Registration for Arizona's 2026 IDEA Conference: Stronger Systems, Better Outcomes—for Every Student is currently open and will remain open until July 27, 2026, or until conference capacity is reached. Once capacity is reached, interested attendees will be placed on a waitlist.

With strong interest already underway, we encourage you to submit your seat request as soon as possible.

Why Attend?

This year's conference features an outstanding lineup of nationally recognized speakers, including:

• Jeremy Poincenot, World Champion Blind Golfer and motivational keynote speaker
• Brandon Wright, nationally recognized IDEA and special education law expert
• Malcolm Mitchell, Super Bowl Champion and literacy advocate
• Winston Clements, accessibility consultant and advocate

Check out our full line up of keynote and premier speakers.

Attendees will have access to professional learning opportunities on:

• IDEA legal updates and compliance
• Inclusive practices and Universal Design for Learning
• AI and assistive technology
• Early childhood special education
• Secondary transition and employment
• Behavior supports
• Family engagement and leadership development

The conference will also feature:

• Specialized session tracks for educators, families, youth, and leaders
• Student and Young Adult Art Exhibit
• Secondary Transition Services Awards
• Networking opportunities, receptions, and special evening events

Conference Details

📅 August 18–20, 2026
📅 Preconference: August 17, 2026
📍 Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort
💲 $425 Professional Registration

Registration Process

1. Submit a seat request for review by the IDEA Conference Committee.
2. Upon approval, complete payment through APLD.
3. Complete any required supplemental registration information.

Don't wait—space is limited, and once capacity is reached, registrations will move to a waitlist.

For registration information, lodging details, and FAQs, please visit the IDEA Conference website.

We look forward to learning with you this August!

We’re excited to invite you to an exclusive event designed for Arizona’s special education leaders: the 2026 IDEA Leadership Preconference. This is your opportunity to collaborate, learn, and lead alongside peers who are shaping the future of special education across the state. 

Date:  Monday, August 17, 2026
Location: Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort 7500 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:15 PM 
Price: Preconference-only registration is $150. A bundled registration option of $500 is available for attendees who wish to participate in both the preconference and the full IDEA Conference. Anyone interested in participating in the preconference—either as a single day experience or in addition to the full conference—should apply using the preconference application only.

What to Expect: 

• Engaging, interactive learning sessions featuring panels, tabletop discussions, and data-informed conversations focused on current trends and proactive district practices
• Dynamic networking opportunities with guided tabletop discussions designed to foster collaboration, share expertise, and build meaningful professional connections
• Structured moments for leadership reflection and practical problem solving, centered on real world challenges and actionable district level solutions

Preconference Schedule: 

• 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Registration and Lunch

• 1:00 – 2:30 PM | Concurrent Session 1 

• 2:45 – 4:15 PM | Concurrent Session 2 

• 4:15 – 5:15 PM | Networking Reception 

Each concurrent session will be offered twice to allow attendees to participate in both options. 

Who Should Apply? 

This event is designed for professionals in special education leadership roles at the district or charter level, including: 

• Directors, Managers, and Leads of special education programs 

• Specialists and Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSAs) supporting special education services 

• Site-based leaders in administrative or leadership roles (formal title not required) 

Guidelines and Requirements: 

• Each Public Education Agency (PEA) may register up to two eligible leaders. Capacity is capped and final participation decisions will be made by ADE

• Priority is given to school-employed, site-based staff 

• Additional names and on-site based staff will be placed on a waitlist, and if space allows, they will be invited to register 

Ready to Lead? Apply for Arizona’s 2026 IDEA Director’s Preconference  

Need help with completing registration? Please email the IDEA Conference inbox or join the IDEA Conference Planning Committee during an upcoming office hour. Please register in advance for a virtual office hour time slot.

Let’s come together to reflect, network, and build stronger systems that impact outcomes for every student in Arizona. We look forward to seeing you there! 

We are thrilled to announce that professional registration is now open for Arizona’s 2026 IDEA Conference: Stronger Systems, Better Outcomes—for Every Student. This year’s conference will take place August 18–20, 2026, with preconference sessions on August 17, at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort. 

The registration fee for professionals is $425 per person. Payment may be made by MasterCard, Visa, or Discover, check, or purchase order. With procurement deadlines for PEAs approaching, we encourage you to register promptly—spots are expected to fill quickly. To ensure equal access, we may limit the number of attendees per district or charter organization to maximize participation.  

Registration process 

1. Submit a seat request for review by the IDEA Conference Committee. 

2. If your request is approved for payment, you will receive instructions to complete registration by submitting payment through the Arizona Professional Learning and Development System (APLD). Please note: payments submitted without an approved seat request will be canceled. 

