2027 GAEL Winter Conference
"Illuminate What Matters"
The Classic Center in Athens, Georgia
January 31 - February 2, 2027
Draft Agenda
Registration options: in-person & livestream!
Member Registration is $460 | Non-Member Registration is $610
Are you ready to kickstart 2027 with inspiration and innovation? We invite you to join other Georgia educational leaders at the 2027 GAEL Winter Conference!
Keynote Speakers Include:
Laura Hope Whitaker, CEO of Extra Special People (ESP)
Scott Robley, VP, Learning Solutions at Crucial Learning
Professional Learning Strands
Strand 1 — Illuminate the Leader Within
Growing the Leader
Purpose: This strand turns the light inward. It focuses on the personal growth, self-awareness, resilience, and clarity of purpose that leaders need to lead well and lead sustainably. Sessions in this strand help leaders strengthen who they are before asking them to change what they do — building the internal foundation that everything else rests upon.
Strand 2 — Kindle the Spark in Others
Growing Others
Purpose: This strand moves the light outward to the people a leader serves. It focuses on developing talent, coaching, giving meaningful feedback, and building the capacity of teams so that leadership is shared rather than shouldered alone. Sessions in this strand help leaders multiply their impact by growing the people around them.
Strand 3 — Light the Path Forward
Growing the Organization
Purpose: This strand widens the beam to the whole institution. It focuses on the systems, culture, strategy, and community relationships that shape an organization's future. Sessions in this strand help leaders build structures and cultures where what matters is embedded into the way the organization works — not dependent on any single person.
Call For Proposals
Lodging Link
Registration Questions? Email Ivy Young at iyoung@gael.org
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Cancellation Policy for 2027 GAEL Winter Conference is as follows and acknowledgement is required during registration: Due to commitments to our facilities and partners, cancellations are allowed only up to January 12, 2027. Cancellations prior to January 12 are subject to a cancellation fee of $150.00. Cancellations after January 12 will incur the full fee. No-shows at the event will be charged the full fee. Cancellations must be in writing. Please email Ginny Smith at gsmith@gael.org to cancel. Payment is due by January 15, 2027. If GAEL is forced to cancel the conference because of federal or state restrictions, you will receive a credit on your account for all fees paid.