New home. New date. Same great training and networking opportunities

Kentucky School Advocate
April 2021

By Josh Shoulta
Staff writer

KSBA will host its 2021 Annual Conference May 14-16 in Louisville, this year moving the event a few blocks south to the Kentucky International Convention Center. The recently renovated space will allow for adequate social distancing, provide conference goers with larger breakout rooms and tradeshow area, and comfortably accommodate one of the state’s largest annual gatherings of education leaders. But attendees will have a lot more than a new space and warmer weather to look forward to.

The 2021 Annual Conference theme is “Kentucky School Boards: Champions for Education.”

An impressive lineup of keynote presenters will once again bring the perfect balance of energy, information and inspiration. Musician, composer and speaker Kai Kight will kick off the conference on Friday, May 14, by challenging the audience members to bring their own unique ideas to light. Kight’s personal story, accented with original music performed live, is designed to bring audience members to their feet.

During Saturday’s lunch session, renowned educator and speaker Dominique Smith, Ed.D., will ask attendees to imagine a thriving, diverse school district where every student feels safe and valued, and all students – regardless of background or identity – have the opportunity to succeed.

On Sunday, conference participants will hear the inspiring story of three-time Paralympic bronze medalist Danelle Umstead. When a genetic condition left her blind, Umstead developed a new vision for her life – overcoming her disability and focusing on her abilities.

Throughout the weekend, KSBA will also offer more than 50 breakout and pre-conference workshop sessions on a wide variety of topics, both required and elective, including several new offerings. Board members will have the unique opportunity to obtain the majority of their annual state-mandated training hours at a single event.  In between sessions, attendees will be encouraged to take part in the largest exhibitor tradeshow in KSBA history. The convention center’s large exhibitor hall will feature more than 75 education industry leaders and organizations. Friday evening’s networking reception, Saturday morning’s continental breakfast and beverage breaks all weekend long will be conveniently served in the exhibitor hall.

As of mid-March – roughly eight weeks ahead of the conference – more than 500 attendees had already registered and more than 700 hotel block rooms had been booked – both indicative of a strong showing for KSBA’s first in-person training event since February 2020.

More information on the 2021 Annual Conference, including a complete schedule of sessions, frequently asked questions and easy online registration, can be found on our website.