3. If notified by email, submit the Arizona’s 2026 IDEA Conference Supplemental Form to complete registration. 

New this year: Each seat request must include an active ADE Professional Learning & Development (APLD) Learner ID. This Learner ID is required to confirm the APLD account that will be associated with payment for each seat request. If staff has not yet been identified, or if the identified staff member does not yet have an APLD account, you may still submit a seat request to secure a spot. The attendee’s name and APLD Learner ID can be collected through the supplemental form (referenced in step 3), until July 27, 2026. 

For more information on registration—including how to submit a seat request, lodging options, and FAQs—please visit the IDEA Conference Registration webpage. 

Need help with completing registration? Please email the IDEA Conference inbox or join the IDEA Conference Planning Committee during an upcoming office hour. Please register in advance for a virtual office hour time slot. 

Information regarding the Special Education Leadership Preconference application and registration process will be released in the coming days. Anyone interested in participating in the preconference—either as a single day experience or in addition to the full conference—should apply using the preconference application only. 

We look forward to learning with you at this year’s conference. For the latest announcements please visit the IDEA Conference website. 

In partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program, ADE/ESS is excited to be able to offer scholarships for Arizona youth and their families. Scholarships are available so that youth and young adults with disabilities and/or their family member/personal assistant can attend Arizona’s 2026 IDEA Conference: Stronger Systems, Better Outcomes—for Every Student. This year’s conference will be held from August 18–20, 2026, with preconference activities on Monday August 17, at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort.

Who can apply for a scholarship:

• Youth/young adult between the ages of 14 and 26 who has a documented disability
• Family member of a student with an IEP or 504 Plan
• Caregiver who attends with a student or family member

Scholarships will cover the conference registration fee for each recipient as well as lodging and mileage for eligible recipients.

ADE/ESS also partners with the Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration/Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program to support registration scholarships for students with disabilities ages 14–22 receiving  Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).

Additionally, important information is listed in the application. A limited number of scholarships are available. All applications must be completed by May 29, 2026.

Please email the IDEA Conference inbox for questions about this opportunity. 

Download our flyers for more information on the Youth and Family Scholarship.

Revised 4.2.26

The Arizona Department of Education, Exceptional Student Services, is excited to announce two fantastic opportunities at Arizona’s 2026 IDEA Conference: Stronger Systems, Better Outcomes—for Every Student, happening August 18–20, 2026, Preconference August 17, at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort.  

Nominations for Arizona Secondary Transition Services Awards  

Recognize outstanding contributions to secondary transition services across Arizona. Learn more and nominate a youth/young adult, community member, or educator for their exceptional efforts by submitting an online nomination form.    

Nomination Categories:  

• Youth/Young Adult: Actively engaged and successfully navigating the secondary transition planning process.  

• Community Member: Providing exemplary support for students and/or young adults with disabilities to enhance community-based experiences.  

• Educator: PEA or Secure Care certified staff, support staff, related service providers, or administrators offering remarkable secondary transition services.  

Submit your nominations by Friday, May 8, 2026. Award winners will be notified in June.  

Call for Student Artwork  

Showcase student talent at the IDEA Conference! If you know a student artist interested in displaying his or her artwork, please view the Call for Student Artwork flyer linked below for more details. Please complete the 2026 Student Artwork Entry form before Friday, May 8, 2026, to have artwork considered for display.  

Please email the IDEA Conference inbox for questions regarding these opportunities.  

Download our flyers for more information on the Secondary Transition Services Awards and Call for Student Artwork.  

We are excited to invite you to Arizona’s 2026 IDEA Conference: Stronger Systems, Better Outcomes—for Every Student, from August 18–20, 2026 with Preconference sessions on August 17, at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort.

ADE/ESS seeks innovative, research-based proposals highlighting your outstanding contributions to special education. This year’s conference will offer various professional learning opportunities, covering IDEA legal issues and updates, instructional practices, national trends and hot topics, special education compliance, preschool special education, and secondary transition.

Why Submit?

• Showcase Your Expertise: Share your knowledge and insights with a wide audience of special education professionals.
• Network with Peers: Connect with fellow educators, researchers, and practitioners.
• Contribute to the field: Help advance special education practices by sharing your innovative approaches and research findings.

Submit your proposals by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Review the Call for Papers Guidelines and submit your session proposal(s) for Arizona’s 2026 IDEA Conference.

Thank you for your dedication to advancing special education in Arizona. We look forward to your contributions. Stay informed by visiting the IDEA Conference website and signing up for the conference listserv for updates and registration information. Questions can be emailed to the IDEA Conference inbox.

The Arizona Department of Education/Exceptional Student Services (ADE/ESS) is thrilled to announce the 2026 IDEA Conference will take place at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort from August 18–20, 2026 with Preconference sessions on August 17. This year's theme, Stronger Systems, Better Outcomes—for Every Student, reflects the critical role of robust coordinated systems in driving meaningful outcomes for students with disabilities. 

