
National Association for Bilingual Education - NABE 2027
Event Date
February 17–19, 2027
Location
Lake Buena Vista, FL
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) Conference is the annual gathering of the only national organization devoted exclusively to representing bilingual learners and bilingual education professionals. The 2027 event marks the 56th Annual International Bilingual Education Conference. Since 1975, the National Association for Bilingual Education has been a non-profit membership organization that works to advocate for educational equity and excellence for bilingual/multilingual students in a global society.
The conference draws a diverse professional audience. These members include bilingual and English learner (ELs) teachers, parents, paraprofessionals, administrators, professors, advocates, researchers, and policy makers. Attendees come together for professional development, research sharing, advocacy, and networking around dual language, multilingual, and ESL education.
Held at a Walt Disney World resort in Central Florida, the 2027 conference opens with School Visits and Pre-Conference Institutes before moving into its main program of sessions. It is worth attending because it is, as NABE describes it, the premier national gathering of professionals dedicated to bilingual and multilingual education, offering high-quality professional development and connection with a nationwide community of practitioners and advocates.
Show Highlights
Key features of the NABE 2027 program include:
- School Visits — organized visits to local bilingual and dual language school sites, held on February 17, 2027.
- Pre-Conference Institutes — in-depth professional development sessions on February 17, 2027.
- Main Conference — the core program of sessions running February 18–19, 2027.
- Exhibit Hall / Resource Providers — sponsors, exhibitors, and resource providers showcasing programs, curricula, and services for multilingual education.
- Sponsorship tiers — the 2026 event featured Diamond, Platinum, Gold, and Bronze sponsors along with a "Friends of NABE" category, indicating a robust exhibitor and partner presence.
NABE's annual conference is regularly attended by prominent education leaders and features recognitions such as the NABE Teacher of the Year.
Registration
Registration for NABE 2027 is open through the conference website, with both individual and group registration options available online.
Discounted rate categories include:
- Parent rate — for non-educators who are the parent of a child currently enrolled in a bilingual or ESL program (a letter on school letterhead from the child's teacher or an administrator is required).
- Student rate — for full-time students (a letter from your college or university verifying full-time status is required).
Acceptable forms of payment: credit card, debit card, purchase order and check. Purchase orders and requests for invoices, W9s, and vendor forms can be emailed to the conference registration team, and checks are mailed to NABE's Finance Department in Albany, LA.
Cancellation policy: Requests for refunds of registration fees must be received in writing by January 18, 2027. A US$50 processing fee will be deducted from the registration fees paid. Refund requests after the deadline are not honored, and Pre-Conference Institutes, School Site Visits, sponsorships, advertising, and lead retrieval are non-refundable.
History
The National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) is a non-profit organization founded in 1975 in the United States. NABE was formally established during the Fourth Annual International Bilingual Bicultural Education Conference held in May 1975 at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago, Illinois.
In 1976, NABE launched the NABE Journal, which provided a forum for educators, researchers, and policymakers to discuss issues related to bilingual education. The organization has since grown into a national network. NABE has 20 state/regional affiliates and 4 international affiliates, which collectively represent more than 5,000 members.
The annual conference has traveled to major cities across the country over the decades — recent host cities include Dallas (2012), Atlanta (2025 for the 54th Annual Conference), and Chicago (2026) — with the 2027 edition marking the 56th annual conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the NABE 2027 Conference?
The 56th Annual NABE Conference takes place February 17-19, 2027 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, 1001 W Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The conference begins with School Visits and Pre-Conference Institutes on February 17, with the main conference running February 18-19.
Who should attend the NABE Conference?
The conference is designed for bilingual and English learner teachers, parents, paraprofessionals, administrators, professors, advocates, researchers, and policy makers. It is the national gathering for professionals dedicated to bilingual, multilingual, dual language, and ESL education.
How do I register for NABE 2027?
Registration is available online through the conference website, with both individual and group options. Discounted parent and student rates require supporting documentation, and accepted payment methods include credit card, debit card, purchase order, and check.
What is the registration cancellation and refund policy?
Refund requests must be received in writing by January 18, 2027, and a US$50 processing fee is deducted from fees paid. Refund requests after the deadline are not honored, and Pre-Conference Institutes, School Site Visits, sponsorships, advertising, and lead retrieval are non-refundable.
What are the hotel and parking options at the venue?
The official conference hotel is Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, bookable through the conference's Disney booking link. Standard self-parking is complimentary, and valet parking is available for $42 per night plus tax; the resort also offers complimentary bus transportation across the Walt Disney World campus.
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