BARR National Conference: April 22-23, 2026

Bringing together those who are most likely to change the world.

Our annual conference is the place for educators, administrators, and civic leaders to gather, share thought leadership, and inspire and empower one another to improve the future of education.

Two people shaking hands at the BARR conference

BARR in action

Together, we can make schools work better for everyone.

When we gather every year to share strategies and stories, we are all more empowered to improve the system for the next generation of learners, whether currently implementing the BARR Model or not. Everyone who comes to the BARR National Conference believes that students are more successful when adults recognize their talents, and to make that happen we need to better support the educators themselves. That’s exactly what we’re here for.

BARR National Conference speakers up on stage

Event Experience

What makes our conference so special?

It’s more than the great t-shirt. But you will get one of those. This event brings thought leaders from a variety of professions onto the stage, providing actionable learning and inspiring insights for educators at every level. We have incredible keynotes, hands-on workshops, and role-specific networking breakout sessions. You’ll bring home practical strategies that you can implement immediately. You’ll connect with other BARR educators and have the unmatched opportunity to share challenges and celebrate success with people who get it on a deeper level.

Featured speakers

We’re proud to introduce the lineup of 2026 presenters.

Thomas Friedman Foreign Affairs Columnist for The New York Times BARR Center Conference headshot

Thomas Friedman

Foreign Affairs Columnist for The New York Times
Kirsten Baesler Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education BARR Center Conference headshot

Kirsten Baesler

Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education
Mark Gordon Governor of Wyoming BARR Center Conference headshot

Mark Gordon

Governor of Wyoming
Michelle Strinden, Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota BARR Center Conference headshot

Michelle Strinden

Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota
BARR Center founder Angela Jerabek headshot

Angela Jerabek

Founder and Executive Director
Dr. Eric G. Mackey Alabama State Superintendent of Education BARR Center Conference headshot

Dr. Eric G. Mackey

Alabama State Superintendent of Education
Pender Makin headshot

Pender Makin

Commissioner of Education
Amberley Snyder Author and Barrel Racer BARR Center Conference headshot

Amberley Snyder

Author and Barrel Racer
Adam Thielen Pro Bowl Wide Receiver BARR Center Conference headshot

Adam Thielen

Pro Bowl Wide Receiver
Jeff Cole Director of the Center for the Digital Future & USC Research Professor BARR Center Conference headshot

Dr. Jeffrey Cole

Director of the Center for the Digital Future & USC Research Professor
Governor Chet Culver Former Governor of Iowa BARR Center Conference headshot

Governor Chet Culver

Former Governor of Iowa
Governor Jim Douglas Former Governor of Vermont BARR Center Conference headshot

Governor Jim Douglas

Former Governor of Vermont

José Muñoz

President of the Education Commission of the States
Dr. Irvin Scott Harvard Graduate School of Education Faculty BARR Center Conference headshot

Dr. Irvin Scott

Harvard Graduate School of Education Faculty
Governor Bob Wise Former Governor of Virginia BARR Center Conference headshot

Governor Bob Wise

Former Governor of Virginia
Thomas Friedman Foreign Affairs Columnist for The New York Times BARR Center Conference headshot

Thomas Friedman

Foreign Affairs Columnist for The New York Times
Kirsten Baesler Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education BARR Center Conference headshot

Kirsten Baesler

Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education
Mark Gordon Governor of Wyoming BARR Center Conference headshot

Mark Gordon

Governor of Wyoming

Plan Your Trip

Everything you need to know about the two-day conference.

Member rate

$1,100 Early Bird Special
(increases to $1,250 on March 7, 2026)

General rate

$1,475 Early Bird Special
(increases to $1,625 on March 7, 2026)

Tuesday, April 21

Pre-conference activities:

  • Golf Scramble in the AM
  • Evening Welcome Reception with food, beverages, and games
  • Swag bag with popular BARR items
  • Attendance at all main stage keynotes
  • Attendance at all interactive breakout sessions
  • Attendance at all networking areas
  • Full breakfast with hot and cold offerings, fruit, pastries, and beverages
  • Themed lunch option enjoyed on the patio with healthy sides and beverages
  • Morning and afternoon refreshments
  • Dinner with food stations offering multiple entree options at an outdoor evening event
  • Attendance at all main stage keynotes
  • Attendance at all interactive breakout sessions
  • Attendance at all networking areas
  • Full breakfast with hot/cold offerings, fruit, pastries, and beverages
  • Themed lunch option enjoyed on the patio with healthy sides and beverages
  • Morning and afternoon refreshments
  • Complimentary shuttle to downtown Palm Springs restaurants, art fair, and food trucks

The Westin Rancho Mirage

We’re excited to be coming back to The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa again this year. It’s a breathtaking 360-acre location in Rancho Mirage, California, that has been a wonderful destination for us. Explore room reservations directly with the resort.

The BARR room block is mostly sold out. If you are unable to reserve a room and are interested in being on a waitlist, please complete this wait list form and you will be notified as rooms become available.

You may also continue to check the Online Reservation link for potential cancellations.

Otherwise check the following list, as there are many hotels nearby the conference site.

The BARR Golf Scramble

Join us Tuesday morning for a friendly round of 18 at the resort’s beautiful Pete Dye Course, famous for its panoramic views. It’s playable for all levels and is a highlight of the conference for repeat guests! Be sure to sign up for the scramble when you register.

Pete Dye Golf Course - A golf course surrounded by mountains and water

Past highlights

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Testimonials

Hear from those who have felt the difference.

There are many passionate people across the country looking for ways to help our students succeed. While we may have different challenges, at the core these difficulties are similar and when we collaborate, good things happen.

2025 Conference Attendee

I get a lot out of this conference. I enjoyed learning about what is happening in different districts across different states and how their strategies can be implemented into my building.

2025 Conference Attendee

My greatest takeaway was the reinforcement of my belief that empowering teachers as leaders pays incredible dividends.

2025 Conference Attendee

FAQ

If you have questions, we have answers.

Do you need to be a BARR school to attend?

No, you do not need to be implementing BARR or be part of a BARR school to attend the conference. Our general sessions, keynote speakers, and breakouts provide information and professional development opportunities for all attendees.

  • Swag bag filled with popular BARR goodies
  • Tuesday evening welcome reception including food and entertainment
  • Attendance to all main stage keynotes, interactive breakout sessions, and networking areas Wednesday and Thursday including meals and refreshments throughout the day
  • Complimentary shuttle to downtown Palm Springs restaurants, art fair, and food trucks on Thursday evening

No, the 2026 BARR National Conference will only be held as an in-person conference.

No, you do not have to sign up ahead of time for individual breakout sessions. 

Should you need to cancel, registration refunds will be granted based on the following guidelines:

  • A $60 dollar cancellation fee will be deducted from conference registration for cancellations received before March 31, 2026.
  • No refunds will be provided for cancellations on or after Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • Attendees may transfer their conference registration to another colleague up until April 17th, 2026.
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