January 30-31, 2026 | Washington, D.C.

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The NSBA Leadership Seminar was established to focus on state association leadership topics and leadership core competencies. The program provides opportunities for personal leadership style exploration and introspection as well as skill-building.

This opportunity to convene with peers from across the country to re-examine the impact of your leadership combined with the opportunity for valuable regional networking makes the 2026 Leadership Seminar a can't miss event!  We are looking forward to a unique program that will allow you to explore leadership concepts and skills tied to organizational collaboration, shared vision, and innovation.

Schedule-at-a-Glance (As of Dec. 4, 2025)

All dates and times are subject to change.

Thursday, Jan. 29

8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

Board Meeting 

4 – 5:15 p.m. 

Constitution & Bylaws 

Friday, Jan. 30

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Registration 

8 a.m. – Noon 

Beliefs & Resolutions 

8:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

National Nominating Committee 

9 a.m. – Noon 

Off-Site Option 

American Dream Experience | MCAAD 

1:30 – 2:45 p.m

Opening General Session

2:30 – 3:45 p.m. 

Facilitated Leadership Workshop 

4 – 5:30 p.m. 

Facilitated Leadership Workshop 2 

Saturday, Jan. 31

7:30 a.m. –  5 p.m.  

Registration 

9 – 10 a.m. 

Work-a-Like Networking Breakfast

10:15 – 11:30 a.m. 

Facilitated Workshop 

Noon – 1:30 p.m. 

 

 

Luncheon and Leading Edge Award Presentation 

1:45 – 3 p.m. 

Facilitated Leadership Workshop 

3:15 – 4:30 p.m. 

Closing Keynote 

4:30 – 5:30 p.m. 

Leadership Reception 

Programming

Friday, Jan. 30

10 a.m. – Noon 

American Dream Experience (NSBA will provide tickets) 

At the American Dream Experience, you’ll explore interactive exhibits that connect big ideas to everyday life: education, health, entrepreneurship, and financial empowerment. These are the tools that help you take ownership of your future. We’re unapologetically optimistic about what’s possible when you have access and opportunity. Come curious. Leave inspired.  

 

1503 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 

1:30 – 2:45 p.m. 

Opening General Session 

Tonia Wellons 

President & CEO — Greater Washington Community Foundation 

2:30 – 3:45 p.m. 

Facilitated Leadership Workshop 1 — Civic Leadership Through Conflict and Polarization 

Mya Baker 

Chief Learning Services Officer — iCivics 

4 – 5:30 p.m. 

Facilitated Leadership Workshop 2 — AI for Impact: A Strategic Roadmap for Association Leaders  

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping organizational operations, and nonprofit association leaders are facing a pivotal moment: determining how to harness AI strategically, responsibly, and in service of their mission. This workshop, led by the National Artificial Intelligence Academy (NAIA), is designed specifically for leadership teams from state school boards associations who want to move beyond the hype and build a clear, confident understanding of what AI means for their work, their members, and their long-term organizational strategy. The session frames AI not as a technical challenge but as a leadership opportunity. One that requires clarity, alignment, and thoughtful decision-making rather than deep technical expertise. 

 

Through an engaging mix of discussion, reflection, and collaborative exploration, participants will examine how AI can strengthen their organizational capacity, support staff effectiveness, enhance member value, and position their association for the future. The workshop emphasizes practical, mission-driven leadership, helping teams identify where to begin, how to build readiness across their organization, and how to approach AI with both curiosity and responsible governance. Leaders will leave with shared understanding, direction, and renewed confidence in guiding their organization forward in the age of AI. 

 

Ricky Gooch 

CEO — National AI Academy (NAIA) 

Saturday, Jan. 31

9 – 10 a.m. 

Work-A-Like Networking Breakfast 

10:15 – 11:30 a.m. 

Facilitated Leadership Workshop 3 — Sustainable Leadership: Creating Balance, Focus, and Organizational Clarity 

Leading an association demands balance in advancing a mission-driven agenda while managing complex operations, member expectations, and public pressures. This interactive workshop invites participants to step back, reflect, and intentionally design systems for sustainable leadership. Participants will explore practical strategies to prevent burnout, strengthen organizational clarity, and align their team’s work with shared purpose and values. 

Through guided reflection, team discussion, and structured planning time, participants will: 

  • Examine the root causes of leadership burnout in nonprofit and education association settings. 

  • Identify organizational practices that promote well-being, clarity, and mission alignment. 

  • Develop a customized sustainability plan that supports both individual resilience and collective effectiveness. 

 

Teams will leave with actionable next steps to cultivate healthy, high-performing organizations, where leaders can thrive and lead with renewed focus and clarity. 

 

Presenters TBD 

Noon – 1:30 p.m. 

Luncheon and Leading Edge Award Presentation 

Award Winner TBD 

1:45 – 3 p.m. 

Facilitated Leadership Workshop 4 — Advocacy Session

Dr. Phelton Moss 

Managing Director, Government Relations — National School Boards Association  

3:15 – 4:30 p.m. 

Closing Keynote Presentation 

Leading with Clarity: What It Takes to Move People and Institutions in Uncertain Times  

Tim Wise explores what authentic leadership looks like in moments of conflict, fear, and political retreat. Through story and strategy, he offers tools for building trust, navigating backlash, and staying grounded in shared values while advancing institutional change.  

 

Tim Wise 

Author and Speaker on Perspective, Power, and Institutional Culture 

4:30 – 5:30 p.m. 

Leadership Reception 

Registration Fees

For Leadership Seminar Only $400
Bundle (Leadership Seminar + NSBA's Advocacy & Equity Institute) $990

Event Information

Taxicabs & Ride Sharing
Taxicabs and Ride Sharing, such as Uber and Lyft offer transportation services to passengers arriving to and departing from the airport. Download the ride sharing app of your choice and book in advance to ensure availability. Approximate rates for taxicabs and ridesharing from the nearest airports can be found below.


DC Metro System
DC Metro System serves the District of Columbia and surrounding areas. The Mt Vernon Sq./7th St-Convention Center Station on the Green and Yellow Lines is the closest (0.2 miles) Metro Station to the hotel.

Hotel Parking
Valet parking is available at the Marriott Marquis DC hotel at $65 per day.

In the event of a cancellation, you may transfer your registration to another member of your team by Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. Simply email memberservices@nsba.org with the name of the registrant and the individual being substituted.  

Requests for refunds will be honored only if made in writing to NSBA by Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, and will be subject to a $150 cancellation fee per registrant. After that date, no refund will be issued, however, you may still transfer your registration to another district participant. 

Exceptions to the cancellation policy for medical emergencies or other significant unforeseen events may be considered. Requests must be submitted in writing to memberservices@nsba.org with appropriate supporting documentation for review. 

Please feel free to contact our registration team at memberservices@nsba.org with any questions you may have about your Advocacy & Equity Institute registration.  

Headquarter Hotel: Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
901 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001

You must be registered for the conference before you can reserve housing in the NSBA hotel block. NSBA has negotiated a special rate for conference attendees. Booking information will be provided in the registration confirmation email. All reservations should be made before Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. Room availability and conference rates cannot be guaranteed after this date.