The IAACE Booth showed up and showed out at COABE this year—and if booths could take a bow, this one would be mid-curtsy right now.

From the moment attendees stepped into Griffin Hall Foyer, the energy was unmistakable. The Embellish Your Badge station quickly became a crowd favorite, turning name badges into tiny billboards of personality—ribbons, flair, and conversation starters everywhere you looked. Meanwhile, the Rescue Station became the unsung hero of the conference. Need a fix, a refill, or a “how did I forget that?” moment solved? It had you covered, no questions asked.

And then… the Cornhole Challenge. Equal parts competition and comic relief, it brought people together for quick breaks and big laughs. One unforgettable highlight? Our winning set of custom cornhole boards didn’t just get claimed—they got packed up and flown home as checked luggage. That’s commitment.

On Monday, the booth also served as a hub for connection and discovery. Attendees browsed the Tomorrow Bookstore Pop-Up, gathered ideas, and found inspiration to read.The curated selection was wonderful, see the pictures below.
Others stopped by for Best of Indy recommendations, walking away with local gems and plans for their next adventure.

Whether it was a badge glow-up, a much-needed assist, a new book, or just a place to pause and connect, the IAACE Booth delivered.

Want to see how it all played out—including competition results and a few standout moments? Check out the Google Photo Album for COABE 2026… or keep an eye out for a highlight video that captures the magic in motion.

Thank You from Executive Director, Jenn Wigginton

The COABE 2026 Conference in Indiana was more than just an event—it was a powerful reflection of who we are as a community.

To our membership: thank you for showing up in such a meaningful way. Your engagement, energy, and commitment to growth brought the conference to life. Whether you were diving into sessions, sharing your expertise, or making new connections, you embraced the exceptional professional development opportunities that define this field.

Hosting a national conference of this caliber in our state is both an honor and a responsibility. You demonstrated what it means to be outstanding stewards—welcoming colleagues from across the country with professionalism, collaboration, and true Hoosier hospitality.

Because of you, Indiana didn’t just host COABE—we elevated it.

Thank you for representing our state and our field so well.
Hoosiers Know Best Map Map Indy Restaurant Map Book Book Pop Up Event- Booked for Tomorrow Bookstore-Monday 11am-4pm

Students are invited to stop by the IAACE Welcome Table for assistance. Things to know the SAL Summit is Monday. The parking is at Victory Field on Monday. Students can attend the entire conference.

Follow COABE 2026 signage to the main registration area in Griffin Foyer (2nd level). Volunteers will be available to guide you. Don’t forget to stop in the IAACE Welcome table to play cornhole, embelish your badge and general questions.

Plan to arrive early enough to check in and get settled before your first session. Link to registration times.

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.

Visit the registration help desk—staff will assist you. But remember a $25 charge may apply for a reprint of the badge.

Head to the opening session or your first scheduled session after check-in.

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 belongings on the floor and not in the seat next to you.

Review the schedule ahead of time in the app or in the Google Sheet and prioritize what aligns with your goals—but stay flexible.

Yes—maps are available in the app under resources (floormap) and displayed throughout the venue. Note all the main conference takes place on Floors 1, 2 and 3 at JW Marriott.  Escalators are the easiest way to travel between floors but elevators are accessible as well.

Most rooms are close, but give yourself a few extra minutes to move comfortably.

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 with the temperature. Don’t forget your Hoosier Pride wear and something Gold and White for the President’s Welcome Ticketed event.

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.

Some snacks 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 (appetizers), Innovations Breakfast ($25) (meal) on Tuesday morning and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Tuesday evening ($75) (meal). If you did not purchase tickets at time of registration, check with registration for availability.

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.

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.

Sit next to someone new, ask what session they’re excited about, it works every time.

Yes—you should have received an email that you registered with.  Missed it? Here’s the Whova app link.

Step 1: Access Whova

You can join in one of two ways:

Step 2: Sign In

Use the email address that you registered for COABE with to sign in:

  • If you already have a Whova account, just log in
  • If not, follow the prompts to create one

Step 3: Check Your Email for a Code

Whova uses a security step called two-factor authentication.

