Join Us in the Golden State!
July 14-16, 2026 | Riverside, CA
Today’s ESA leaders are navigating increasingly complex systems. Systems in Sync focuses on how leaders create coherence across leadership, instruction, well-being, operations, and community partnerships—breaking down silos and strengthening connections to maximize impact.
This year, AESA is proud to partner with the San Bernardino County Office of Education and the Riverside County Office of Education to host the conference in a region known for innovation, collaboration, and historic charm. Set against the backdrop of West Coast sunshine, the conference will bring together ESA leaders to explore how aligned systems drive stronger outcomes for students, staff, and communities.
Call for Presentation Proposals
We are still accepting breakout sessions that are strategic, relevant, and grounded in real-world practice—sessions that move beyond theory and offer actionable insights participants can apply immediately.
Contact Ann Fiene, Chief of Staff, for questions concerning the proposal process or conference strands.
Submit Your Proposal
Submission Deadline: March 31, 2026
Conference Strands
Leading Coherent Systems
(Culture-Alignment-Communication-Leadership Practice)
This strand focuses on how educational leaders design, align, and sustain coherent systems—within their organizations and across districts and communities. Strong proposals will offer practical tools, frameworks, and real-world examples of change management, systems alignment, and leadership practices that create clarity, and build capacity.
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July 15 Proposals may emphasize internal ESA coherence, including leadership alignment, cross-division collaboration, and organizational clarity. |
July 16 Proposals should extend outward to district and community systems, highlighting strategies for leading across boundaries, aligning services to district priorities, and communicating value and impact. |
Keynote Speaker
Marlon Styles
Marlon Styles is a recognized inspirational speaker and educational leader. In 2017, he was named a Top 30 Digital Trailblazer by the Center for Digital Education. Under his leadership at Middletown City Schools, the district was awarded the ISTE Distinguished District Award in 2019. He testified before the United States Congress in 2020 to advocate for access and opportunity for all students. K-12 Dive recognized him as the Superintendent of the Year in 2020 for his advocacy and leadership on a national stage. In 2025, he was named one of the Top 100 Education Influencers by District Administration. He is the author of the book Make Your Move. Styles’ mission is to inspire educators to see themselves as empowered Unifiers capable of creating the types of learning experiences today’s modern learners need to thrive.
Learning Tour
Garner Holt Productions
This year’s conference will include a special learning tour of Garner Holt Education Through Imagination, an initiative inspired by the world-renowned animatronics work of Garner Holt Productions (the studio behind figures featured in iconic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Chuck E. Cheese, and It’s a Small World). Today, the program partners with schools and districts to bring animatronics, engineering, creativity, and storytelling into hands-on STEAM learning experiences, helping students connect design, technology, and real-world problem solving. For ESA leaders, the visit offers a unique look at how innovation, career-connected learning, and cross-sector partnerships can spark student engagement and strengthen learning systems—directly connecting to our conference theme of leading coherence and connection across systems.
Overnight Accommodations
Located in the heart of historic downtown Riverside, the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa offers a memorable place to stay during the 2026 Summer Leadership Conference. This iconic National Historic Landmark features beautiful Spanish Mission–style architecture, peaceful courtyards, and richly detailed spaces that reflect more than a century of history. After a day of conference sessions, guests can relax at the hotel’s spa, enjoy excellent dining, or explore the surrounding downtown area. The Mission Inn combines historic charm with modern comfort, creating a distinctive Southern California experience for your conference stay.
The AESA room block details will be emailed upon your registration for the 2026 Summer Leadership Conference.
Additional Conference Details
Click on a topic below to explore more details. We'll be sure to include more information closer to the conference dates!
Thanks to our Sponsors!
