Conference Participation

Each NHSA event presents a unique opportunity to learn from experts, engage in active peer-to-peer sharing, and celebrate our community’s achievements.

Each NHSA event presents the Head Start community with unique opportunity to learn from experts, engage in active peer-to-peer sharing, and celebrate our community’s achievements. NHSA uses the latest technology to support attendee registration, on-site experience, and post-event evaluation. NHSA’s website and conference management system are frequently updated in the 12 weeks prior to the event. Review the event schedule-at-a-glance and listing of training sessions prior to your arrival.

Conference sessions are 30, 60, or 90 minutes long. NHSA also hosts half- and full-day trainings. At all events, NHSA will request evaluations from attendees. This is an important opportunity to share feedback, concerns about a session’s content, or point out an exceptional experience. At any time in your attendance experience, do not hesitate to contact NHSA at conferences@nhsa.org. Continuing Education Units (CEU) are available for all sessions with clearly defined learning goals and assessment tools.

Volunteering

In addition to people-power, volunteers provide service in four areas:

  • Conference Bag Stuffing
  • Logistics support on-site
  • Special Events/Hospitality
  • Monitoring

NHSA offers all volunteers time at the event in exchange for time supporting the event. Typically we ask volunteers to work two days to receive two days as an attendee. Volunteer recruitment occurs one month prior to the event.

Presenting & Speaking Opportunities

NHSA recruits presenters year-round for different events. The Parent Conference and Family Engagement Conference request for submission typically occurs in July and August of each year. The Annual Conference request for submissions typically occurs in October and November of each year. LEADS and the Fall and Winter Institutes are by invitation only.

Advertising, Exhibiting, & Sponsorship Opportunities

If your products and services support the healthy development of young children or help Head Start and Early Head Start programs operate more efficiently and effectively, take a look at the many partnership opportunities we offer.

National Head Start Conference

NHSA’s annual National Conference & Expo brings our community together for a week of sharing, networking, learning, and celebrating. The 2024 Conference will take place in Portland, Oregon from April 15-18.

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Leadership Education and Development Summit

Leadership Education and Development Summit (LEADS) prepares Head Start and Early Head Start programs to be innovative. The summit will take place virtually June 25-27, 2024.

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Early Childhood Innovation Summit

The Early Childhood Innovation Summit serves as forum for early childhood education thinkers and activists to network, explore, and accelerate practitioner-based innovation. Join the waitlist for the 2024 summit.

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Fall Leadership Institute

NHSA’s Fall Leadership Institute is a four-day deep dive into the policy and advocacy issues that will impact Head Start for years to come. The Institute will take place September 23-26, 2024 in Washington D.C.

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Parent and Family Engagement Conference

NHSA’s annual Parent and Family Engagement Conference is the only national event that focuses on how Head Start parents, families, and staff can best partner to promote both family engagement and children’s development. The 2024 Parent Conference will be held December 16 through December 19 in San Diego, California.

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Winter Leadership Institute

The National Head Start Association’s 2025 Winter Leadership Institute will take place in Washington, D.C., January 27-30.

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