The best events for publicly elected boards to attend this year
Conferences and events give your leadership and board members opportunities to share resources and network, as well as learn about best practices, industry trends and innovations. They also offer opportunities to connect with peers and identify potential partners.
This year brings a variety of interesting and useful events for public education and state and local government organizations. We've put together this handy list of key events we think board members and leaders should have on their radar this year.
Why members of public boards should attend events
Board members of public boards benefit personally and professionally by attending professional learning events. Here are just some of the benefits of attending at least one event this year:
- Conferences and special events provide good networking opportunities. Board members can meet with their own colleagues, other leaders and thought leaders. The knowledge board members gain at events will help them be better leaders and better people.
- Collaborative efforts often amplify impact. Large or small events are also good places to find new vendors and potential partners.
- Workshops, seminars, and panel discussions offer board members a wealth of information to take back to the board, including best practices, innovations, and tips for overcoming challenges.
- At events, board members can learn about emerging trends and potential opportunities within the sector. This new knowledge will keep them ahead of the curve when it comes to regulatory changes and societal shifts.
- Certain events may focus on policy and advocacy, which may help board members better navigate regulatory challenges. Attendees may also be able to share their perspectives and get feedback from their peers.
- Conferences can often highlight how best to encourage community engagement. Board members can gather new ideas on how to engage with their communities and address their unique needs.
- Celebration of achievements: Events in the sector often celebrate the achievements and positive impact of organizations. Attending such events allows board members to witness success stories and walk away feeling motivated and inspired.
Month-by-month calendar of professional development events for 2026
January
21-23 January 2026: The Wisconsin State Education Convention, held in Milwaukee, is a statewide gathering bringing together school board members, superintendents, and district leaders for immersive professional development. Participants explore best practices in governance, policy oversight, and supporting student achievement. Attendees also hear from education voices on legislative trends affecting Wisconsin schools. Be sure to visit us at our booth to connect and learn how Diligent Community can help transform your school board governance.
January 29–31, 2026: IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference will take place in Chicago, IL. It is a leading park and recreation conference convenes commissioners, municipal leaders, and public sector professionals for hands-on learning. Sessions highlight community engagement, recreation management, and operational excellence. The event also features networking and exposure to innovative solutions impacting parks and municipalities. Visit us at our booth to connect and learn how Diligent Community can help transform your school board governance.
February
February 13-16, 2026: The West Virginia School Boards Association Winter Conference offers sessions on governance, education policy, and best practices for addressing the unique challenges facing West Virginia schools.
February 12–14, 2026: This year's AASA National Conference on Education in Nashville, TN, is an opportunity for superintendents and district executives to gather for a forward-looking exploration of K–12 leadership challenges and opportunities. Workshops highlight instructional innovation, policy shifts, and the evolving role of district leadership. Attendees can also engage deeply with peers to share approaches that support system-wide student success. Be sure to visit us at our booth to connect and learn how Diligent Community can help transform your school board governance.
February 26–27, 2026: This year's Colorado League of Charter Schools Annual Conference will take place in Denver, CO. Charter leaders, board members, and educators come together for a comprehensive program centered on governance and operational effectiveness. Sessions cover academic accountability, funding considerations, and legal compliance. The conference fosters collaboration across Colorado’s charter community to strengthen school performance. Visit us at our booth to connect and learn how Diligent Community can help transform your school board governance.
March
12-15 March, 2026: The COSSBA National Conference will be in Louisville, KY, this year. School board members from across the country convene to dive into governance fundamentals and emerging policy issues. The program emphasizes board leadership, superintendent relations, and legislative advocacy. Attendees also benefit from networking and learning from other states’ innovative governance practices. Be sure to visit us at our booth to connect and learn how Diligent Community can help transform your school board governance.
16-20 March 2026: The Washington Municipal Clerks’ Association Annual Conference connects municipal clerks in various local governments within the state of Washington through 3 days of professional education, networking and impact recognition.
29-31 March 2026: The Louisiana School Board Association Annual Convention is for elected school board members and other public education stakeholders in Louisiana. The convention features breakout sessions and special interest clinics. Those who want to attend may register by contacting their school board secretary.
April
7-10 April 2026: The 2026 Small School District Association State Conference will be held in Sacramento, California. It is open to all educators and school board members, focusing on small district issues in the state.
10–12 April 2026: The National School Board Association 2025 Annual Conference and Exposition is the nation’s biggest school board conference. This year's conference takes place in San Antonio, TX, bringing together thousands of school board members and superintendents. Sessions explore legal updates, board governance strategies, and policies shaping the future of public education. We invite you to visit our booth to connect with our team and discover how Diligent Community can support your school board's governance needs.
10–14 April 2026: This year's The American Association of Community Colleges Annual Convention will be held in Seattle, WA. Community college leaders and trustees come together to address institutional strategy, enrollment trends, and workforce partnerships. Workshops highlight practical approaches for strengthening student pathways and institutional sustainability. The event offers deep engagement with peers navigating similar challenges across two-year institutions. Visit our booth to connect with our team and discover how Diligent Community can support your college board's governance needs.