This event is designed for special education administrative staff, youths and young adults with disabilities, family members and caregivers, state agency staff, educators, related service providers, and community members who are all dedicated to student success. Participants can expect numerous professional learning opportunities on topics ranging from IDEA legal issues, special education compliance, instructional practices, national trends and hot topics, preschool special education, and secondary transition.  

Call for Papers: 
ADE/ESS is pleased to request this year’s conference proposals that showcase your innovative and research-based work.  Review the Call for Papers Guidelines and submit your session proposal(s) for Arizona’s 2026 IDEA Conference. The deadline for session proposals is March 4, 2026. 

ESS values this opportunity to learn with each of you and looks forward to the year ahead.  

Visit the IDEA Conference website for more details. Stay informed by signing up for the IDEA Conference email list for updates and registration information. Questions can be emailed to the IDEA Conference inbox.  

Registration is closing soon for the 2025 IDEA Director’s Preconference—Leadership in Action: Expanding Access, Cultivating Opportunity. This is your opportunity to collaborate, learn, and lead alongside peers who are shaping the future of special education across the state. The Director’s Preconference is an exclusive, invite-only event designed for Arizona’s special education leaders.

Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Location: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa  5350 E Marriott Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85054
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Price: $100 (General conference registration not included)

What to Expect:

• Engaging Panels & Campfire Talks on FAPE, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), staffing shortages, supporting students with complex needs, and more
• Audrey Levorse, Deputy Executive Director of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE), who will offer insights on federal compliance and its impact on state and local teams
• An Interactive Networking Reception to connect, collaborate, and build lasting relationships
• Opportunities for reflection and real-world problem-solving

Secure your spot now! Apply for Arizona’s 2025 IDEA Director’s Preconference by July 31.

Additional information, including eligibility criteria and the schedule, is available in the application. Please email the IDEA Conference inbox if you have any questions.

Registration is open for Arizona’s 2025 IDEA Conference: Access Cultivates Opportunity, taking place August 21–22 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Phoenix.

• Fee: $400 per person
• Deadline to request a seat and submit payment: July 25, 2025

Registration Steps:

1. Request a Seat: Submit your seat request by July 25, 2025.
2. Submit Payment: Once your seat request is approved, you will receive payment instructions to complete your registration through the Arizona Professional Learning & Development (APLD) application.

Payments without an approved seat request will be canceled.

Join fellow educators, leaders, community members, youths, and their families for two energizing days focused on innovation, collaboration, and opportunity in special education. This year’s conference features inspiring keynote speakers:

• Jessica Cox – Motivational speaker and Guinness World Record holder
• Shawn Harper – Former NFL player turned leadership expert
•  Brandon K. Wright – Renowned education attorney
• Elizabeth Montero-Cefalo – Early childhood inclusive education leader

Learn more about our keynote speakers and view their bios. Stay tuned to the IDEA Conference National Speaker Page for more information about our Premier Speakers.

Hotel Reminder: The last day to book your room at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge is July 30, 2025. Reserve your stay at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge. Detailed instructions and information can be found by visiting the IDEA Conference Registration Page.

Please email the IDEA Conference inbox if you have any questions.

Join us for two unforgettable days of learning and inspiration!

Leadership in Action: Expanding Access, Cultivating Opportunity
We’re excited to invite you to an exclusive, invite-only event designed for Arizona’s special education leaders: the 2025 IDEA Director’s Preconference. This is your opportunity to collaborate, learn, and lead alongside peers who are shaping the future of special education across the state.

Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Location: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa 5350 E Marriott Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85054
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:15 PM

Price: $100 (General conference registration not included)

What to Expect:

• Engaging Panels & Campfire Talks on FAPE, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), staffing shortages, supporting students with complex needs, and more
• A Premier Legal Speaker offering insights on federal compliance and its impact on state and local teams
• An Interactive Networking Reception to connect, collaborate, and build lasting relationships
• Opportunities for reflection and real-world problem-solving

Preconference Schedule:

• 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Registration
• 1:00 – 2:30 PM | Concurrent Session 1
• 2:45 – 4:15 PM | Concurrent Session 2
• 4:15 – 5:15 PM | Networking Reception

Each concurrent session will be offered twice to allow attendees to participate in both options.

Who Should Apply?

This event is designed for professionals in special education leadership roles at the district or charter level, including:

• Directors, Managers, and Leads of special education programs
• Specialists and Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSAs) supporting special education services
• Site-based leaders in administrative or leadership roles (formal title not required)

Guidelines and Requirements:

• Each Public Education Agency (PEA) may register up to two eligible leaders (Capacity is capped, and final participation decisions will be made by ADE)
• Priority is given to school-employed, site-based staff
• Additional names and on-site-based staff will be placed on a waitlist, and if space allows, they will be invited to register.

Ready to Lead? Apply for Arizona’s 2025 IDEA Director’s Preconference

Please email the IDEA Conference inbox if you have any questions.

Let’s come together to expand access and cultivate opportunity for every student in Arizona. We look forward to seeing you there!