  • After entering your email and password, a code will be sent to your email
  • Check your inbox first, then your spam/junk folder if you don’t see it
  • Enter that code to finish signing in

Step 4: Enter the Event (if prompted)

If you’re asked for an invitation code, enter the code from the email you received. The subject line is Ready for 2026 COABE National Conference? Download the Whova App.

Look for volunteers in yellowish-gold vests or visit the Indiana Hospitality Booth in Griffin Hall at any time. (booth # 86)

Pick a few key sessions, take notes you’ll actually use, and connect with at least 3 new people.

coabe.org/coabe-2026 Registration is Open Preview of Breakout Sessions Preview Preconference Sessions COABE National Awards Presenter Resources Keyboard Keyboard Justification Letter Threads Threads Know Before You Go Lamp Lamp Hoosier Hospitality Blog Lamp Lamp Getting Ready for COABE Tips & Tricks Appstore Appstore National Conference Platform (Whova App)
Join the Task Force Volunteer Sign Up for IAACE Members Direction Direction Volunteer Webinar Recording Link Link Volunteer Presentation COABE Volunteer Page Volunteer Reference Guide Hybrid Buddy Helper
Adult Learner/Student Student Leadership Summit Registration Student Leadership Summit Agenda COABE Ambassador Application COABE Student Leadership Summit Conference Page COABE Alumni Study

Parking for Students: 100 spaces at the Victory Field parking lot for Monday, April 13 have been secured by COABE for student parking.  Students are advised to print the parking permit, located here or at minimum, write COABE on a piece of paper and place on dash.

AREA TO PARK

MAP 

COABE 2026 will be held at the JW Marriott, Indianapolis, IN, from April 12th to April 15th

April 12 is the Pre-conference.

April 13, 14, and 15 are the main conference days.

Sunday’s VIP evening event will be at the Marriott Ballroom

Monday, the President’s Ticketed Reception will be at the Indiana Roof Ballroom 

Tuesday’s Evening Ticketed Event will be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

April 1, 2026 – Onsite:
Member: $755
Nonmember: $830
Adult Learner: FREE
Graduate student: $375

All rates omit pre-conference and ticketed events.

JW Marriott Indianapolis: $249

Indianapolis Marriott Downtown: $245

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Indianapolis: $229

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Downtown Indianapolis: $229

Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown Indianapolis: $219

Join the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ADAkZgszd/

Navigating Conference at the JW Marriott

Check out the conference map to easily locate session rooms, registration, general sessions, exhibit halls, and other key areas.

Hotel Parking

JW Marriott
Self-parking is available at a discounted rate of $47.20 per day (20% off).
If you booked within the COABE hotel block, the discount will be applied automatically.

Not staying at the JW Marriott? Stop by the COABE registration desk to pick up a QR code card for the discounted rate. This card can be reused throughout the conference.

Nearby Hotel Parking

  • Fairfield Inn & Suites: $35 per day
  • Courtyard by Marriott Downtown: $35 per day

Additional Parking Option
Washington Street Garage (across the street, connected by skywalk) offers hourly parking, with a daily maximum of $40
Registration Hours
Located on Level 2, Foyer Griffin South

Avoid long lines! Conference registration will open starting Sunday morning. Pick up your attendee or exhibitor registration packets. Payments can be made for any outstanding balances, and tickets can be purchased while available.

Sunday, April 12

  • 7:00 am – 9:00 am Eastern – This time is for preconference attendees and presenters only
  • 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Eastern – All attendee registration

Monday, April 13 7:00 am – 5:00 pm Eastern
Tuesday, April 14 8:00 am – 5:00 pm  Eastern
Wednesday, April 15 8:00 am – 10:00 am Eastern

New Check In Process!

Check-in will be completed at a self-service kiosk. Search for your name using any part of it. Before printing your badge, please review your information carefully. If updates are needed, a volunteer can assist you before printing.

If you are unable to locate your name, please visit the Customer Service Desk. Volunteers will be available to help throughout the process.

Event Tickets & QR Codes

Your badge includes a QR code that will be scanned for entry into ticketed events and meals.

If you do not have your badge, you may use the QR code on your phone. If you purchased additional tickets, they will be available for pickup at the registration desk.