What’s Happening at #CEC2024

There’s so much happening at the CEC Convention & Expo in San Antonio that it’s hard to know where to start! Here’s an overview of what’s happening and when so you can get a head start on your planning.

Tuesday, March 12

• Registration & CEC Hub Open (2-7 pm)
  • Head to Hall 3 on the Street Level in the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center to get your badge. If you pre-registered, head directly to the “Badge Pickup” area. If you need to register, change your registration or badge, or add a pre- or post-convention workshop, head to a registration kiosk.
  • You can also check out the CEC Hub, where you can meet with CEC staff, win prizes, and find a new ‘fit or publication in the CEC Store!
  • Pro Tip: If you arrive on Tuesday, pick up your badge before the crowds on Wednesday.

Wednesday, March 13

• Registration Open (7am-8pm)
• Pre-Convention Workshops (9am & 1pm)
  • Starting at 9 am, pre-convention workshops are designed for an intense look at a particular topic. See our full list of half- and full-day workshops. Additional registration fees are required.
  • Pro Tip: Morning and full-day workshops start promptly at 9, so ensure you’ve picked up your badge from registration ahead of time!
• Sessions Begin (1pm)
  • At 1pm, sessions included as part of your convention registration begin. Any session listed in the session browser that is not labeled as a workshop is open! See what the different session types mean. Sessions continue Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
• Expo Open (1pm)
  • Also starting at 1pm, the Expo Hall is open for adventure. Join over 200 exhibiting companies sharing the latest in programs, technology, products, and education to support your classroom and career.
  • Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Technology Playground, an interactive experience where you can see the latest assistive and instructional technology and get hands-on with new tools. Educators, experts, and others will share their knowledge and expertise.
• Opening General Session with Curtis Hill (5-6:30 pm)
  • Get inspired to create a culture of belonging with our Opening General Session Keynote Speaker, Curtis Hill. 
• Welcome Reception (6:30-8:30pm)
  • Immediately after the Opening General Session, head back into the Expo Hall to meet with vendors, explore the Technology Playground, and grab some appetizers. 
  • Pro Tip: If there’s a specific product you’re looking for, this is the best chance to make sure you can get your item before it sells out!

Thursday, March 14

The adventures continue with more sessions (8am-3:15pm), access to the Expo Hall (8am-5pm), and the CEC Hub (7:30am-5:30pm), plus:

• Awards of Excellence Luncheon (11:30am-1pm)
  • Celebrate your amazing colleagues at this special event, recognizing CEC National Award recipients, plus honorees from Units and Special Interest Divisions. An additional ticket purchase is required.
• Second General Session: School Mental Health Panel (4-5pm)
  • Join school mental health leaders to discuss current issues facing students and teachers.
• Division Social Safari (5-6:30pm)
  • Head down to the River Level of the Convention Center for our NEW Division Social Safari. Explore 17 Special Interest Divisions, spot the ones that fit you best, and catch the opportunity to develop content knowledge and new connections.
  • Pro Tip: The Special Interest Divisions are a great way to connect with colleagues from across the country and world interested in the same things you are—you won’t have to scramble for small talk!

Friday, March 15

Keep on learning with more sessions (8am-3:15pm), your last chance to visit the Expo Hall (8am-4pm), and the CEC Hub (7:30am-5pm), plus:

• Yes I Can Awards Ceremony (4-5pm)
  • Honor the achievements of 12 exceptional students who have been recognized for their successes in the areas of Academics, Arts, School & Community Activities, Self-Advocacy, Technology, or Transition.
• CEC Celebration (6-8pm)
  • It’s fiesta time in San Antonio at the CEC Celebration! We’ll be serving great food, entertainment, and company until the cows come home (or until 8pm, whichever comes first). An additional ticket purchase is required.

Saturday, March 16

Finish your convention strong with our final rounds of sessions (8-11:30am) or a post-convention workshop (8:30-11:30am; additional registration fee required).

Are you joining us in San Antonio? Make sure you register today.