Florida After School Annual Conference 2026: Building Brighter Futures!

October 27, 2026 8:30 AM EDT to October 30, 2026 1:15 PM EDT
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Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South
4955 Kyngs Heath Road
Kissimmee, FL 34746
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Welcome to the Information and Registration Site for Conference Participants!

Florida After School, Inc. invites you to join us for our 2026 Annual Conference on October 27-30, 2026. The Building Brighter Futures Conference will be held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, and will unite hundreds of professionals across a variety of disciplines who are committed to keeping Florida’s students in school, enhancing their academic and personal achievement, and guiding them toward a successful future. This professional learning experience is truly unique thanks to the expertise and insights that our profession brings to the table. This conference serves as a platform for sharing innovative ideas, best practices, and research findings in the field of after school, academic success and youth development. We look forward to your participation as we build brighter futures, together.

Interested in partnership, exhibit, workshop presentation and sponsorship opportunities?

Click HERE to learn more!

Announcing our preconference!

"OMG! Please Stop!": Understanding, Preventing, and Responding to Challenging Behavior in Afterschool and Summer Programs. 

Are you struggling to address challenging behaviors in your afterschool or summer programing? You are not alone. Managing behavior in out-of-school time settings requires more than reacting to difficult moments. It requires understanding child and adolescent development, creating and maintaining positive connections, and supporting environments where young people can thrive. This interactive workshop will provide afterschool and summer program professionals with practical strategies to prevent, address, and redirect challenging behaviors while fostering a positive program culture.

Participants will explore the causes of common challenges and learn proactive behavior management techniques that promote engagement, self-regulation, and positive decision-making. While the primary focus will be on working with elementary-aged students, there will be opportunities to discuss developmental considerations and effective practices for older youth as well.

Through real-world scenarios, collaborative discussions, and hands-on activities, participants will strengthen their ability to:

  • Recognize age-appropriate behaviors and developmental milestones that influence student behavior.
  • Implement positive behavior management strategies that build relationships, establish clear expectations, and encourage positive choices.
  • Apply effective response and redirection techniques that preserve student dignity while promoting accountability.
  • De-escalate challenging situations using trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and relationship-centered practices.
  • Develop consistent behavior expectations and routines that create safe, engaging learning environments.
  • Communicate behavioral concerns with caregivers using respectful, solution-focused approaches that strengthen home-program partnerships.

Participants will leave with practical tools, conversation frameworks, and ready-to-use strategies they can immediately implement to create supportive environments where students feel safe, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Conference Schedule:

Preconference - Tuesday, October 27, 2026: Preconference space is limited to 75 attendees!

3-Day Conference - Wednesday, October 28, 2026 - Friday, October 30, 2026

Activities Highlighted in Blue indicate that food will be served and is included in your registration fees.
TIME ACTIVITY
Preconference: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
8:30 am - 12:00 pm Registration/Help Desk
9:30 am - 3:00 pm Preconference Summit (Lunch Included)
Day 1: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
8:30 am - 4:30 pm Registration/Help Desk/Presenter & Exhibitor Check-In
9:30 am - 10:50 am Breakout Session 1 (4 options to choose from)
11:00 am - 12:20 pm Breakout Session 2 (4 options to choose from)
12:30 pm - 2:50 pm Opening Session with Keynote & Lunch
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Breakout Session 3 (4 options to choose from)
4:10 pm - 5:10 pm Breakout Session 4 (4 options to choose from)
5:15 pm - 6:45 pm

Resource Hall Reception: GRAND OPENING of the exhibitors with attendee opportunities to win exhibitor prizes and giveaways!

Day 2: Thursday, October 29, 2026
8:30 am - 4:30 pm Registration/Help Desk/Presenter Check-In
8:30 am - 9:30 am Coffee & Tea with Exhibitors in Resource Hall
9:30 am - 10:50 am Breakout Session 5 (5 options to choose from)
11:00 am - 12:20 pm Breakout Session 6 (5 options to choose from)
12:20 pm - 1:50 pm

Lunch with Exhibitors: *Attendees:This is another opportunity to win exhibitor prizes and giveaways!

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Breakout Session 7 (5 options to choose from)
3: 10 pm - 4:10 pm Breakout Session 8 (5 options to choose from)
Day 3: Friday, October 30, 2026
8:30 am - 11:00 am Registration/Help Desk/Presenter Check-In
9:30 am - 10:50 am Breakout Session 9 (5 options to choose from)
11:00 am - 1:00 pm Closing Session with Keynote & Lunch
1:00 pm - 1:15 pm Farewell Until Next Year: Grand Prize Drawing

Costs:

4-Day Conference Registration (Includes Preconference Tues-Fri) $499

3-Day Conference Registration (Wed-Fri): $439

One-Day Preconference Only (Tuesday) $75

Event Location: 

Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South located at 4955 Kyngs Health Road, Kissimmee, FL. 34746 

Group Rate Reservation Deadline: Monday, October 5, 2026, or until sold-out if before this date.

Group Rate Booking Website:
https://book.passkey.com/e/51141939

Group Rates: $182 per night for single/double room; $10.00 per 3rd/4th person in room;

$16.00 per day self-parking for overnight or day only guests.

Tickets

$499.00 4-Day Conference Registration (Includes Preconference)
$534.00 after 12:00 am October 15

$439.00 3-Day Conference Registration (Wed, 10/28 - Fri, 10/30, 2026)
$474.00 after 12:00 am October 15

$75.00 PreConference One-Day Registration (Tuesday, Ocotber 27, 2026)
$110.00 after 12:00 am October 15