LEARN WITH IDEA:

Upcoming Events

Register for an upcoming IDEA event:

IDEAcon Call for Proposals Open!

IDEAcon isn't just a conference; IDEAcon is an experience. From daily thought leaders in the areas of education and DEI and Accessibility to hundreds of sessions to evening social events that truly make you feel like you're part of the IDEA family, IDEAcon is a conference you won't forget, for all the right reasons.


We encourage any and all educators to consider submitting a proposal. Last year’s event brought smiles, laughter, learning, and a sense of community for many educators. Let’s continue this momentum and connect, celebrate, and achieve once again in 2024.

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Students for Innovation: Advocacy Day

5/13/2025 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM in Springfield

Illinois educators and students are doing amazing, innovative things in the classroom every single day. At IDEA, our hope is to give these students and educators a platform to exemplify the importance of this innovative learning. Students are selected through an application process to present in-person their innovative progress during a one-day event at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. We encourage all schools throughout Illinois to apply (Space is limited).

All interested participants must use this form to submit their project for consideration. Submissions are due by the end of the day April 1, 2025.

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Wednesday Webinar | Cardboard Collaboration: Reclaiming Hands-On Experiential Learning

5/28/2025 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM via Zoom

It’s time to reclaim hands-on learning! During this interactive Wednesday Webinar with IDEA partner, Makedo we'll learn how to utilize the low-cost, accessible Makedo tools to boost thinking via physical making all while connecting to the standards. 


Illinois educators can earn 1 PDH for attending this webinar live.

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Workshop | Meaningful Integration of Role-Playing Games into Your School Community

7/7/2025 - 7/8/2025 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM in Washington, IL

This in-person workshop will provide attendees with everything needed to build role-playing games (RPGs) into their school environment. During this two-day event, attendees will learn about the research surrounding the efficacy of RPG’s in education; step-by-step guide for building a game club, a summer camp, and even in-class games; and materials to get you started on your RPG journey.



IDEA is collaborating with Washington Community High School to provide Illinois educators 11.5 PDHs for attending this two-day event.

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IDEA Kishwaukee Chapter | SLEdCon (State Line Education Conference)

7/29/2025 - 7/8/2025 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM in Rockford, IL

Join the IDEA Kishwaukee Chapter on July 29 at Rockford University for SLEdCon. Discover the latest trends in ed-tech, participate in hands-on activities, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for integrating technology in education.


Interested in presenting? Submit a session proposal by June 1 HERE. 


Illinois educators can earn 5 PDHs for attending this in-person event.

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IDEAcon 2026

2/9/2026 - 2/11/2026

Join IDEA for three days where educators can be immersed in a community of leaders and learners. Attendees enjoy a welcoming environment as they create their own journey full of breakout sessions, exhibit hall demos, hands-on activities, thought leader talks, networking opportunities and more. Go at your own pace, take the time to discover, and relish the opportunity to learn, share, and play. IDEAcon is where you'll find your next learning adventure.