What’s New and Updates
You asked, we listened. Over the past few years, we’ve taken a close look at member input, as well as feedback from post-convention surveys and on-site interviews. A consistent theme emerged: the desire for a more condensed national convention schedule that fits into the reality of present-day education.
You told us it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure sub-coverage and be away from school for extended periods. So, starting with #SHAPECharlotte, the national convention format has been updated to better meet your needs without sacrificing the core elements that make the event the premier gathering for health and physical educators.
It’s the same premier convention you know and love — just built for the realities of today’s educators.
We can’t wait to see you at #SHAPECharlotte!
What’s Changing?
A shift in scheduling gives you maximum flexibility while minimizing time away from your students:
- Wednesday is now Leadership & Connections Day, offering optional half-day workshops, partner training clinics, various leadership meetings, the Higher Education Professional Preparation Summit (HEPPS), and more (view Schedule-at-a-Glance). Arrive early to maximize your learning, then enjoy networking at the evening’s District Socials.
- Thursday through Saturday are full convention days: Saturday now includes a full day of programming, which gives you a full day of learning and connecting while shortening your overall time away from work during the week.
- The Expo Hall will be open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday!
What’s Staying the Same?
The SHAPE America National Convention & Expo is held every year in March or April. Below, you’ll find future planned convention dates. We’ll announce additional dates and locations as they become available.
- A packed schedule of high-quality education sessions featuring top educators, innovators, and classroom-ready strategies;
- Engaging Coffee Talks that bring educators together in meaningful, informal conversations about what matters most; and
- Countless opportunities for networking, hands-on learning, and professional growth!
How These Changes Benefit You
The shift to this new format is designed to directly solve the challenges facing convention attendees. Here’s how you’ll benefit:
- Easier District Approval: Fewer missed weekdays mean less disruption to your school programs, making it easier to secure administrator approval;
- Sub-Coverage Relief: Utilizing Saturday as a primary programming day makes the convention more accessible to educators whose districts struggle to provide midweek sub-coverage;
- Lower Costs: With this condensed format comes lower registration fees, which makes attending the national convention more affordable for educators balancing tight budgets.
