Getting Ready for COABE 2026: Tips and Tricks

For many educators, attending the COABE conference is a highlight of the year. This April, the adult education community will gather in Indianapolis, and for some attendees it will be their very first COABE experience.

If that’s you—welcome! COABE is energizing, inspiring, and full of opportunities to learn from colleagues across the country. It can also feel big if you’ve never attended before. A little preparation goes a long way in helping you make the most of your time.

Here are a few simple tips to help you get ready.

What to Pack

A conference can mean long days of learning, networking, and walking between sessions. A few small items can make your experience much more comfortable.

Consider bringing:

Comfortable shoes – you will be on your feet more than you think.
Portable phone charger – your phone will likely be busy taking notes, photos, and checking the conference schedule.
Notebook or digital note app – you’ll hear ideas you’ll want to remember and share back home. (Whova does this as well)
Business cards – COABE is a great place to connect with educators across the country. Don’t have cards? Set your profile up in the Whova App with the best way for someone to connect with you.
A reusable water bottle – staying hydrated helps you keep your energy up during full conference days.

Having these essentials with you means you can focus on learning and connecting instead of scrambling for what you need.

Choosing Your Sessions

One of the best parts of COABE is the wide range of sessions offered. There are often several happening at the same time, so it helps to review the schedule ahead of time and identify a few “must attend” topics.

A few strategies can help you get the most out of the session lineup:

Mix familiar and new topics.
Attend sessions that support your current work, but also choose a few that introduce new ideas or innovative practices.

Try a presenter you haven’t heard before.
COABE is a chance to learn from educators and leaders across the country. Consider attending a session led by someone you normally wouldn’t have access to.

Balance in-person sessions with hybrid access.
Some sessions will be available to view later through the hybrid option. That means you don’t have to stress about missing everything in the moment—you can prioritize the sessions you most want to experience live and catch others afterward.

Leave room for surprises.
Sometimes the most valuable sessions are the ones you discover while talking with colleagues in the hallway.

Don’t Forget the Networking

While the sessions are excellent, many attendees will tell you that the conversations between sessions are just as valuable.

COABE brings together adult education professionals from all over the country. Take time to introduce yourself, ask questions, and exchange ideas. You may leave with new strategies, new contacts, and new inspiration for your program.

Make Time to Explore

Because COABE 2026 is being held in Indianapolis, attendees will also have the opportunity to experience the city. Downtown Indy is very walkable, with restaurants, coffee shops, and attractions all nearby.

And of course, Indiana educators are excited to welcome everyone.

Get Ready for Hoosier Hospitality

Speaking of welcoming… next week’s blog will highlight something Indiana takes seriously: Hoosier Hospitality.

We’ll share ways IAACE members and volunteers are preparing to welcome the adult education community to Indianapolis and how you can experience a little local flavor during the conference.

In the meantime, start planning your sessions, planning your conference essentials, and get ready for an energizing week of learning, connection, and inspiration at COABE 2026.

Visit iaace.com/coabe-2026/ for handy access to what you need. Please put your tips in the comments!

Jenn Wigginton

Jenn is the IAACE Executive Director. Her passion for adult education shines through in everything she does for IAACE. You can invite her to a chat for questions anytime. Click here to book a time to chat with Jenn