COSSBA National Conference Speakers Announced, Upcoming Deadline for Early Registration Discount 

The deadline to receive early registration discounts for the COSSBA Inaugural National Conference, March 31-April 2, and Urban Boards Alliance (UBA) Day, March 30, is January 28. Both professional development opportunities will take place in Tampa, Florida. Early-bird registration fees for the National Conference are $549, while discounted rates for UBA Day are $199. Registration costs for both events will increase by $50 after January 28. 

UBA Day will include two general sessions, panel discussions, complimentary breakfast and lunch, and an evening reception. Presenting the opening keynote will be Donna Beegle, Ed.D., president of the consulting firm Communication Across Barriers that focuses on building poverty-informed communities. The second general session will be headlined by Steve Gallon III, Ed.D., who currently serves as a board member of the Miami Children’s Initiative and was awarded the Florida School Board Association 2022 President’s Award for Unparalleled Leadership and Courage. 

The COSSBA Inaugural Conference beginning on March 31 will feature three general sessions, a trade show, and breakout learning sessions. Keynoting the first general session will be award-winning author, CEO of Fearless Positivity, and co-founder of the Digital Wellness Institute Amy Blankson. Headlining the second general session is Chuck Underwood, host of the PBS television series “America’s Generations with Chuck Underwood.” ABC News veteran, Emmy Award winner, and host of the popular television program, “What Would You Do?,” John Quiñones will close out the Conference on Sunday, April 2. Detailed information about the keynote speakers for both professional development opportunities can be found online. 

Registration instructions and housing information, as well as a complete schedule for the two events, are available on the COSSBA website. Questions about registration should be directed to anne.butcher@cossba.org.