May
1-3 May 2026: The CCLC Trustees Conference taking in place in Dana Point, CA is a retreat-style program providing trustees with immersive training in governance, fiscal responsibility, and strategic planning. Attendees learn from statewide leaders about policy changes affecting California community colleges. The conference also offers opportunities to strengthen board–administration alignment.
17-21 May 2026: The International Institute Municipal Clerks (IIMC) Annual Conference is being held this year in Reno, NV. This conference is open to municipal clerks in Canada and the U.S. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in networking events, explore an extensive exhibit hall, and engage in discussions aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of municipal operations. We invite you to visit our booth to connect with our team and discover how Diligent Community can support your municipality's governance needs.
June
7-10 June 2026: The Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) Annual Conference will be held in Huntsville, ON. Municipal professionals participate in workshops that deepen expertise in governance, finance, and legislative operations. The event highlights Canadian public sector innovations and evolving expectations of municipal service delivery. Attendees gain practical tools for strengthening operational effectiveness in their communities. Stop by our booth to connect with our team and discover how Diligent Community can support your municipality's governance needs.
10-12 June 2026: This year's FSBA Annual Summer Conference in Tampa, FL will offer Florida school board members the chance to gather for multi-day leadership development focused on governance excellence and statewide policy updates. Sessions emphasize collaboration with district leadership teams and navigating legislative changes. The event prepares attendees for strategic decision-making ahead of the new school year.
14-17 June 2026: The Maryland Municipal League (MML) Summer Conference, held at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland, is the premier event for municipal officials and staff across the state. The conference features engaging workshops, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities focused on best practices in municipal governance and administration. Be sure to visit our booth to connect with our team and explore how Diligent Community can help your municipality enhance efficiency and transparency.
August
18 – 21 August 2026: The 2026 Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association Annual Education Conference in Green Bay this year will be filled with education and recognition, ideal for anyone in administration of local government e.g. city, town or village clerk, deputy clerk or any official having similar duties.
September
17-19 September 2026: The 2026 Illinois Municipal League Annual Conference takes place this year in Chicago, IL. Municipal leaders gather to explore urban development, public finance, and state legislative issues affecting Illinois communities. The agenda includes expert-led workshops and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning. The event supports city officials in navigating evolving governance responsibilities. Visit our booth to connect with our team and explore how Diligent Community can help your municipality enhance efficiency and transparency.
October
5-6 October 2026: The ISBA/IAPSS 2026 Fall Conference in Indianapolis is Indiana’s premier training opportunity for school board members, superintendents and administrators. Hear from inspirational school advocates, learn about products and services, and share best practices to "pursue excellent outcomes for all children”. It’s a great opportunity to collaborate and network with school officials from across the state. Stop by our booth to connect with our team and explore how Diligent Community can help your district team enhance efficiency and transparency.
14-16 October 2026: ASBO International Annual Conference takes place in Pittsburgh, PA. School business officials engage in advanced learning on budgeting, risk mitigation and financial planning. Workshops deliver practical strategies for strengthening district operations and maintaining fiscal health. This year's theme is Ignite: Powering Innovation, Shaping Tomorrow. Be sure to visit our booth to connect with our team and explore how Diligent Community can help your school district enhance efficiency and transparency.
14-18 October 2026: The Michigan Association of School Boards 2026 Annual Leadership Conference will be held in Lansing, MI, offering access to training that can benefit individual board members and their school districts. Research indicates that boards with high expectations, united teamwork with the superintendent, good understanding of data, and a focus on team development and knowledge building often govern districts with high student achievement. Visit our booth and connect with our team to learn how Diligent Community can support your board's goals for transparency and efficiency.
18-20 October 2026: The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) and Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) host a joint, multiday conference for school leaders from across the commonwealth. This year's PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference will be held at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Poconos. This conference features dynamic keynote presentations, informative sessions, and networking opportunities, all focused on advancing school governance and leadership. Come meet our team to learn how Diligent Community can support your board's goals for transparency and efficiency.
19-20 October 2026: The Maryland Association of Boards of Education Annual Conference, taking place in Annapolis this year, is Maryland’s leading event for local board of education members and district leaders. It offers a program featuring keynote presentations on timely educational themes, interactive workshops and legal updates. Attendees also benefit from breakout sessions along with networking opportunities and policy-focused panels designed to strengthen board leadership and strategic planning. We invite you to visit our booth to connect with our team and discover how Diligent Community can support your school board's governance needs.
19-22 October 2026: The New Jersey School Boards Association's (NJSBA) Workshop 2026, will be held at the Atlantic City Convention Center, and is the premier event for New Jersey's education leaders. This conference offers a dynamic mix of insights, strategies, and collaborative opportunities, all geared to help you navigate the evolving landscape of education. We invite you to visit our booth to connect with our team and discover how Diligent Community can enhance your board's governance and efficiency.
