Annual Convention

UCEA Annual Convention


UCEA Annual Convention

The UCEA Annual Convention is a dynamic gathering that serves as a nexus for faculty, doctoral students, and professionals in the field of educational leadership. In the spirit of our guiding principle that Quality Leadership Matters, this three-day event is a celebration of academic achievements that fosters an environment where ideas converge.

The Annual Convention takes place during a week-long series of events that includes Executive Committee Meetings, Plenary Session, Graduate Student Programming, and Pre-Convention Workshops. The Annual Convention begins with the Awards Luncheon on Thursday afternoon and ends with the Annual Banquet on Saturday evening.

We invite you to,

  • engage in thought-provoking keynotes, interactive research presentations, and collaborative discussions that delve into the forefront of educational leadership.
  • experience the energy of networking opportunities, connecting with like-minded individuals who share a passion for advancing quality leadership in education.
  • join an intellectual journey to celebrate the achievements of the academic community and pave the way for a future where quality leadership is a cornerstone of educational excellence.

Together, let's shape the narrative of leadership in education and make a lasting impact on the academic landscape.

Go to the latest convention page!


Convention Timeline

1.     Proposal Submission Period (Months 1-4 - e.g., January-April):

  • Convention theme and call are developed
  • Official Call for Proposals is published, inviting educators, researchers, and professionals to contribute their insights and ideas to the convention.
  • Clear guidelines for proposal submissions, including themes, formats, and deadlines are shared.
  • Proposal submission is open through months 3 and 4.


2.     Review and Selection (Month 5 - e.g., May):

  • Peer review process.
  • Reviewers are given one month to complete reviews.
  • Each proposal gets three reviews.


3.     Registration Opens (Month 6 - e.g., June):

  • Open registration for all participants and exhibitors.
  • The Convention Planning Committee meets to assess proposal reviews and determine the Convention schedule.


4.     Preliminary Schedule Announcement (Month 7 - e.g., July):

  • Notifications sent to accepted presenters.
  • Notifications sent to submitters of declined proposals.
  • Highlight key events and keynote speaker(s).


5.     Preliminary Program and Registration (Months 8-9 - e.g., August-September):

  • Preliminary release of program draft.
  • Changes to the program draft due.
  • Early registration ends. Regular registration begins.


6.     Final Program and Convention App (Month 10 - e.g., October):

  • Final program available with detailed session information, speakers, and special events.
  • Convention mobile app ready for attendees to plan their schedules and engage in pre-conference networking.


7.     Last-Minute Registration Period (Month 11 - e.g., November):

  • Regular registration ends. Late/On-Site registration begins.
  • Travel to convention location and attend the UCEA Annual Convention.



UCEA Annual Convention History

Since the first meeting in 1986, the UCEA Annual Convention has been a foundation in the history of educational leadership. Now in its 38th year, the Convention continues to evolve by shaping dialogue, research, and advancements in the field while maintaining its commitment to excellence.


Over the years, our Convention has evolved into the premier gathering for sharing groundbreaking research, innovative practices, and visionary ideas. Each annual gathering has been strengthened the dynamic nature of educational leadership, featuring engaging keynotes, enlightening workshops, and collaborative sessions that propel the field forward.


From its early imaginings to its current stature, the UCEA Convention has consistently served as a catalyst for thought leadership, fostering a community that values excellence in education. As we mark the 38th year, we celebrate the legacy of past conventions and look forward to yet another chapter of inspiration, discovery, and collective impact on the future of educational leadership.



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