
NAESP | National Association of Elementary School Principals 2026
Event Date
July 13–15, 2026
Location
Orlando, FL
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe National School Leaders Conference — Powered by NAESP (formerly the NAESP Annual Conference) is the flagship professional-learning event of the National Association of Elementary School Principals. The summer 2026 conference takes place July 13–15 in Orlando at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, bringing together principals, assistant principals, and education leaders for three days of inspiration, collaboration, and networking.
The conference is built for Pre-K–12 school leaders at every career stage. Attendees can expect sessions focused on leadership capacity, instructional excellence, school climate and inclusivity, student voice, and whole-school wellness, along with specialized tracks for early learning leadership, middle-level leadership, and secondary leaders.
It is worth attending for the combination of practical, standards-aligned professional development and a nationwide peer network. Pre-K–12 leaders join the event for learning, networking, and tools to elevate leadership. The setting at a Walt Disney World convention resort adds a memorable backdrop to the professional experience.
Show Highlights
- Camp Lead-A-Lot: New this year is Camp Lead-A-Lot, a one-day leadership retreat for Pre-K–12 leaders at any career stage. Led by nationally recognized presenter Todd Whitaker, Ph.D., this experience includes interactive sessions, collaborative challenges, and practical takeaways to sharpen leadership skills.
- Specialized leadership tracks: Sessions focus on leadership capacity, instructional excellence, school climate and inclusivity, student voice, and whole-school wellness, along with specialized tracks for early learning leadership, middle-level leadership, and secondary leaders.
- Peer networking: A national gathering of principals, assistant principals, and education leaders for connection and shared strategies.
- Member-driven content: The call for proposals invited school leaders to submit fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and inspiring stories, with proposals due Dec. 31, 2025.
Registration
Registration is open for the 2026 conference — rebranded as the National School Leaders Conference – Powered by NAESP — taking place in Orlando, Florida, July 13–15, 2026. Registration is handled online through the conference's Cvent event site.
Ways to save:
- Team discount: Groups of three or more attendees are eligible for a $50 discount per registration.
- Scholarships: The NAESP Board Legacy Conference Scholarship, established and funded by past board members, provides financial support to NAESP members attending the annual conference who have shown exceptional leadership.
A call for proposals for the conference was also open, with submissions due Dec. 31, 2025.
History
The conference is organized by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). NAESP, founded in 1921, is a professional organization serving elementary and middle school principals and other education leaders throughout the U.S., Canada, and overseas. In 1921, fifty-one elementary school principals met in Atlantic City to formally establish the Department of Elementary School Principals (DESP) of the National Education Association.
What started with 51 principals grew in the next five years to include 3,000 members; today NAESP, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, represents nearly 30,000 elementary and middle school principals. The association has long paired advocacy with professional development, and in the 2025–2026 cycle it rebranded its long-running annual conference as the National School Leaders Conference — Powered by NAESP.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
1000 West Buena Vista Drive
The Convention Center at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort boasts 220,000 square feet of meeting space, including 2 ballrooms, an exhibit hall and 45 breakout rooms; the facilities can hold over 6,500 people and are equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, audio and projection systems. High-capacity internet connectivity and hard-wired services are available in meeting rooms, ballrooms, exhibit halls and convention foyers, with complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public areas.
Coronado Springs is unique in that it is the only one of Disney's moderate category resorts to feature a convention center. The resort's lodging villages surround Lago Dorado, a 22-acre man-made lake, and feature Spanish-inspired and American Southwest design touches. Dining includes Tolédo, a rooftop table-service restaurant atop the Gran Destino Tower, and Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Villa del Lago on the waterfront of Lago Dorado.
Parking
- Self-parking: Overnight self-parking at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is complimentary for registered hotel guests.
- Valet: Valet parking is also available at $42 per day (parking cost subject to change without notice).
- Day attendees: Conference attendees not staying at the resort should drive to the main Coronado Springs Resort entrance and take an immediate left at the first stop sign to go directly to convention parking.
Getting There
- Airport: The nearest major airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO). Taxi fare from Orlando International Airport to Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is approximately $67–78 including tip (estimated rate only, subject to change).
- Rideshare: You may also take Uber or Lyft; note that Disney's Magical Express airport shuttle was discontinued, and Disney recommends using Lyft or booking with Mears Transportation. Conference participants are responsible for their own airport transportation.
- On property: Complimentary bus transportation to and from all Disney theme parks and water parks is available, along with buses to the Disney Springs area.
Nearby Hotels
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is itself the host hotel, offering on-site guest rooms and suites within walking distance of the convention center. Guests attending conventions have noted staying in the Casitas section, which is very close to the convention center and food court.
The resort sits in the Lake Buena Vista / Walt Disney World area, which has an extensive cluster of additional hotels nearby. Disney Springs, with its own hotels and dining, is located approximately 3 miles from Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. Staying at the host resort is the most convenient option for conference attendees.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 National School Leaders Conference?
The conference takes place July 13–15, 2026, at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida (Lake Buena Vista).
Who organizes the conference and who should attend?
It is organized by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). It is designed for principals, assistant principals, and other Pre-K–12 education leaders at every career stage.
How do I register and are there discounts?
Registration is open online for the 2026 conference. Groups of three or more attendees are eligible for a $50 discount per registration, and NAESP offers scholarships such as the Board Legacy Conference Scholarship.
What are the highlights of the 2026 program?
New for 2026 is Camp Lead-A-Lot, a one-day leadership retreat led by Todd Whitaker, Ph.D. Sessions cover leadership capacity, instructional excellence, school climate, student voice, and whole-school wellness, with tracks for early learning, middle-level, and secondary leaders.
How do I get to the venue and where can I park?
The nearest airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO), roughly a $67–78 taxi ride, with Uber, Lyft, and Mears Transportation also available. Self-parking is complimentary for registered resort guests, and valet parking is available for about $42 per day.
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