Experience the power of connection, innovation and inspiration at the 2026 BARR National Conference! It is the premier professional education and networking event for our vibrant community celebrating bold ideas, transformative leadership and unstoppable educators and leaders who are shaping the future.
Don’t miss this opportunity to join other passionate BARR advocates and discover what is possible when you are surrounded by those who are Most Likely to Change the World!
Keynote Speakers
Thomas Friedman
Foreign Affairs Columnist for The New York Times
Thomas Friedman is the bestselling author of The World is Flat and New York Times foreign affairs columnist. He is renowned for his direct reporting and accessible analysis of complex issues shaping the world. According to Foreign Policy magazine, “Friedman doesn’t just report on events; he helps shape them.” The winner of three Pulitzer Prizes, he has covered monumental stories from around the globe for The New York Times since 1981. With clear and compelling language, Friedman discusses the opportunities and challenges that “accelerations,” including technology and connectivity, present. He also explores solutions — on a local and global level — to ensure the future of work, skills, income, and prosperity.
He has written seven books since 1989 that have sold 10 million copies in 40 different languages. They include From Beirut to Jerusalem, The Lexus and the Olive Tree, The World is Flat and, most recently, his latest bestseller, Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist’s Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations, in which Friedman offers a blueprint for overcoming the stresses and challenges of a world being transformed by technology, globalization, and climate change.
Friedman was featured in Showtime’s climate change documentary series Years of Living Dangerously, executive produced by James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Mark Gordon is Wyoming’s 33rd Governor and a leading advocate for education, innovation, and workforce development. He launched the state’s Reimagining and Innovating the Delivery of Education (RIDE) initiative and the Wyoming Innovation Partnership to align education with entrepreneurship and research, and he currently serves as Chair of the Education Commission of the States. Gordon also served as Chairman of the Western Governors’ Association and Wyoming State Treasurer. Read more…
Dr. Eric G. Mackey serves as the Alabama State Superintendent of Education, leading statewide efforts to improve student outcomes through his strategic plan, Alabama Achieves, with priorities that include the Alabama Literacy Act, Alabama Numeracy Act, STEM education, Career Technical Education, and workforce development. He holds leadership roles on more than 30 boards and commissions, including serving as the current President of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Read more…
José Muñoz is the ninth president of the Education Commission of the States. He brings nearly 30 years of cross-sector experience leading initiatives that elevate policy adoption to create meaningful change in communities across the United States. In their free time, José and his family like to serve their community in New Mexico through their church and by leading community groups. Read more…
Amberley Snyder fell in love with horses at a young age and began barrel racing at the age of 7. She competed in junior rodeos and up into high school, winning multiple titles and awards. In 2010, Amberley was in an accident, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. Eighteen months after that day, she returned to competing in rodeo. She now competes in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association in barrel racing. In 2018, Netflix released a movie based on her life titled “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.” Read more…
Register today to secure our Early Bird rate and enjoy a special discount
Member Rate:
$1,100 Early Bird
Increases to $1,250
on March 1st, 2026
General Rate:
$1,475 Early Bird
Increases to $1,625
on March 1st, 2026
What’s Included:
Tuesday, April 21
- Evening Welcome Reception with food, beverages, and games
- Swag bag with popular BARR items
Wednesday, April 22 & Thursday, April 23
- 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
- Wednesday: Dinner with food stations offering multiple entree options at an outdoor evening event
- Thursday: Complimentary shuttle to downtown Palm Springs restaurants, art fair, and food trucks
The conference is hosted at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, a breathtaking 360-acre retreat in Rancho Mirage, CA. Reserve your room directly with the venue.
Join us for the BARR Golf Scramble at the resort’s Pete Dye Course, famous for its picturesque and panoramic views of Rancho Mirage. The course is playable for all levels. This event fee is not included in registration but there is a discounted rate for conference attendees. Participation can be added-on through the registration process in Whova.
Need More Information?
Includes a sample agenda, breakout session topics, what’s included and fees.
Information about pricing, deadlines and other registrations policies.
Please reach out to us any time!
BARR National Conference Highlights
Whether you’re looking to gain insight into the national landscape of education, hear from inspiring thought-leaders, explore innovative strategies to implement in your schools, or strengthen your network — the BARR National Conference is at the heart of it all. There are intentional opportunities during themed lunch & learns, role-alike breakfasts and other community-building opportunities to connect with educators, school district administrators, and state education leaders from across the nation.
Check out some of our highlights from last year’s conference and get excited for what is to come in April 2026!
“The conference reinforced that meaningful change happens when educators work together, focus on student strengths, and build a culture of trust.”
– BARR Educator
QUESTIONS?
We have answers! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us any time. conference@barrcenter.org
“This was hands down the best conference I have ever attended. The information, energy, and inspiration I gained from the BARR conference left me extremely excited and deeply motivated. It wasn’t just a professional development opportunity — it was a reset and a refocus on why this work matters so much.”
– BARR Administrator