Hoosier Hospitality at COABE Indy 2026 🏁
Stop by the Hoosier Hospitality booth in the Griffin Foyer/Prefunction area and help us celebrate all things Indiana during the conference! Our space is all about connection, state pride, and a little Hoosier fun woven throughout the week.
To bring the spirit to life, we’re inviting Indiana attendees to join in our daily Indiana-themed attire:
Monday – Indiana Pride Day
Show off your Hoosier spirit! Wear your favorite Indiana-themed gear. It could be an Indiana shirt, gear from your favorite Indiana college or professional team, or anything that proudly represents the state.
Tuesday – Racing into Indy Day 🏎️
Channel the excitement of the legendary Indianapolis 500! Wear Indy 500 racing gear, or if you don’t have racing apparel, go with black and white or checkered to match the classic racing flag.
Wednesday – Adult Education Pride Day
Celebrate the work we do! Wear your Indiana adult education program gear or IAACE pride wear and represent the impact happening across the state.
And throughout the conference, we’re adding a little extra personality with Embellish your Badge!
Attendees are invited to embellish their conference badges however they like. Add stickers, pins, ribbons, or creative flair that shows your style, your program, or your Hoosier pride.
Swing by the Hoosier Hospitality booth to connect, celebrate Indiana, and join the fun. We can’t wait to see the creativity, pride, and racing spirit you bring to COABE Indy 2026!
Now how about we answer some questions:
COABE 2026 FAQ
Getting Ready for COABE 2026: Tips and Tricks
Your First 2 Hours at COABE (Start Here)
Step 1: Arrive & Check In
Head to the main registration area in Griffin Foyer (2nd level), grab your badge, and visit IAACE, Indiana Hoosier Hospitality booth. On-Site registration area is open Sunday 9am-6pm, Monday 7am-5pm, Tuesday 8am-5pm and Wednesday 8am-10am Eastern Time.
Step 2: Get Oriented
Take a quick look at the venue map and locate your first session room. The New Attendees Meeting on Monday at 7:00 am Eastern (location TBD) is a great primer to help you navigate the conference, understand the app and get up to full speed. Link to Venue Map in App
Step 3: Make Your Plan and Review the Schedule
Open the conference schedule/app and confirm your top 2–3 sessions for the day and attend the general session at 9:30 am in the JW GrandBallroom level 3.
Step 4: Jump In and Attend the First Session
There is a New Attendees Session on Monday, April 13 at 7:00 am at a TBD location. Attend your first session at 8:00am Monday and the General Session opening event in the JW Grand Ballroom on level 3—and don’t overthink it, just start. Remember a pro tip is to balance the in-person vs hybrid sessions.
Step 5: Say Hello to Someone to make a connection
The easiest networking moment? Sitting down before a session starts, introduce yourself. It’s the easiest win of the day.
Step 6: Know who the volunteers are
Volunteers will be wearing a yellowish gold vest. If you want to volunteer, sign up at this link.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Arrival & Check-In
Where do I go when I arrive?
Follow COABE 2026 signage to the main registration area in Griffin Foyer (2nd level). Volunteers will be available to guide you.
What time should I arrive?
Plan to arrive early enough to check in and get settled before your first session. Link to registration times.
How do I check in?
You can check in with your name to receive your badge. But bringing your confirmation email (printed or on your phone) is a prepared move.
What if there’s an issue with my registration or badge?
Visit the registration help desk—staff will assist you. But remember a $25 charge may apply for a reprint of the badge.
Getting Started
Where should I go first?
Head to the opening session or your first scheduled session after check-in.
Do I need to register for sessions in advance?
Sessions are open seating. For high-interest sessions, arrive early to secure a seat. Remember the rooms will likely be full so be keep your belonging on the floor and not in the seat next to you.
How do I choose sessions?
Review the schedule ahead of time in the app or in the Google Sheet and prioritize what aligns with your goals—but stay flexible.
Navigating the Conference
Will there be maps available?
Yes—maps are available in the app and displayed throughout the venue.
How much time do I need between sessions?
Most rooms are close, but give yourself a few extra minutes to move comfortably.
What to Expect
What is the dress code?
Smart casual is recommended. Comfortable shoes are strongly encouraged. Remember a pro tip is to dress in layers or bring a jacket. It’s not an easy task to please 2500 people in over 50 rooms.
What should I bring?
A notebook or device, charger, and business cards (if you have them), if you don’t have use the app profile option. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle.
Food & Amenities
Are meals included?
Some meals or refreshments are provided during Exhibitor breaks in the Exhibitor Hall in Griffin Ballroom. Visit the Exhibit Hall! Location: Level 2, Griffin Hall Exhibit Hall Hours Monday 10:50 am – 5:00 pm
Snack Break from 10:50 am – 11:50 am | 3:10 pm – 3:50 pm; Tuesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Snack Break from 10:50 am – 11:50 am | 3:10 pm – 3:50 pm and Wednesday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm, Snack Break from 10:50 am – 11:20 am. The snacks are not meant to be a meal.
The ticketed events are the Presidents Welcome Reception ($50) on Monday evening, Innovations Breakfast on Tuesday morning and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Tuesday evening ($75). If you did not purchase tickets at time of registration, check with registration for availability.
Where can I eat?
There are nearby dining options (2 on site in JW Marriott) , food trucks on the hotel grounds and volunteers can point you in the right direction. Need help? Visit the IAACE Indiana Hoosier Hospitality Booth in Griffin Foyer.
Where can I get coffee or beverage?
Each hotel has a coffee shop on property and the JW Marriott’s Starbucks is located on the 2nd level at the top of the Escalator, by the bridge to the Marriott and Convention Center. The lines may be long, so plan accordingly. There is also a grab and go in the JW Marriott lobby.
Networking & Support
How do I meet people without it feeling awkward?
Sit next to someone new, ask what session they’re excited about—it works every time.
Is there a conference app?
Yes—you should have received an email that you registered with. Missed it? Here’s the Whova app link.
Who do I ask for help?
Look for volunteers in yellowish-gold vests or visit the Indiana Hospitality Booth in Griffin Hall at any time.
Getting the Most Value
How do I make this worth my time?
Pick a few key sessions, take notes you’ll actually use, and connect with at least 3 new people.
💡 Pro Tip
Don’t try to do everything. The best attendees choose a few meaningful sessions, engage fully, and leave with ideas they can actually use.
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
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