Registration Now Open for ASCD’s 2013 Annual Conference and Exhibit Show

Alexandria, VA (09/20/2012)—ASCD is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the much-anticipated 68th ASCD Annual Conference and Exhibit Show.

Built on the theme “Learning: Our Story. Our Time. Our Future.," the Annual Conference and Exhibit Show will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill., March 16–18, and will inform, engage, help, and challenge educators from across the globe to better support student success.

“ASCD invites educators of all levels from around the world to join us for this premier education event,” said Executive Director and CEO of ASCD Dr. Gene R. Carter. “Now is the time for educators worldwide to join together to tell our story and prepare for our future. ASCD’s Annual Conference is the professional development event of the year educators won't want to miss.”

ASCD’s 2013 Annual Conference and Exhibit Show will feature more than 400 sessions on topics ranging from teacher effectiveness, to leadership strategies, to implementing the Common Core State Standards. In addition, sessions will focus on effectively integrating the latest technology into instruction. All sessions are developed so that educators can return to their schools and districts and quickly implement their learning.

In 2013, ASCD is introducing an exciting international panel that will bring attendees new perspectives on education from around the globe. The association is injecting a strong student voice into the event as well, with a student panel that will focus on the perspective of education’s most important stakeholders. In addition, this year the ASCD Center will host book signings and author talks, allowing attendees to ask questions and hear about the books they use from the authors they admire.

The first general session of the conference will feature the president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Freeman A. Hrabowski III, who will share his thoughts about educating students in the new century. Also during this session, ASCD will announce the 2012 Outstanding Young Educator Award (OYEA) winners. The OYEA program recognizes education leaders under the age of 40 for making a profound difference in the lives of their students.

The second general session will feature the poet, author, and educator Maya Angelou, who will share her unique story during this must-attend session. Following her remarks, ASCD will announce the 2012 Vision in Action award-winning school, which will be recognized for schoolwide efforts to ensure that each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.

Other notable speakers for the conference include Sandra Day O’Connor, founder of iCivics and former Supreme Court Justice; Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch, founder of Educational Achievement Services, Inc.; and Tim Shriver, chairman and CEO of the Special Olympics.

Attendees are encouraged to round out their conference experiences with personal networking. Friday night, March 17, attendees should plan to attend the 2013 welcome reception in McCormick Place West. On the evening of Saturday, March 18, ASCD will host its second annual ASCD Tweet Up, sponsored by Herff Jones Nystrom. Hosted at the Chicago staple Buddy Guy’s Legends from 5:30–9:00 p.m. central time, this event is for educators both new to and experienced in using social media for professional development. The official Twitter hashtag of ASCD's 2013 Annual Conference is #ASCD13.

To preview the event lineup or to register, visit the Annual Conference and Exhibit Show website. To learn more about ASCD and the benefits associated with becoming an ASCD member, visit www.ascd.org.

Contact Information  

• Katie Test, communications specialist, 1-703-575-5608 or by e-mail. 
• Stephen Wakefield, communications director, 1-703-575-5764 or by e-mail.