CONFERENCE

CONFERENCE

43rd Annual National Conference:

How Successful Directors Lead

About The Conference

The AELL Annual National Conference, How Successful Directors Lead is the ONE event specifically designed for early learning administrators featuring 35+ educational sessions on leadership, administration, finance, marketing, legal, and program quality presented by national experts.

2026 Conference Sponsors

CONFERENCE DETAILS

About the Conference
The AELL Annual National Conference, How Successful Directors Lead is the ONE event specifically designed for early learning administrators featuring 35+ educational sessions on leadership, administration, finance, marketing, legal, and program quality presented by national experts.

Who Should Participate?
Early Care and Education Directors, Owners, VPs & Managers, Agency Administrators, Education Coordinators, Specialists, Trainers & Consultants, Assistant Directors, and Emerging Leaders.

Where can I contact an organizer with questions?
Email us at [email protected] or call 512-316-3679. 

Are there any scholarship opportunities?
Yes! Click on the “Scholarship” tab for eligibility requirements and the opportunity to apply for the Bobette Thompson Legacy Scholarship.

Can I update my registration information?
Yes, you can update your registration information at any time! Just email [email protected] for assistance.

 

 

Conference Pricing

 

Pre Conference Events

 

CEUs

CEUs are offered for every session at no additional cost. The Association for Early Learning Leaders has partnered with Stalwart-Genesis to provide Continuing Education Units for conference attendees.

 

PRE-CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

General conference registration is required to attend pre-conference events.

 

GROUP RATES

FOR 3-DAY CONFERENCE: Register four or more directors, owners, or administrators and receive 10% discount for ALL 3-day registrationsPlease email [email protected] or call us at 512-316-3679 for a group promo code.

 

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION – CANCELLATION POLICY

All conference registration cancellations must be made in writing and sent to [email protected]. Cancellations received before December 31, 2026, are refundable minus a $75 processing fee. Cancellations received before February 28, 2027, are refundable minus a $125 processing fee. No-shows and cancellations received on or after March 1, 2027, will not be eligible for a refund.

REGISTRATION TRANSFERS: Registration is transferable (for up to one calendar year) without penalty, or funds can be applied to another posted AELL training event.  

 

PRE CONFERENCE EVENTS – CANCELLATION POLICY

Pre-Conference Sessions & Early Learning Center Tour cancellations must be made in writing and sent to [email protected]. Cancellations received before February 15, 2027, are refundable. No-shows and cancellations received on or after February 15, 2027, will not be eligible for a refund but funds can be held as a credit and must be applied to another AELL training event within 12 months.

 

PRESENCE OF CHILDREN

Our events are often blended with family vacations and we encourage and celebrate that! However, in our on-going effort to provide a professional education conference experience and out of respect for our exhibitors, speakers and attendees, we do not allow children to be in breakout sessions, keynote presentations, professional meetings, or the exhibit hall. Attendees will need to make arrangements for child care during these times.

 

Sheraton Music City Hotel

The 43rd Annual National Conference will be held on April 7-10, 2027 at the beautiful Sheraton Music City Nashville Airport

BOOKING LINK COMING SOON!

 

EXPERIENCE QUIET LUXURY IN MUSIC CITY

Excellent service is a tradition at Sheraton Music City Nashville Airport. Their Guest Services Department exists to exceed your every need, with a concierge to book attractions and activities from the hotel near downtown Nashville, TN. Enjoy a full-service Sheraton Fitness room with free weights, aerobic machines, a whirlpool and locker room. Cool off in the indoor and seasonal outdoor pools or navigate to and from BNA with the hotel shuttle. Discover elevated dining at Old Hickory Grill and Hill Top Eatery. At the end of the day, retreat to your Music City accommodations with plush bedding and spacious balconies at the family friendly hotel.

Courtyard

HOTEL INFORMATION

Check-in: 3:00 pm CT
Check-out: 12:00 pm CT
Smoke-Free Property

 

ROOM RATES

Traditional King – $189
Traditional Double –  2 Queens – $189

 

Flights | Transportation | Parking

 

The 43rd Annual National Conference will be held at the beautiful Sheraton Music City – Nashville Airport Hotel, April 7 – 10, 2027.

Sheraton Music City Hotel – Airport Shuttle

Complimentary round-trip transportation to Nashville International Airport (BNA) is provided to guests daily between 4:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Please contact the hotel to request shuttle service during these hours – (615) 885-2200.

