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2026 Great Ideas in Education Conference

July 27-29, 2026
Hyatt Regency Hotel and Convention Center
Wichita, KS

 

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) invites district and building leadership teams to the 2026 Great Ideas in Education Conference, a powerful three-day experience designed to strengthen coherence across Kansas’ school improvement efforts. Coherence—shared purpose, aligned action, and collective commitment—is essential for creating meaningful, lasting change for students. This year’s conference focuses on high-leverage, foundational practices that accelerate student learning, expand opportunity, and reduce barriers for every Kansas learner.
 

A Statewide Back-to-School Kickoff

The 2026 conference will be held in late July, offering the ideal “back-to-school kickoff” for leadership teams. This timing provides districts with a strategic opportunity to come together, refine their action plans, and step into the new school year with clarity, alignment, and momentum.
 

Participants will connect with peers from similar districts to collaborate, exchange best practices, and problem-solve in ways that promote shared success across the state.

What to Expect

The 2026 conference is designed to equip leaders with the tools, resources, and inspiration needed to implement strong action plans and communicate those commitments system-wide. Attendees will benefit from:
 
  • Pre-Conference Summit Experiences in areas including Literacy, Safe and Secure Schools, At-Risk Policy and Funding, KEDS Data Systems, and more.
  • Collaboration Across Districts and Roles, offering opportunities to learn from peers with similar challenges and responsibilities.
  • Breakout Sessions centered on the four fundamentals—explored from both teaching and administrative perspectives.
  • Access to Practical Tools, Supports, and Resources that strengthen implementation.
  • Direct Engagement with Education Leaders and Content Experts who bring research-informed strategies and real-world applications.
  • Implementation for Results, with dedicated sessions focused on turning plans into measurable improvement.
  • Leadership Strategies for Guiding Change, ensuring leaders leave prepared to foster coherent, aligned action in every building.
Each member of your leadership team will participate in sessions aligned with their role, ensuring that every perspective—academic, operational, and strategic—is represented in shaping your district’s next steps. This is coherence in action.
 

Make 2026 Your District’s Most Aligned and Impactful Year Yet

Don’t miss this pivotal opportunity to launch the new school year with purpose, alignment, and actionable strategies. Make plans now for your full district and building leadership teams to attend the 2026 KSDE Great Ideas in Education Conference!

Conference Registrations

Early Bird Pricing will run through April 30, 2026.  This will give each participant a $50 discount. (Does not apply to Pre-conference day only registrations,)
Registering a team of 4 will qualify you for a $50 discount.  (If prior to May 1, this is in addition to the early bird pricing!)
 
Conference Pricing
Pre-Conference Day only, July 27, 2026  $200
Team of 4 - per person cost $400
Full Conference  $450

Hyatt Hotel picture 

Hyatt Regency Wichita

 
    
 

2025 Conference

 

 The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has been promoting the importance of building coherence in Kansas’ school improvement efforts to effect meaningful change. That coherence must extend to the function and purpose of KSDE’s annual conference.
2025 KSDE Great Ideas in Education Conference
    
 

Details

 

The 2026 conference will be focused on the:

Theory of Action

If we strengthen coherence across Kansas through focusing on a few high leverage, fundamental actions, then our students will develop more knowledge and skills leading to greater opportunities and fewer limitations.

and the School Improvement Model

School Improvement Model

 
    
 

2025 Payment and Cancellation Policies

 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JULY 15, 2025.

REGISTRATION FEE:  (Includes 2 breakfasts, Tuesday and Wednesday and 2 lunches, Monday and Tuesday.)
  • Full Conference - ( 2 1/2 days) - $300
  • Tuesday Only, July 29, 2025 - (1 day) - $175
  • Register a team of 4 for $1,000

Please send Checks, Money Orders and Purchase Orders to:

KSDE Great Ideas in Education Conference
Attn: Kelli Byrne
900 SW Jackson St., Ste. 653
Topeka, KS 66612

EMAIL:kelli.byrne@ksde.gov
FAX: (785) 291-3791

Payment must be received prior to the conference. Invoices will be sent via email within 10 business days. 

Credit card payments are now accepted. Service fees apply. 

  • Each invoice will have a unique Payment Portal link for sending payment by credit or debit;
  • Payment can only be sent via the link provided on the invoice; and
  • At this time, we CANNOT receive a single payment for multiple invoices.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY:

Cancellations sent via email prior to July 14, 2025 will receive a full refund.

Cancellations after July 14, 2025 will not be refunded. Unpaid fees will be billed to the attendee and/or attendee's school/organization.

No-shows are ineligible for a refund. 

Substitutions can be made at any time without penalty.

KSDE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THE CONFERENCE. Every attempt will be made to send a notice to registered attendees no later than 2 weeks prior to the event. A full refund* will be issued in the event of cancellation by KSDE.

*KSDE requires that a W-9 tax form is received from the recipient prior to issuing a refund if they are not listed in the State Accounting System. 
    
 

Conference Group Discount

Register a team of four at the discounted price of $1,000.

Please contact Kelli Byrne for more information.
    

EVENT INFO

 

 
         

The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. (more information...)

To accommodate people with disabilities, on request, auxiliary aides and services will be provided and reasonable modifications to policies and programs will be made. To request accommodations or for more information please contact the Office of General Counsel at gc@ksde.gov or by 785-296-3201.