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People like networking at education conferences.

The top 7 education conferences that aren’t on your radar


Looking to expand your reach and learn new things as an education leader? One of these conferences might be for you.

The best conferences are generally those that expand your thinking, reframe a current problem, provide practical recommendations, and encourage networking.

This list is not a review of the largest education conferences – those with large exhibitor halls that host the same people year after year. Instead, this is a list for education leaders interested in cultural, organizational, or instructional transformation.

Related content: Most of your district leadership questions, answered

If that sounds like you – think about trying something other than the big education conferences and consider any one of the following events:

Southwest Airlines Culture Connection – Hosted by Southwest Airlines annually in October, this event showcases the learnings of the airline, including their approaches to recruitment and celebrations and onboarding.

The Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning Conference – A week-long summer conference, this event takes a deep dive into the science of learning, and it’s applications for instruction and leadership.

Education Elements Summit 2020 – This three-day conference in May for education leaders takes a deep dive into topics such as strategic planning, shifting your organization to more student-centered instruction, teacher recruitment and retention, and becoming a more innovative, responsive leader. It also includes options to tour innovative local businesses.

The Responsive Org Conference – Taking place in October this year, this conference is what they call “an exploration on the future of work.” Dig deep into organizational design and human development.

National Summit for Courageous Conversations Summit – At this December summit, Dedicated equity leaders engage in a deepened dialogue about race, systemic racism and its impact on the opportunity to achieve in every sector of life. The NSCC is uniquely designed to elevate the racial literacy and consciousness of individuals and organizations to transform systems and eliminate predictable racial disparities that hinder growth and success.

The Culture Conference – Last held in 2018, it’s scheduled to return in 2020. An invite-only event, it brings together business leaders across a variety of sectors.

The Culture Summit – A conference all about employee engagement, employee experience, and employee effectiveness. Intended to be shaped by the attendees and attendee interests, the conference promises knowledge about the latest trends and tools to help you in your journey to transform company culture.

If you’re looking for more opportunities to engage in professional development for you and your team, check out our national and regional events. We host a wide range of events across the country, so keep an eye out for one near you!

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