State & Regional Conferences

Connect, learn, and share with visual arts educators in your state or geographic region through these convenings.

Regional Leadership Conferences

NAEA Regional Leadership Conferences connect aspiring and seasoned arts education leaders in their geographic regions for professional learning, collaboration, and inspiration.

SOUTHEASTERN

Southeastern Leadership Conference: Leading with Creativity and Joy
June 26-28, 2025 | Jackson, Mississippi

Location:
Mississippi Museum of Art/MS Art Center
380 S Lamar St.
Jackson, MS 39201

Registration Cost: $180
Registration Deadline: June 6
Register Here

Join fellow arts leaders in Jackson, Mississippi, for a gathering dedicated to fostering creativity, collaboration, and leadership. Through engaging sessions and meaningful dialogue, we will explore strategies to inspire, connect, and uplift our states and school communities. Together, we will strengthen our ability to lead with authenticity, cultivate inclusive and vibrant creative spaces, and champion the arts as a vital force for change.

Optional Events:
June 25: Reception, 7:00pm

Accommodations:
The Westin Jackson
407 S Congress St.
Jackson, MS 39201

Questions?
Send an email to Renna Moore Edwards at Renna.Moore@gmail.com.

PACIFIC REGION

Pacific Region Leadership Conference
June 27-July 1, 2025 (full conference) | Greeley, Colorado

  • Leadership Focus: June 27-29, 2025
  • Art Focus: June 29-July 1, 2025

Location:
University of Northern Colorado – Guggenheim Hall
18th St & 8th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80631

Registration Cost:
Leadership Focus: $100 - Register Here
Art Focus: $100 - Register Here
Both Tracks: $150 - Register Here
Registration Deadline: June 29

Event Details:

  • Leadership Focus
    June 27, 9:00am–5:00pm
    June 28, 8:00am–5:00pm
    June 29, 9:00am–2:00pm

Designed for emerging and experienced art education leaders alike, the Leadership Focus offers three days of community-building, purposeful dialogue, and strategic planning rooted in the Pacific Region’s vision for equity, advocacy, and empowered leadership. Participants will engage in reflective and forward-thinking activities centered around organizational health, governance, and inclusive leadership practices. Come ready to collaborate with fellow leaders, share insights, and shape the future of our profession.

  • Art Focus:
    June 29, 12:00pm–5:00pm
    June 30, 9:00am–5:00pm
    July 1, 9:00am–5:00pm

The Art Focus celebrates the vibrant creative practices of our Pacific Region community. Attendees will engage in studio-based workshops, creative collaborations, and pedagogical exploration. With a focus on inspiration and rejuvenation, the experience includes hands-on making, artist-led sessions, and opportunities to reflect on how our own practices can inform and transform classroom experiences. The Art Focus concludes with a focus on joy, creativity, and connection.

The Art Focus brings our creative selves to the forefront in a hands-on, dynamic experience that blends contemporary art practices with innovative pedagogy. Participants will explore materials, engage in collaborative making, and attend sessions led by practicing artists and art educators. With an emphasis on authentic artistic voice and community connection, the Art Focus invites attendees to rejuvenate their creative practices. The experience culminates in reflection and celebration of artistic risk-taking and professional renewal.

Optional Events:
June 26: Welcome BBQ, 5:00–7:00pm
July 2: Self-funded trip to Denver Art Museum & Meow Wolf

Accommodations:
On-campus housing is available at the University of Northern Colorado and should be booked when registering for the conference. Linens are provided.

  • Single Occupancy: (shared bathroom within a suite)
    1 night: $90; 2 nights: $150; 3 nights: $210; 4 nights: $270; 5 nights: $330

  • Double Occupancy:
    1 night: $75; 2 nights: $120; 3 nights: $165; 4 nights – $210; 5 nights – $255

Deadline to book housing with your registration: June 15

Meal Package:
A meal package covers all meals during the conference dates and should be booked when completing your conference registration.

  • $90 for either the Leadership Focus or Art Focus track
  • $180 for the full conference (both the Leadership Focus and Art Focus tracks)

Deadline to include a meal package with registration: June 15

Questions?
Send an email to Abi Paytoe Gbayee, NAEA Pacific Region Vice President, at abi.paytoegbayee@board.arteducators.org.

WESTERN

Western Region Leadership Conference | Ignite & Align: Cultivating Courageous Leadership in Governance & Advocacy
June 24-27, 2025 | Wichita, Kansas

Location:
Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita
400 W Douglas Ave
Wichita, KS 67202

Registration Cost: $120
Registration Deadline: June 10
Register Here

Empowering leaders to cultivate trust, clarity, and resilience in governance and advocacy. Each session is designed to strengthen your ability to lead with purpose, plan with confidence, and advocate with impact—fostering a culture of courageous, effective leadership that strengthens your organization.

Event Details

Accommodations:
Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita
400 W Douglas Ave
Wichita, KS 67202

$125 per night for non-smoking king or two queen deluxe rooms. Book online here or by calling 1-800-378-7946. The discounted rate is available through May 22 using group code: 10100928.

Questions?
Send an email to Carrie Barnett, NAEA Western Region Vice President, at carrie.barnett@board.arteducators.org.

EASTERN

TEAM EAST: NAEA Eastern Region Leadership Conference
July 10-13, 2025 | Newport, Rhode Island

Locations:
Salve Regina University
100 Ochre Point Ave.
Newport, RI 02840

Wyndham Newport Hotel
240 Aquidneck Ave.
Middletown, RI 02840

Registration Cost: $250
Registration Deadline: May 10
Register Here

Event Details

Accommodations:
Wyndham Newport Hotel
240 Aquidneck Ave.
Middletown, RI 02840

Click here to book online using the direct booking link. You can also make reservations online using the group code 071025ART, or by calling 1-401-236-2020.

Questions?
Send an email to Kristi Oliver, NAEA Eastern Region Vice President at Kristi.Oliver@board.arteducators.org

Events

2023 NAEA National Convention

Register now for the 2023 NAEA National Convention in San Antonio, Texas!

Learn More!