SEPTEMBER 20-22, 2026 • BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI

Catalyst Summit 2026 Schedule

Advancing the Future of Learning

Sunday, September 20

THE CATALYST WELCOME EXPERIENCE

Wayfinder Initiative MS, Gulfport, MS | 3:00–6:00 PM

Catalyst Summit begins with something special.

Join us at Wayfinder for an exclusive opening experience designed for connection, discovery, and inspiration before the full Summit experience begins Monday morning.

3:00 PM | Doors Open

Welcome • Check-In • Connect

Pick up your Summit credentials, explore the Wayfinder STEM Learning Center, meet fellow attendees, and get your first look at what's ahead.

3:30–5:15 PM | Catalyst Spotlights

Big Ideas. Fresh Perspectives. Quick Hits.

Get an early taste of Catalyst through engaging spotlight sessions featuring select presenters, partners, and exhibitors. Discover innovative tools, practical ideas, and resources you can take back to your school or district.

5:15–6:00 PM | The Catalyst Welcome Reception

Connect with the people behind the ideas.

Enjoy refreshments and relaxed networking with presenters, exhibitors, education leaders, and fellow attendees as we officially kick off Catalyst Summit 2026.

Come early. Make connections. Discover something new. Start Catalyst inspired.

The full Catalyst Summit experience continues Monday and Tuesday at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center.

Monday, September 21

8:00–8:45 AM - Exhibit Hall Opens
Visit exhibitors, connect with colleagues, and discover innovative products, programs, and resources.

9:00–10:15 AM - Catalyst Stage: Opening Celebration & Keynote-Steve Spangler

10:30–11:30 AM -Catalyst Learning Sessions

Choose from breakout sessions in our four conference strands:

• Leading the Change

• Reimagining Learning

• Future Ready

• Opportunity & Access

11:30 AM–12:45 PM - Networking Lunch

Lunch is on your own. Enjoy the Convention Center concessions or nearby restaurants while continuing conversations, meeting exhibitors, and connecting with colleagues.

1:00–2:00 PM - Catalyst Stage: Keynote -Dr. Kim Benton

2:15–3:15 PM - Catalyst Learning Sessions

Additional breakout sessions across all four conference strands.

3:15–4:00 PM -Catalyst Connect- Exhibit Hall

Meet presenters, discover innovative products and services, connect with exhibitors, and network with educators from across the nation. Interactive experiences and prize drawings will take place throughout the Exhibit Hall.

4:00–5:00 PM -Catalyst in Action

Turn today's ideas into tomorrow's impact through collaborative sessions focused on planning, creating, problem-solving, and practical implementation. You'll leave with tools, resources, and action plans you can use immediately.

Tuesday, September 22

8:00–8:45 AM -Exhibit Hall Opens
Start the day by connecting with exhibitors and fellow educators.

9:00–10:00 AM -Catalyst Stage: Keynote -Weston Kieschnick

10:15–11:15 AM -Catalyst Learning Sessions

Choose from breakout sessions across all four conference strands.

11:15 AM–12:30 PM -Networking Lunch

Enjoy lunch on your own while networking and visiting the Exhibit Hall.

12:45-1:45 - Catalyst Learning Sessions

A final opportunity to choose from engaging breakout sessions designed to inspire practical implementation and innovation.

2:00-3:00 PM -Catalyst Stage: Keynote -Dr. George Fassitt & Greg Fassitt

3:00-Catalyst in Action/Closing Celebration

Celebrate the conclusion of Catalyst Summit 2026 with final recognitions, giveaways, conference highlights, and a look ahead to Catalyst Summit 2027.

Choose Your Catalyst Pathway:

Choose Your Catalyst Pathway

Every role in education brings a different perspective -and every attendee will build a different summit experience. Explore one pathway in depth or choose sessions across all four Catalyst Pathways.

Leading the Change

Developing bold leaders who inspire lasting impact.

Explore leadership practices that strengthen teams, improve school culture, guide meaningful change, and support continuous improvement across classrooms, schools, districts, and organizations.

Topics include:
Leadership • School Improvement • Instructional Coaching • Strategic Planning • Data-Informed Decision-Making • School Culture • Continuous Improvement • Teacher Recruitment and Retention • Professional Learning Communities

Designed for:
District Leaders • Principals • Assistant Principals • Instructional Coaches • Teacher Leaders • Aspiring Administrators • Organizational Leaders

Reimagining Learning

Transforming teaching and learning through practical innovation.

Discover engaging instructional strategies, emerging tools, and creative approaches that strengthen teaching, deepen learning, and help students think, create, solve problems, and succeed.

Topics include:
Literacy • Mathematics • Science • STEM • Artificial Intelligence • Technology Integration • Assessment • Project-Based Learning • Student Engagement • Classroom Innovation

Designed for:
Classroom Teachers • Instructional Coaches • Curriculum Leaders • Library Media Specialists • Instructional Technology Specialists • School and District Leaders

Building Futures

Connecting learning to college, careers, and life beyond the classroom.

Explore how schools, higher education, workforce partners, and industry can work together to prepare learners for changing opportunities, emerging fields, and meaningful futures.

Topics include:
Career and Technical Education • Workforce Development • STEM • Computer Science • Engineering • Entrepreneurship • Artificial Intelligence • Higher Education Partnerships • College and Career Readiness • Business and Industry Partnerships

Designed for:
CTE Educators • STEM Teachers • Career Coaches • Counselors • Higher Education Faculty and Leaders • Workforce Partners • Business and Industry Leaders • School and District Leaders

Expanding Possibilities

Removing barriers. Creating opportunities. Helping every learner thrive.

Discover practical approaches that support diverse learners, strengthen families, improve access, and create learning environments where students feel supported, included, and able to succeed.

Topics include:
Special Education • MTSS • Behavior Supports • Mental Health • Family Engagement • Early Childhood • Student Support Services • Attendance • Inclusive Practices • Intervention • Multilingual Learners

Designed for:
Special Education Teachers • Interventionists • Counselors • Social Workers • Family Engagement Specialists • Early Childhood Educators • Administrators • Student Support Professionals

Choose one pathway or create your own experience across all four.