K–12 special education conferences provide more than just a break from the classroom. They are invaluable opportunities to learn new strategies, stay current with policies, and network with peers who “get it.” Attending the right conferences can recharge your practice with evidence-based insights and practical tools to support students with disabilities.
This guide highlights five of the top national conferences and offers tips to help you choose the ones that fit your role and goals. Read on for at-a-glance details, deep dives into each conference’s focus, and advice on planning a fruitful professional development year.
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2. Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Convention & Expo
The CEC Annual Convention & Expo is one of the largest and most comprehensive special education conferences in the U.S. It’s the flagship event for special educators, hosted by the Council for Exceptional Children. CEC 2026 will bring together thousands of professionals dedicated to serving students with disabilities. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, a district administrator, or a researcher, you’ll find rich content tailored to your needs – from cutting-edge instructional strategies to policy discussions.
Quick Facts:
- Dates: March 11–14, 2026 (Wednesday – Saturday)).
- Location: Salt Palace Convention Center – Salt Lake City, UT
- Website: https://cecconvention.org/
Why Attend?
- Premier Special Education Event: Join the largest international gathering of special educators, administrators, researchers, and policy leaders to learn from the best in the field.
- Cutting-Edge Learning & Networking: Access the latest evidence-based practices, instructional innovations, and policy updates while connecting with thousands of peers to exchange ideas and resources.
- Comprehensive Professional Development: Choose from hundreds of sessions and explore the Expo Hall for tools and technologies that support instruction, behavior, inclusion, leadership, and advocacy.
2. CASE Conference 2025 (Council of Administrators of Special Education)
Overview: The CASE Conference is the premier annual gathering for special education leaders and administrators. Hosted by the Council of Administrators of Special Education (a division of CEC), this event is tailored to those who coordinate and manage special ed programs at the school, district, or state level. CASE 2025 will unite special ed directors, supervisors, coordinators, and other decision-makers to collaborate on improving systems and student outcomes.
Quick Facts:
- Dates: November 5–7, 2025
- Location: Oklahoma City Convention Center – Oklahoma City, OK
- Website: https://www.casecec.org/the-case-conference-2025
Why Attend?
- Expertise in Special Ed Administration: This conference zeroes in on what special education administrators need. Learn about IDEA compliance, monitoring, and dispute resolution from seasoned experts – so you can keep your district out of legal trouble and focused on student success.
- Policy & Funding Updates: Stay ahead of the curve on federal and state policy changes. Hear from national leaders on developments in legislation, regulations, and court rulings that affect special education.
- Leadership Development: CASE includes sessions to help you grow as an instructional leader and change agent. Topics like developing your teachers, fostering inclusive school cultures, and using data for program improvement will leave you with concrete strategies to bring back.
3. National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA) Conference
Overview: Commonly known as the National ESEA Conference, this special education conference is a must-attend for educators involved in federal education programs and funding, including special education. NAESPA hosts this annual conference to cover programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) – such as Title I, Title II, and importantly IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) coordination.
Quick Facts:
- Dates: February 10–12, 2026 (Mon–Wed)
- Location: Colorado Convention Center – Denver, CO & Online
- Website: https://www.eseanetwork.org/conference
Why Attend?
- Maximize Federal Funding for Special Ed: Learn strategies to make the most of federal dollars to support students with disabilities. Understanding these funding streams can help you improve and sustain initiatives like reading interventions, co-teaching models, or after-school tutoring.
- Stay Current on Policy & Compliance: Get the latest updates on federal education policy from Washington. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Education frequently present on changes to ESEA/ESSA and IDEA regulations.
- Nationwide Best Practices: Hear success stories from across the country. How are schools closing achievement gaps? What innovative approaches are being used to support English learners, students in poverty, and students with disabilities? The conference’s renowned speakers and keynotes will inspire you with research-based practices and creative solutions.
4. LRP’s National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities
Overview: The LRP National Institute is the country’s leading special education law conference, now in its 47th year. If you need to stay current on the legal and compliance aspects of special ed, this is the event to attend. The content is highly specialized: expect deep dives into IDEA regulations, Section 504 requirements, IEP procedural compliance, case law updates, and practical guidance on avoiding legal pitfalls.
Quick Facts:
- Dates: April 26–29, 2026 (Sunday–Wednesday)
- Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center – New Orleans, LA
- Website: https://www.lrpinstitute.com/whyattend
Why Attend?
- Top-Tier Legal Guidance: You’ll hear directly from the nation’s foremost special education legal experts – those who literally write the books and amicus briefs. They’ll break down recent rulings and guidance into plain language and actionable steps.
- In-Depth on Tough Issues: Struggling with a thorny issue like disciplining students with disabilities or navigating contentious IEP meetings? LRP sessions go deep into these topics. You’ll gain clarity on gray areas and leave with concrete do’s and don’ts that protect both student rights and your school.
- Peer Learning & Problem Solving: You’ll be surrounded by peers who live and breathe special ed compliance. Many attendees say the networking at LRP is as valuable as the sessions – you can compare notes with other districts on how they handle compliance monitoring, paperwork burdens, or training staff on legal topics.
5. LDA Annual International Conference 2026
Overview: The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) hosts an annual conference that is a prime destination for those focused on learning disabilities and related challenges (such as dyslexia, ADHD, and executive functioning issues). LDA’s conference is unique in that it serves multiple stakeholders: educators, parents, adults with learning disabilities, and researchers all come together. The atmosphere is very collaborative and supportive, true to LDA’s mission to support and advocate for individuals with learning disabilities across their lifespan.
Quick Facts:
- Dates: February 16–18, 2026 (Monday–Wednesday)
- Location: Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel – St. Louis, MO
- Website: https://ldacon.org/
Why Attend?
- Deepen Your Instructional Toolbox: This conference is a goldmine for practical teaching strategies for students with LD. You’ll learn directly from experts in reading and math interventions – for instance, how to use structured literacy approaches for decoding (key for dyslexic learners) or how to teach self-regulation strategies to kids with ADHD.
- Research Informed, Yet Accessible: LDA strikes a nice balance between research and practice. You might hear about the latest findings in neuropsychology or learning science, but presenters do an excellent job translating that into layman’s terms and actionable advice.
- Supportive Community: LDA has a warm, welcoming vibe. Parents and teachers learn side by side, which can spark meaningful conversations and mutual respect. If you’re a teacher, you’ll better grasp family perspectives; if you’re a parent, you’ll see how dedicated educators are to helping kids like yours.
Attending a K–12 special education conference can rejuvenate your teaching practice, deepen your expertise, and expand your professional network. Whether you immerse yourself in a huge expo at CEC or gain niche legal knowledge at LRP, each experience will help you grow as an educator and leader. The 2025–2026 lineup offers something for everyone in the special ed community – from classroom strategies and compliance tips to big-picture advocacy.
