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EPIC: EdLeader Promise Innovation Conference

EPIC - EdLeader Promise Innovation Conference

October 13-15, 2026 | Chicago, Illinois

The EdLeader Promise Innovation Conference (EPIC) is an engaging and inspiring experience exclusively for EdLeader Promise Network member districts. Grounded in The Public Education Promise, this one-of-a-kind conference is focused on preparing every child in every community for real life in the real world.

During this immersive, team-oriented event, you鈥檒l ignite bold ideas, forge powerful relationships, and engage in meaningful learning that leads to real, lasting impact.

*NOTE: You must be an EdLeader Promise Network member to register for this event. Interested in joining? Learn more here.

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Location & Accommodations

EPIC will take place at the . Book your room by September 21, 2026.

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EPIC Highlights

No matter where your district is on the journey of implementing The Promise, participating in EPIC will fuel your passion for this work through impactful breakout sessions, inspiring keynotes, and networking opportunities with other educators across the country.

 Inspiring Speakers

Plenary sessions feature thought-provoking and innovative presentations from national education leaders.

 Engaging Learning Sessions

Hear directly from leaders and teams putting in the work to build meaningful and sustainable change in their districts and beyond. Leave with bold ideas and actionable strategies.

 Team Oriented

Built with teams in mind, EPIC features dedicated time for team planning and job-alike sessions so you can leverage your time away from the district and maximize impact upon return. Plus, groups of six or more unlock discounted rates.

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Keynote Address: Hope is Our Human Advantage

with Sabba Quidwai, Ed.D.

Sabba Quidwai
Sabba Quidwai, CEO, Designing Schools

Every district is building an AI strategy. But the skill that matters most right now is whether the people in your system, students, educators, and leaders, can figure things out when nobody hands them the answer. That's hope. Not the inspirational kind. The measurable, teachable kind that research shows predicts achievement beyond intelligence.

Students are already collaborating with machines, thinking critically about AI-generated output, creating with tools that didn't exist two years ago. For the first time, they're developing graduate profile characteristics alongside AI, not just alongside people. And as Seymour Papert understood decades ago, people don't transform because you teach them new tools. They transform when you design environments that give them the agency to build something new.

Dr. Sabba Quidwai draws on the women who built a school from an abandoned tank in postwar Italy, a curious movie star who turned a gap Hollywood ignored into a $900 million company, and the mirror AI is holding up to every district right now to make the case that hope and agency are the human advantage no algorithm can replicate, and that your graduate profile is where the real AI strategy begins.

Team at Portrait Expo

Promise to Practice Expo

Showcase your district's wins during the Promise to Practice Expo!

EdLeader Promise Network member districts will be on hand to share the impactful initiatives they are implementing to turn The Public Education Promise into a reality. Innovative stories and artifacts illustrate how members are putting their Promise into practice and the impact it has on children and communities.


Enhance Your Experience with a School Tour

Extend your learning and experience the promise in action by adding on a school tour. All tours and take place on Thursday, October 15.

Glenbard Township High School District 87

Located in the western suburbs of Chicago, Glenbard Township High School District 87 serves students across four large, comprehensive high schools where academics, arts, athletics, and activities are central to the student experience.

Glenbard鈥檚 hybrid block schedule and Glenbard Hour provide time for deeper learning, targeted support, and enrichment, while professional learning is guided by their Profile of a Graduate and Profile of an Educator.

The district continues to expand career exploration pathways, dual credit opportunities, and hands-on programs that connect students to real-world experiences鈥攔esulting in 68% of graduates earning college credit before graduation.

Participants can choose one (1) of the following high schools to tour:

Glenbard East High School is a vibrant Title I school serving approximately 2,200 students. East is widely recognized for its strong Fine Arts programs, with students and staff earning state and national, international honors.

Glenbard West High School is the district鈥檚 oldest campus and is affectionately known as the 鈥渃astle on the hill鈥 for its location and iconic Gothic architecture. Serving nearly 2,300 students, West is known for its strong academic tradition, with students consistently earning national academic recognition.

Together, Glenbard鈥檚 schools reflect a balance of tradition and innovation鈥攚here historic campuses, modern learning spaces, and dedicated educators create environments where students are inspired to grow, explore, and succeed.

Center Cass District #66

Center Cass District #66 is a PK-8 school district located in the southwest suburbs of Chicago serving 1,200 students. Their mission is to challenge, inspire, and empower kids every day to prepare them for real life in the real world. During the tour, you'll experience firsthand how they bring their mission to life.

At Center Cass, learning is active, personalized, and student-centered. By activating students' heads, hearts, and hands in the learning process, they gain a deeper sense of "why" learning is important and how to apply what they've learned in a multitude of contexts. Students at Center Cass are empowered to think critically, take risks, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

Center Cass has built a culture that fosters curiosity, creativity, and innovation, and inspires students to connect deeply with their education. Observe classrooms and learning spaces where students are taking ownership of their learning journeys and developing growth mindsets, self-identity, and building self-confidence.

Student achievement at Center Cass means accomplishments inside and outside the classroom. This looks different at Kindergarten than it does at 8th grade but nonetheless, students are encouraged to set challenging but achievable goals; are motivated throughout the process; are held accountable for results; and are celebrated for their successes.

Experience a district focused on continuous growth and belonging, and where students are not only encouraged to grow academically, but to grow as leaders and individuals.

Add on a tour during registration or contact Jessica Gordon at jgordon@aasa.org for assistance.

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Important Attendee Dates & Details

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Registration Fees & Deadlines

Early (by August 14): $899
Regular (by September 25): $999
Late (after September 25): $1,149

*NOTE: You must be an EdLeader Promise Network member to register for this event. Interested in joining? Learn more here.

Bring a Team & Save!

Groups of 6 or more from one district are eligible for 10% off the listed rate. Please contact Jessica Gordon to complete your group鈥檚 registration.

One Complimentary Registration for Network Members

EdLeader Promise Network members receive one free registration. Additional team members must register for a fee.

Questions?

Contact Jessica Gordon at jgordon@aasa.org for assistance.

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Do More with the Mobile App

Manage your schedule, stay up-to-date with the latest news, network with attendees, and more!

2026 App Coming Soon!