The conference hotel is located within 10 minutes of the Nashville International Airport. We recommend using Uber, Lyft, or local taxi services for transportation to the conference hotel if the complimentary airport shuttle is unavailable. 

Parking

Self-Parking Available Onsite – Discounted at $15 per day for conference guests

Exhibitors & Sponsors

Raise your profile at the leadership level in the early childhood community by exhibiting at the 43rd Anniversary National Conference, How Successful Directors Lead!

Market your products and services to early childhood professionals who have the buying power–nearly a third of our attendees approve or authorize purchases for their program, and another third are involved in the buying process.

Stay tuned for our 2027 Annual National Conference Sponsor/Exhibitor Prospectus coming soon!

 

 

THE CALL FOR 2027 CONFERENCE PRESENTERS WILL OPEN SOON.

 

The Association for Early Learning Leaders pursues experts in the early care and education community to present sessions from a national perspective to early care and education directors, administrators, and owners at our Annual Conference, How Successful Directors Lead! The Association prides itself on the high level of quality and professionalism that is upheld throughout the conference.

Sessions incorporate the following areas of expertise: leadership, legal, business administration, budgeting, insurance-liability, health & safety, curriculum, assessment, instructional leadership, parent education, and program quality accreditation. In order to lead a quality early learning program, directors are required to have knowledge, skills, and abilities from diverse areas. Nationally known experts from across the country are secured to share a wealth of knowledge and experience with our participants.

The Association for Early Learning Leaders is a professional organization committed to strengthening the skill level of leaders in the field of early care and education. We believe that effective management is the critical link to superior programs.

Concessions & Honorarium: Presenters will receive complimentary conference registration and access to all conference networking events included in the conference registration in addition to a stipend. Presenters will have the option to donate their honorarium to the Presidents’ Legacy Commission to support scholarships, training and development support, and expanded resources to leaders in early care and education through the Association. Travel and other related expenses will be the responsibility of the presenter.

ACCREDITATION STANDARDS:

The Association for Early Learning Leaders sponsors the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs. If accreditation standards are referenced during the presentation, please include accreditation standards in the reference. For questions on particular standards, contact [email protected].

PROMOTING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:

The Association for Early Learning Leaders recognizes that the National Conference is often used as a vehicle for presenters to expand their own markets.  The Association encourages the dissemination of knowledge, promoting personal and professional development, and enhancing the quality of early care and education programs.  To respectively maintain a balance of dissemination of information and marketing, presenters are encouraged to purchase an exhibit booth in the Exhibit Hall.  Interested presenters may contact Aryam Andom, Director of Operations, at [email protected] for reservations in the Exhibit Hall.

Please help us maintain the professional integrity of the conference by abstaining from the appearance of using your session as a marketing venue.  Presenters will not be allowed to sell, display, or promote their events, publications, materials, and/or services during their training presentation.  You will be permitted to distribute promotional materials to participants at the conclusion of your session, and our conference Ambassadors are happy to facilitate the distribution of your materials.

Failure to abide by presenter guidelines will result in your not being invited to present at future AELL training events.

 

 

Bobette Thompson Legacy Commission Conference Scholarships

The Legacy Commission was formed by past Board Presidents of the Association with the purpose of “giving back” and supporting the mission and legacy of AELL and all it represents. As an extension of that effort, we are making available a limited number of scholarship awards for use at 43rd Annual National Conference, How Successful Directors Lead.  

It is truly our joy to support the ongoing professional development of early-learning leaders like you!

Eligibility

  • Candidate must be a current member in good standing with AELL.
  • Candidate must be actively working in the field of early education.
  • Candidate must submit all required documents in a timely and complete manner.

Criteria

  • Completed scholarship application (coming soon!)
  • Updated resume
  • Letter on company letterhead from your current employer stating why you are deserving of this scholarship
    • Employer must also affirm that applicant will be permitted to attend the conference if scholarship is awarded
  • Typewritten, double-spaced 200-word essay addressing the following questions:
    • Why have you chosen a career in Early Education?
    • What are your career goals?
    • What impact would this scholarship have on your education and career goals?

 

Association for Early Learning Leaders

The Association for Early Learning Leaders is committed to excellence in the field of early childhood care and education by promoting leadership development and enhancing program quality.

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