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2026 ISBE Career Connections Conference, May 6, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Bone Student Center at Illinois State University, Normal

The Illinois State Board of Education Career Connections Conference enables educators to learn from and collaborate with their peers from across Illinois. At the ISBE Career Connections Conference, CTE educators exchange ideas, share best practices, and foster meaningful connections that contribute to more opportunities and deeper learning for all students.

This year’s theme, "Ignite Learning: Spark Success in CTE​," promises engaging discussions, networking with CTE leaders, and innovative strategies to empower students and strengthen our communities. Join the movement enhancing Illinois's education and workforce systems. Save the date and help us prepare the next generation to reach their potential.​​​​​

New Program and Travel Information are NOW AVAILABLE!

  • The "Program" information has been updated! Please click the "Program" blue bar below to view the Agenda and registration.
  • The "Travel" information has been updated! Please click the "Travel blue bar to view hotel availability and registration.​

Call for Proposals

Share your expertise and innovative practices at the ISBE Career Connections Conference. We’re seeking dynamic presentations that highlight strategies, resources, and success stories supporting career readiness and technical education across Illinois. ​

Submit your proposal today to inspire and connect with educators, administrators, and industry partners from across the state.

2026 Call for Proposals Form

Submission Deadline: January 15, 2026​

Exhibitors

Join us as an exhibitor at the 2025 Career Connections Conference, hosted by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)! Exhibitor registration is $850 and includes a 6-foot table, two chairs, two conference registrations, and WiFi access.

All exhibitors will be featured during the 60-minute Poster Walk and Vendor Showcase, giving you dedicated time to connect with attendees, share resources, and highlight your organization’s impact.

2026 Vendor Interest Form

Submission Deadline: January 15, 2026

Poster Sessions

New this year! The Poster Session is an engaging 60-minute session that allows educators, students, and industry professionals to showcase best practices, classroom projects, research, and success stories in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Presenters will have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with attendees, exchange ideas, and inspire others with creative approaches that advance CTE. For more information, view the following document: Poster Session InformationPDF Document.

2026 Poster Session Interest Form

Poster Session Interest Forms are due April 10, 2026. Poster participants will be notified of approval and acceptance by the week of April 17, 2026.​​​

Program
  • May 6 - Conference
    • Agenda
      • 8:00 am - 9:00 am - Breakfast and Registration
      • 9:00 am  - 9:15 am - Welcome & Opening Remarks
      • 9:20 am - 10:05 am - Breakout Session 1
      • 10:15 am - 11:00 am - Breakout Session 2
      • 11:10 am - 11:55 am - Breakout Session 3​
      • 12:10 pm - 12:40 pm - Lunch and Networking
      • 12:40 pm - 1:40 pm - Poster Walk and Vendor Showcase
      • 1:50 pm - 2:35 pm - Breakout Session 4
      • 2:45 pm - 3:30 pm - Breakout Session 5

View the full schedule on Sched, check out the at-a-glance overview​PDF Document, and register today to secure your spot for May 6.​​

Registration

Registration is now open for the 2026 ISBE Career Connections Conference. We invite educators, counselors, and industry partners to attend this professional learning event focused on strengthening career pathways and student success. Please click the link below to register.

Rate Amount
Early-bird (no later than March 15, 2026) $60.00
Group (5 or more from the same school district, community college, or other organization) $50.00 each
Regular (March 16 – April 29, 2026) $75.00


2026 ISBE Career Connections Con​ference Registration Website​​

Travel

A number of rooms are being held at two nearby hotels.  Rooms may fill up fast, so registering soon is recommended.

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Contact Information