2026 Smart Start Conference

May 4 - May 7, 2026 | Greensboro, NC

About the Conference

The Smart Start Conference is one of the largest conferences devoted to early education systems and strategies. The conference provides advanced professional development for early education leaders committed to improving the quality of and access to early childhood services for all children ages birth to five. It is intended for professionals who support families, for professionals who support those who work with children, and professionals engaging in early care and education systems change. Although we greatly value our early childhood workforce, content is not designed for those working directly with children.

#smartstart2026

 

1K+

Attendees

350+

Organizations

50%

Leadership and decision-makers

What to Expect

The 2026 Conference features a full day of preconference sessions followed by three days of workshops and networking opportunities. The conference will also include several keynotes, special breakout sessions, and networking opportunities.

If you have any questions, please contact us at conference@smartstart.org.

Workshop Focus Areas

  • Early Care and Education
  • Child, Family, and Community Health
  • Data, Learning, and Evaluation
  • Family Support and Engagement
  • Systems Building and Leadership
  • Public Engagement, Advocacy, and Fund Development

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Opening Keynote - May 5, 2026

Coming soon!

 

Closing Keynote - May 7, 2026

Coming soon!

RATES

 

Early Bird

Rate available until March 15

Standard

Rate available until April 15

Late

Rate available until conference ends

Preconference Only

May 4

 $150 $150 $150

3-Day Admission

May 5 - 7

 $325 $400 $475

4-Day Admission

May 4 - May 7

 $400 $475 $550

SPONSORS

This event is made possible by support from...

For more information about sponsoring the 2026 Smart Start Conference contact: Yvonne Huntley | yhuntley@smartstart.org | 984-221-1242