2026 SAIS Annual Conference: Full Schedule

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8:00am EDT

Breakfast

Monday October 5, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Sponsors

Winkler Group

The Winkler Group is a national philanthropic consulting firm that serves independent schools nationwide through capital campaigns, strategic planning, and hands-on fundraising counsel.

CONTACT: Jessica Browning, Principal & EVP, [email protected]

SPONSORING: Monday Breakf... Read More →

Monday October 5, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Ballroom

Networking

8:00am EDT

Connections Lounge

Monday October 5, 2026 8:00am - 6:00pm EDT

Room 2

Good conversations happen here. Step inside to connect with someone new, continue a chat, exchange ideas, or simply take a break. Meet, talk, think, recharge, and see where the conversation leads.

While you’re here, strike a pose! Stop by the photo booth, snap a pic with friends old and new, and share it on social. Be sure to tag @saisnews so we can join the fun!

Enjoy sponsor spotlight sessions during two breaks:

Monday | 10:00 AM

Redirecting Federal Taxes Into Scholarships
Presented by AIMS
Stop by this sponsor spotlight to learn more about what a customized SGO partnership could look like for your school. Full details here.

Monday | 2:00 PM

Does Your Curriculum Plan Actually Make it to The Classroom?
Presented by Toddle
See how one connected platform brings it all together, with a live look at how curriculum mapping can flow through every part of teaching & learning. Full details here.

These informational sponsor spotlights will take place in the Connections Lounge during the 10AM and 2PM breaks on Monday.

Monday October 5, 2026 8:00am - 6:00pm EDT
Room 2

Networking

10:00am EDT

AIMS Sponsor Spotlight: Redirecting Federal Taxes Into Scholarships

Monday October 5, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT

Room 2

AIMS empowers taxpayers to redirect dollar-for-dollar federal tax credits into scholarships for Independent Schools that help local students reach their full potential through the new Education Freedom Tax Credits, launching January 1, 2027.

At AIMS, our goal is to make this process simple, transparent, and impactful for our partner schools. We partner with independent schools to connect individuals and businesses with opportunities to support scholarships and expand educational access. Our approach is personalized to each school, allowing donors to support the school communities that matter most to them.

Join us to learn more about what a customized SGO partnership could look like for your school.

Presenter: Jeremy Nicholas, CEO AIMS

This sponsor spotlight takes place in the Connections Lounge during the 2:00 PM break on Monday. Disclaimer: This listing is provided for informational purposes and does not imply affiliation, approval, or recommendation by SAIS.

Monday October 5, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
Room 2

Networking

10:00am EDT

Break

Monday October 5, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT

Prefunction

Pause, connect, and explore. Catch up with colleagues, meet someone new, and visit sponsor booths to discover services and solutions designed to support your school’s work and priorities.

Break sponsored by J&J Contractors

Sponsors

J&J Contractors

J&J Contractors, Inc. is a commercial, general contractor located in Chattanooga, TN. Licensed in Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, and servicing an area up to 1 1/2 hour drive from Chattanooga, J&J has five areas of expertise we've focused on since our incorporation in 1978. Those... Read More →

Monday October 5, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
Prefunction

Networking

11:45am EDT

Community & Conversation Lunch

Monday October 5, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm EDT

Ballroom

Enjoy this informal time to connect with friends and meet new people.

Sponsors

Lands' End School Outfitters

Lands’ End School Outfitters expertly crafts branded apparel solutions that unite your organization and ignite your brand. Our team of experts combines extensive experience in outfitting with a sharp eye for design, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully considered. We focus... Read More →

Monday October 5, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm EDT
Ballroom

Networking

2:00pm EDT

Break

Monday October 5, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Prefunction

Take a break, connect with colleagues, and explore the sponsor booths. Use this time to continue conversations, make new connections, and discover services, resources, and ideas that could have a meaningful impact on your school.

Break sponsored by The Education Group

Sponsors

The Education Group

Since 1988, The EducationGroup has served nonprofits and independent schools across the nation, providing the highest level of personalized search, placement, executive coaching and consulting services.

CONTACT: Katherine Moncure Stuart, President, [email protected]

SPON... Read More →

Monday October 5, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Prefunction

Networking

2:00pm EDT

Toddle Sponsor Spotlight: Does Your Curriculum Plan Actually Make it to The Classroom?

Monday October 5, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Room 2

Curriculum mapping, assessments, portfolios - most schools manage these in separate tools that never talk to each other. In this session, see how one connected platform brings it all together, with a live look at how curriculum mapping can flow through every part of teaching and learning. Leave understanding why 85% of partner schools replace 3+ platforms when they bring on Toddle.

Presenter: Katy McIntyre

This sponsor spotlight takes place in the Connections Lounge during the 2:00 PM break on Monday. Disclaimer: This listing is provided for informational purposes and does not imply affiliation, approval, or recommendation by SAIS.

Monday October 5, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 2

Networking

3:30pm EDT

Break

Monday October 5, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

Prefunction

Monday October 5, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Prefunction

Networking

5:00pm EDT

Reception

Monday October 5, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT

Prefunction

Raise a glass and keep the conversations going. Catch up with colleagues, meet someone new, and enjoy a relaxed setting to connect and unwind. Be sure to spend time with our sponsors, whose services and solutions may offer fresh ideas and valuable support for your school.

Reception sponsored by Fisher Phillips

Sponsors

Fisher Phillips

For over 25 years, the attorneys on the Fisher Phillips K-12 Education Team have been servicing schools of all types. Representing religious, secular, independent, private, public and charter schools, our broad and deep team of lawyers assists with student, workplace, and governance-related... Read More →

Monday October 5, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Prefunction

Networking

8:30pm EDT

Karaoke

Monday October 5, 2026 8:30pm - 10:00pm EDT

Upper Rotunda

Step into the SAIS karaoke lounge, where the music is legendary, the energy is high, and the mic is waiting for you.

Come find your song and let your inner superstar shine. Channel the soul of Stevie Wonder, the glam of David Bowie, the funk of Earth, Wind & Fire, or the unmistakable sparkle of Dolly Parton. Whether you’re ready to belt out a classic, grab a few friends for a group anthem, or simply cheer from the crowd, it’s all about great music, big laughs, and unforgettable moments.

This night promises iconic performances. Don't miss the SAIS karaoke lounge, where the vibe is groovy and you are the star!

Need some song inspiration choices? See a list of popular karaoke song options here.

Open bar available from 8:30–10:00 PM for guests wearing an SAIS name badge.

Co-hosted by Nigel Traylor (Woodward Academy), Alex Bragg (Woodward Academy), and Elizabeth Maglio (SAIS)

Sponsored by SchooLinks

Sponsors

SchooLinks

SchooLinks is the leading college and career readiness platform. We ensure staff maximize their time, and students leave high school with goals and a plan. With interactive experiences from interest discovery, post-secondary planning, and social emotional learning, SchooLinks offers... Read More →

Monday October 5, 2026 8:30pm - 10:00pm EDT
Upper Rotunda

Networking

2026 SAIS Annual Conference

8:00am EDT

Winkler Group

8:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

J&J Contractors

11:45am EDT

Lands' End School Outfitters

2:00pm EDT

The Education Group

2:00pm EDT

3:30pm EDT

5:00pm EDT

Fisher Phillips

8:30pm EDT

SchooLinks

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