21–25 October 2026: This year's Council of the Great City Schools Fall Conference will take place in Boston, MA. Urban district leaders meet to address academic performance, operational efficiency, and equity challenges unique to large systems. The event features national thought leaders discussing reforms and evidence-based strategies. Participants collaborate on shared priorities impacting major U.S. city districts. Stop by our booth to connect with our team and discover how Diligent Community can enhance your board's governance and efficiency.
22-24 October 2026: The 2025 New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) Annual Convention & Education Expo will be held in New York City. This premier event brings together education leaders from across the state to engage in professional development, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions in school governance and student achievement. We invite you to visit our booth to connect with our team and discover how Diligent Community can enhance your board's governance and efficiency.
22-24 October 2026: The 2025 Missouri School Board Association Annual Conference will be held in Kansas City. It offers programs for public school leaders, board members, superintendents, and supportive administrative roles responsible for meeting the educational needs of all public-school children.
November
4-6 November 2026: Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) 2026 Annual Convention will be held in Coeur d’Alene. It is a valuable learning opportunity for boards, superintendents, clerks, and business managers. The ISBA Business Session provides school boards with the opportunity to vote on policy issues that will comprise ISBA’s legislative platform for the upcoming year.
11-13 November 2026: Texas Municipal League Annual Conference will be held in San Antonio, TX this year offering local government leaders training on municipal operations, budgeting, and infrastructure planning. The agenda includes legal updates, leadership development and community-focused strategies. Attendees can also connect with partners providing solutions for growing municipalities. Visit our booth to connect with our team and explore how Diligent Community can help your municipality enhance efficiency and transparency.
15-17 November 2026: The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) Capital Conference and Trade Show 2026 will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. This premier event offers exceptional opportunities for learning, sharing, and networking. Stop by our booth to explore how Diligent Community can support your board’s governance goals and meet the challenges of today’s education landscape.
18-20 November 2026: VSBA Annual Convention is the premier event for Virginia school board members with sessions focused on governance, advocacy and student-centered leadership. Workshops offer practical tools for navigating policy changes and community expectations. The event also recognizes outstanding school division initiatives. Be sure to visit our booth to connect with our team and explore how Diligent Community can help your school board enhance efficiency and transparency.
19-21 November 2026: This year's Community College League of California Annual Convention will be held in Riverside, CA. California community college trustees and CEOs gather to explore system-wide policy, accreditation issues and governance challenges. Sessions support collaborative planning and mission-driven leadership. We invite you to visit our booth to connect with our team and discover how Diligent Community can enhance your college's governance and efficiency.
20-22 November 2026: WSSDA Annual Convention for 2026 will be held in Spokane, WA, with governance workshops, leadership development sessions and statewide policy discussions. The conference helps boards strengthen superintendent partnerships and address key education issues. Visit our booth to connect with our team and discover how Diligent Community can enhance your district's governance and efficiency.
21-23 November 2026: The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) 2025 Joint Annual Conference will be held in Chicago. This event brings together school board members, administrators, and education leaders from across the state to engage in professional development, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions in school governance and student achievement. We encourage you to stop by our booth to connect with our team and discover how Diligent Community can enhance your board's governance and efficiency.
December
1-4 December 2026: The Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) and Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS) 80th Annual Joint Conference brings together school board members, superintendents, district staff and education leaders to network, gain insights into current educational issues and access valuable professional development opportunities. We invite you to visit our booth to connect with our team and discover how Diligent Community can enhance your board's governance and efficiency.
3-5 December 2026: The New Mexico School Boards Association 2026 Annual Convention will take place in Albuquerque. The convention begins with newly elected board member training as well as veteran board member training. There will be keynote speakers, breakout sessions as well as the Annual Recognition Awards Luncheon and the Annual Delegate Assembly to adopt legislative priorities and elect state officers.
Dates to be confirmed for December 2026: CASB Annual Convention Colorado is the key event for school board members with in-depth governance training, legislative previews and district innovation showcases. Learn from state leaders and connect with peers navigating similar challenges. Visit our booth to connect with our team and find out how Diligent Community can help your boards’ capacity to support student success.
Dates to be confirmed for December 2026: ASBA–ASA Annual Conference offers school board members and superintendents from across Arizona the chance to explore policy, leadership and community engagement strategies. Sessions offer insights into statewide legislative developments and district governance practices. The conference promotes collaboration between board and administrative leadership teams. Stop by our booth to meet our team and find out how Diligent Community can support governance for your school board.
Leverage technology for conference and event attendance
Look through the events listed above and decide which ones will benefit your organization, then set notifications for registration dates in your calendar so you can be sure your board doesn't miss out.
Once your board member has attended, encourage them to share what they learned at the next board or committee meeting and store key documents and notes they brought back in your document library.
Discover how Diligent Community can help your public board increase efficiency, improve workflows and ensure your board members make the most of opportunities such as conventions and conferences.
