to boost creativity, refine classroom management, or explore new technologies, this conference offers valuable insights to enhance your classroom.
- June 21–23, 2026; Dallas, Texas
- July 8–10, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada
Online Teaching Conference
The Online Teaching Conference brings together leading educators to explore innovations in online education. It focuses on enhancing curriculum, pedagogy, and technology to improve online instruction and student success. This event provides a valuable platform for faculty, staff, and administrators to network, exchange knowledge, share best practices, and grow professionally.
- June 23–25, 2026
- Anaheim, California
ASCD Annual Conference
Engage, celebrate, and connect at this dynamic event that brings together educational leaders and innovators. Supercharge your teaching and leadership skills to influence the future of education. This year’s theme, “Designing the Future of Learning,” promises to inspire new ideas and inspiration. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this vibrant gathering of educational change-makers.
- June 28 to July 1, 2026
- Orlando, Florida
- ISTE, EdSurge, and ASCD have come together for their conferences this year.
ISTELive 26
For over 40 years, the ISTE conference has stood out as a leading global forum in the field of education. It is renowned for bringing together educators and leaders to participate in practical learning experiences, exchange best practices, and gain insights from some of the most distinguished figures in education and related fields. This gathering is pivotal for those looking to stay at the forefront of educational innovation and development.
- June 28 to July 1, 2026
- Orlando, Florida
- ISTE, EdSurge, and ASCD have come together for their conferences this year.
July 2026
GYTO (Get Your Teach On) Fest
Need to reignite your passion for teaching? This might be the education conference for you. Spend time with Team Get Your Teach On as they share their enthusiasm for education and share their tips, tricks, best practices, and teacher secrets to building a successful and engaging classroom. You will leave feeling empowered, motivated, and prepared to create dynamic lessons that will challenge your students and leave them hungry for more.
- July 5–8, 2026
- Orlando, Florida
ASCA
The American School Counselor Association conference is the place where school counselors come together to learn and connect. Learn about best practices, meet other school counselors, and tour the exhibit hall.
- July 11–14, 2026
- New Orleans, Louisiana
Science on the Grand
Science on the Grand is an amazing STEAM conference for K-8 inquiry-based educators that’s filled with practical, teacher-tested ideas that will fuel your teaching fire. Experience NGSS-aligned sessions focused on cutting-edge, inquiry-driven, and classroom-ready strategies. Science on the Grand 2026 will help you take your teaching to the next level. This conference is brought to you by the Van Andel Institute for Education, which is a globally connected innovator that engages the best minds in pursuit of bold ideas and breakthroughs in biomedical research and science education.
- July 13–14, 2026
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
September 2026
National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)
The 2025 theme, “Building Our Community,” set the stage for a mix of formal breakout sessions, impactful keynotes, and casual discussions with peers from across the nation. The event features significant involvement from key U.S. Department of Education staff and technical-assistance providers, focusing on the dialogue around federal policies and their practical application at state and local levels. Additionally, premier partners contribute valuable resources and products to aid participants’ ongoing work.
- September 28–30, 2026
- San Antonio, Texas
October 2026
Digital Learning Annual Conference (DLAC)
DLAC is the digital learning conference focused on eliminating the barriers of time and place when it comes to learning. The DLAC conference attracts a variety of participants, from teachers to district leaders, policy advocates, entrepreneurs, and others. Sessions are short and interactive to build conversation and collaboration around enhancing digital learning.
- October 19–21, 2026
- Atlanta, Georgia
National Rural Education Association
The National Forum to Advance Rural Education conference is aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation among a diverse community of national experts, educators from K–12 to higher education, leading researchers, policymakers, and others. The conference features sessions, interactive learning opportunities, and extensive networking for those involved in rural education across the United States.
- October 19–21, 2026
- San Antonio, Texas
NCTM Annual Meeting & Exposition
If you’re looking for education conferences for math teachers, the NCTM Annual Meeting is the one. This event brings together thousands of mathematics educators from all over the world to collaborate, network, learn, inspire, and much more. With hundreds of education sessions to choose from and attend, you can expect to walk away with more knowledge and inspiration to implement in your classroom.
- October 28–31, 2026
- Denver, Colorado
ILA Global Conference
The ILA’s Global Conference attracts over 1,200 leadership professionals from around the world, encompassing a diverse group that includes distinguished business executives, prominent public figures, innovative authors and researchers, seasoned educators and students, impactful coaches, and organizational development experts.
- October 28–31, 2026
- Toronto, Canada
November 2026
Council of Administrators of Special Education Conference
The CASE conference focuses on special education advocacy and leadership. A great conference for special education teachers or directors who want to learn from experts and connect with peers.
- November 11–13, 2026
- Providence, Rhode Island
ACTFL
The ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo is for language teachers. Attendees can access more than 600 sessions, an interactive exhibit hall, keynote speakers, and networking with more than 6,000 language teachers. You’re bound to find someone to collaborate with!
- November 20–22, 2026
- San Antonio, Texas
NCTE Annual Convention
The NCTE Annual Convention is a key event for teachers of English and language arts, standing out as the essential yearly gathering for educators in this field. Learn from leading experts and engage in a variety of sessions that will enrich and invigorate your teaching. It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow educators from across the country, participate in engaging social and cultural activities (such as a book fair and awards ceremony), and exchange stories of challenges and triumphs with a supportive network of English language professionals who are there to help you succeed well into the future.
- November 19–22, 2026
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Conference on English Leadership (CEL)
A collaborative, dynamic, discussion-based forum for literacy leaders. Details will be added throughout the coming year as they become available.
- November 22–24, 2026
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
December 2026
ACTE CareerTech Vision 2026
The Association for Career and Technical Education’s CareerTech Vision is the essential conference for career and technical education (CTE) professionals. This annual event provides a comprehensive look at high-quality CTE practices applicable in both secondary and post-secondary settings. It showcases emerging trends in the field that are key for educators looking to excel in their careers and expand their industry connections. Vision features an extensive lineup of programming, including numerous networking opportunities, a large expo, and hundreds of concurrent sessions.
- December 2–5, 2026
- New Orleans, Louisiana
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