The K-12 landscape is ever-changing, requiring school principals to stay up to date with trends and innovations to support their schools. By attending conferences in 2025, principals can ensure they stay ahead of the shifting dynamics that are coming in the next year. These top 10 events offer unparalleled opportunities to grow professionally, network with peers, and bring actionable insights back to your school community.
1. FETC 2025
Date: January 14-17, 2025
Location: Orlando, FL
For school principals looking to revolutionize their approach to education technology, attending this event is a must. With hundreds of sessions across eight specialized tracks, including leadership, inclusion, and AI, principals can earn up to 35 CEUs while gaining practical insights from expert speakers and exploring the latest edtech solutions.
2. 2025 Middle & High School Principals Convention
Date: February 5-7, 2025
Location: Milwaukee, WI
At this conference specifically for secondary school leaders, principals can gain insights on critical topics like AI integration, student discipline, legal challenges, and teacher well-being. Attendees can choose from pre-conference sessions, workshops, and engaging keynotes, including trauma-informed care and leadership development while earning CE credits.
3. Innovative Schools Summit New York
Date: February 12-15, 2025
Location: New York, NY
At the Innovative Schools Summit New York, principals can gain practical strategies and insights by attending four conferences in one: Innovative Teaching Strategies, At-Risk Students, School Climate & Culture, and Social-Emotional Learning. Network with peers, earn CEUs, and explore ways to transform your school while supporting student success.
4. Beyond School Hours 2025
Date: February 13-16, 2025
Location: Orlando, FL
At Beyond School Hours 2025, principals can explore over 100 interactive workshops, gain insights to transform school culture and network with passionate educators. Principals will leave this conference with actionable strategies to enhance student success both during and beyond school hours.
5. NSBA 2025 Annual Conference and Exposition
Date: April 4-6, 2025
Location: Atlanta, GA
This premier event hosted by NSBA offers school principals insights on best governance practices, leadership strategies, equity, and AI’s impact on education. School principals can attend workshops on a variety of pressing topics including special education, school board effectiveness, and student discipline. Don’t miss this chance to network with leaders in K-12 and stay ahead in shaping your school’s success.
6. NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo
Date: May 27-30, 2025
Location: San Diego, CA
The NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo is the place to be for international education leaders. Covering the latest innovations, strategies, and best practices in international education, school principals can gain insights from global thought leaders while enhancing their school’s global education programs.
7. TEPSA Summer Conference
Date: June 10-12, 2025
Location: Round Rock, TX
The TEPSA Summer Conference offers deep-dive Master Classes, and inspiring keynotes by Manny Scott, Allyson Apsey, and Gerry Brooks. Explore the interactive exhibit hall, gain actionable insights, and expand your professional network. This conference is a must for principals seeking innovative strategies and fresh perspectives.
8. 2025 Model Schools Conference
Date: June 22-25, 2025
Location: Oxon Hill, MD
School principals will have the opportunity to connect with visionaries in the field, learn best practices in leadership, teaching, assessment, and school culture, and gain actionable insights from Model Schools. This event provides practical strategies to drive student success and school improvement.
9. ASCD Annual Conference 25
Date: June 29-July 2, 2025
Location: San Antonio, TX
At the ASCD Annual Conference, principals can prepare for an immersive experience in educational leadership with preconference sessions, keynotes, and over 100 sessions to choose from. Attendees will leave the conference with practical strategies to enhance leadership practices and improve student outcomes.
10. UNITED: The National Conference on School Leadership
Date: July 11-13, 2025
Location: Seattle, WA
In 2025, the Seattle Convention Center is hosting the UNITED Conference where school principals can network with leading educators and hear from inspiring keynote speakers such as Daymond John, Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, and John C. Maxwell. Attendees can network with expert peers and experience professional growth that will transform how they lead their schools.
Lead with Confidence
Whether you’re exploring cutting-edge technology, enhancing school culture, or addressing critical challenges, each event provides valuable tools and connections to help you lead with confidence. Don’t miss the chance to transform your approach, elevate your school’s success, and inspire positive change in 2025!
