Attend

“This conference is like a pep rally for everyone involved in multilingual education! I love hearing from teachers who are making a difference in their community. I love connecting with my colleagues over best practice. I especially love the practical tips and resources that presenters freely share. The WIDA Annual Conference is a must-attend for anyone in the field!”

– 2025 WIDA Annual Conference attendee

A Session Type for Everyone

Two conference session attendees laugh together

Concurrent Sessions examine research-based strategies, practices, or topics that align to the conference theme and one of the topic strands.

A group of conference attendees throw pieces of paper in the air as part of a conference workshop

Workshops are extended hands-on sessions that allow for in-depth exploration of a topic or practice. Participants will leave with tools or resources to use in their contexts. 

A row of seated conference session attendees. one is talking into a mic

Dedicated Session Tracks offer topics like family engagement and bi/multilingual education so attendees can tailor their learning.

Note: Pre-registration is required for all sessions and can be selected for the attendee during the registration process or by logging back in between registration confirmation and the start of the conference.

Why Attend?

Past in-person attendees shared their main reasons for returning to the conference: 

  • Hear from very knowledgeable and experienced presenters in the field
  • Obtain practical application resources and strategies
  • Experience the variety and depth of learning offered through sessions
Six people pose for a photo in front of a WIDA backdrop.

Program at a Glance

Here’s an overview of the in-person conference schedule; visit the Program page for the full conference schedule.
 
All times are listed in Central Time.

Wednesday, September 16
  • 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
    Welcome and Keynote
  • 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
    Concurrent Sessions and Spotlight
  • 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Concurrent Sessions, Spotlight and Workshops
  • 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
    Exhibit Hall Showcase
Thursday, September 17
  • 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
    Concurrent Sessions, Spotlight and Workshops
  • 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Concurrent Sessions, Spotlight and Workshops
  • 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
    #WIDA2026 Reception
Friday, September 18
  • 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Closing Speaker, #WIDA2027 Raffle, Concurrent Sessions and Workshops

Meals

Two people sitting talking together in a break area

Morning Coffee and Breaks

Coffee and tea will be provided for all participants each morning and light refreshments will be provided during afternoon breaks.

 

 

Sandwiches on a serving plate

Lunches

Lunches are included with registration and provided on Wednesday and Thursday.

 

 

 

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Special Events

Join us for hors d'oeuvres at the Exhibit Hall Showcase and for light fare, refreshments, and a cash bar at the #WIDA2026 reception. These events are included in registration. The Exhibit Hall Showcase takes place Wednesday afternoon, and the reception takes place Thursday evening. 

Location

 

The WIDA Annual Conference is coming to St. Louis, Missouri!

The old courthouse in St. Louis, Missouri with the St. Louis arch in the background

Virtual Track

Illustration of a laptop with a multicolored arch and the words Building Gateways to Colaboracion

 

Can’t join us in person? Experience a sampling of the WIDA Annual Conference and join us virtually on September 15. The virtual track includes live sessions and an exclusive virtual keynote speaker.  Virtual attendees also receive access to the recording of the in-person keynote speakers.

Follow #WIDA2026 for full conference coverage