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EdLeader21® Annual Event

The EdLeader21 Network Annual Event is an engaging and inspiring experience exclusively for network member districts to accelerate the work of the Portrait of a Graduate and future-ready, deeper learning for every student. It brings together innovative education leaders – like you – to build relationships, share ideas, learn from one another, and plan for the future.

The Annual Event Experience

The Annual Event and the EdLeader21 Network set themselves apart through their focus on and commitment to accelerating the work of the Portrait of a Graduate and future-ready, deeper learning. Annual Event allows member districts to send teams to network and collaborate with like-minded educators to fuel their community’s collective visions and bring them to life within their school districts.

The 2025 Annual Event will take place in Glendale, Arizona, on October 15-17, 2025. The Annual Event Experience, including speakers, events, and sessions, will begin to take shape soon. Click on the button below to learn more about what this year’s Annual Event has to offer in sunny Arizona!

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EdLeader21 Network Annual Event

No matter where your district is on the journey of implementing your vision of future-ready, deeper learning, participating in the Annual Event will fuel your passion for this work through impactful breakout sessions, inspiring keynotes, and networking opportunities with other educators on this same journey.

During the Annual Event, you will…

Build and strengthen collaborative relationships with like-minded educators.
Share best practices and stories of innovation, ingenuity, and creativity.
Participate in relevant professional learning about implementing your district’s vision of future-ready, deeper learning.

Watch the 2024 Recap Video

Annual Event Details

Important Dates for Annual Event 2025

Call for Presenters

Submissions for Annual Event 2025 are now closed.

Portrait to Practice Expo

Submissions for the Expo are now closed.

Registration

Early Bird Registration $899	Mon., March 31 – Mon., Aug. 4
Regular Registration $999	Tues., Aug. 5 – Mon., Sept. 29
Late Registration $1149	Tues., Sept. 30 – Event date

Registration & Refund Policy

10% off registration for districts that register a group of 6 or more.
Every EdLeader21 Network superintendent receives one free registration. Use code AE25 when registering.
Need help customizing your registrations? Contact Erin Schmidt, events director, at eschmidt@bfk.org

Early Bird Registration $899	Mon., March 31 – Mon., Aug. 4
Regular Registration $999	Tues., Aug. 5 – Mon., Sept. 29
Late Registration $1149	Tues., Sept. 30 – Event date

Location & Hotel Information

Annual Event 2025 is scheduled to take place in sunny Glendale, Arizona!

View the conference hotel
EdLeader21 members get a special rate of $243/night. Book Here.
Room block closes on Sept. 15, 2025.

Let's Connect in Glendale!

We are excited that this year’s Annual Event will be held in sunny Glendale, Arizona! Located about nine miles northwest of the state capital Phoenix, Glendale is known for State Farm Stadium, which is the home of the Arizona Cardinals football team. Glendale’s Westgate Entertainment District is Arizona’s premier entertainment destination offering a vibrant outdoor setting with unique water features and an interactive shopping, dining and entertainment experience. Nearby, the city’s Desert Diamond Arena hosts numerous concerts and other events throughout the year.

This event isn’t just about engaging with top educational leaders and innovators from the EdLeader21 Network. It’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Arizona. From outdoor adventures to shopping, arts, and culture, get ready for an enriching experience both inside and outside the conference venue!

Discover Glendale

Annual Event Highlights

Inspiring Keynote Speakers

Plenary sessions feature thought-provoking and innovative presentations from national education leaders. The 2024 Annual Event featured Big Picture Learning Co-Executive Director and author Carlos Moreno, Dr. Bill Daggett, and Former North Carolina State Superintendent Catherine Truitt.

Engaging Learning Sessions

Presenters from Battelle for Kids, EdLeader21 Network member districts, and outside consultants and partners lead professional learning sessions that are engaging and impactful to sustainable and meaningful transformation efforts.

Team Building and Planning

One of the most compelling reasons to attend Annual Event is the opportunity to collaborate and connect with your own district team members. The event features built-in “team time” and ad hoc opportunities to gather and plan out your next big moves.

Portrait to Practice Expo

The Portrait to Practice Expo is one of the most anticipated parts of the Annual Event. EdLeader21 Network member districts are on hand to showcase the impactful initiatives they are implementing to turn their Portrait of a Graduate vision into reality. Innovative stories and artifacts illustrate how members are putting their Portraits into practice and the impact it has on student learning.

Portrait to Practice Expo