Attendees at the 2026 Joint Annual Conference will find much that is new, as the presenting organizations work to enhance the premier training event for Illinois school leaders. Here’s the first “What’s New?” update:

The Hyatt Regency Chicago is completing a new look for its main meeting spaces, including the Grand Ballroom, which hosts the General Sessions, and the nearby function space, which hosts the IASB Member Hub and Bookstore, and many Panel Sessions. Previous attendees will be surprised at how different Conference will look in the newly-remodeled spaces.

Also new for 2026, the Equity Immersion will now be offered as a Friday Focus Workshop, moving on the calendar from its previous Thursday spot. Friday Focus Workshops provide school board members with knowledge and resources to be an effective and efficient school leader. And the Equity Immersion professional development event is an opportunity for participants to connect with fellow educational leaders passionate about equity in education. With this change, the 2026 Equity Immersion will take place on Friday, November 20 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago.

Watch this space for further announcements of new and exciting changes to the Joint Annual Conference.

Some things haven’t changed: The 2026 Joint Annual Conference will take place during the same timeframe as usual: November 20-22, the weekend before Thanksgiving. Headquarters hotels are the Hyatt Regency Chicago and Sheraton Grand Chicago, plus events at the Swissôtel and housing blocks reserved at several other downtown hotels. Registration opens June 1.

Visit the Joint Annual Conference webpage for all the latest information on the 2026 event.