The Edvance Conference (formerly known as the Annual Gathering) is our flagship professional learning event that brings together over 1500 Christian school leaders, educators, and support staff each October. With engaging worship, keynote sessions, 100+ workshops, and lots of opportunity to network with other Christian education professionals, this event is a highlight of the year!
New for 2026
Beginning in 2026, the Edvance Conference will run on two distinct days, allowing for more focused learning experiences for you and your staff:
On Thursday, October 29, 2026 we will offer the Edvance Elementary Conference, dedicated to elementary educators and staff serving grades K-8. Friday, October 30, 2026 will be the Edvance Secondary Conference, dedicated to secondary educators and staff serving grades 9-12. Both the Elementary Conference and the Secondary Conference will be held at Redeemer University in Ancaster, ON.
Alongside this shift, we’ll also be offering an Edvance Elementary Intensive on Friday, October 30, 2026 at a nearby location, with full-day workshops designed for elementary educators who are looking to go deeper on a specialized topic. (These workshops were formerly known as Specialist Conferences in previous years.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Correct. The Edvance Secondary Conference will take place on Friday only. High schools will no longer need to plan for Thursday as a professional development day for this event, which may allow for adjustments to your school calendar.
Yes. The same keynote speaker will be featured at both the Elementary Conference and the Secondary Conference. While the core message will be consistent, the presentation will be intentionally tailored to reflect the context, challenges, and realities of elementary and secondary schools. Watch for a keynote speaker announcement to come in the following months!
You can choose the day that best fits your role and your school’s needs. Leadership and office-staff-focused breakout sessions will be offered on both Thursday and Friday, so you will not miss key content based on the day you attend.
Yes, in most cases elementary and secondary staff will attend on different days. That said, elementary staff who are looking for deeper learning can also choose to attend an Edvance Elementary Intensive full-day workshop on Friday, which means they will have a two-day experience.
Now Accepting Workshop Proposals for 2026!
Do you have an area of expertise that could benefit Christian educators, leaders, support staff, or administration?
We are welcoming workshop proposals for both 75-minute breakout sessions and full-day workshops that follow under any of the following themes:
- Faith Formation & Christian Identity
- Teaching & Learning Design
- Inclusion, Belonging, & Diverse Learners
- Innovation, Technology, & Future-Focused Learning
- Peer Support Networking
- Mental Health & Wellness
- School Leadership & Administration
Please complete and submit a workshop proposal form by Friday, February 6, 2026 to be considered.