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

 

What to Expect

The 2026 Conference features a full day of preconference sessions followed by three days of workshops and networking opportunities. Workshop focus areas will be announced Fall 2025. 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. 

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Opening Keynote - May 5, 2026

Coming soon!

 

Closing Keynote - May 7, 2026

Coming soon!

RATES

 

Early Bird

Rate available until March 1

Standard

Rate available until April 1

Late

Rate available until conference ends

Preconference Only

May 4

 TBD TBD TBD

3-Day Admission

May 5 - 7

 $325 $375 $425

4-Day Admission

May 4 - May 7

 $375 $425 $500

SPONSORS

Special thanks to our generous sponsors

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