coabe.org/coabe-2026 Registration is Open Adult Learner Registration COABE National Awards Preview of Breakout Sessions Preview Preconference Sessions Presenter Resources Keyboard Keyboard Justification Letter Join the Task Force Volunteer Sign Up- Coming Soon

Save the Date

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

Early Bird Rates: December 1, 2025-February 17, 2026

Early Bird Conference Registration $655 

Early Bird Rates:
Member: $655

Nonmember: $730
Adult Learner: FREE
Graduate Student: $325

February 18 – March 31, 2026
Member: $705
Nonmember: $780
Adult Learner: FREE
Graduate Student: $350

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/

Calling All Creators: The IAACE 2026 Conference Logo Contest Is Here

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Something magical is brewing, and we want you to help bring it to life.

IAACE is excited to announce the 2026 Conference Logo Design Contest, inviting members, adult learners, educators, and supporters across Indiana to help shape the visual identity of our next conference. This conference year’s theme sets the stage for wonder, connection, and transformation:

Together, We Make Magic

🪄 The Big Idea

Adult education is full of quiet miracles and bold transformations. A first credential. A new career path. Confidence sparked where doubt once lived. This contest is your chance to capture that spirit in a logo that reflects the heart of IAACE and the magic created when our community comes together.

The winning design will become the official logo for the IAACE 2026 Conference, held at the beautiful Belterra Resort, and will appear across conference materials, promotions, and on-site experiences.

Design Inspiration

We encourage creativity in all its forms. Logos may be:

  • Whimsical or mysterious

  • Elegant or bold

  • Subtle or striking

Visual ideas might include sparkles, light beams, keys, cards, wands, illusions, or other magical symbols that represent:

  • Learning and transformation

  • The IAACE community

  • Indiana adult education

  • Growth, opportunity, and possibility

Originality is key. Please avoid copyrighted characters or imagery.

Who Can Enter?

This contest is open to:

  • IAACE members

  • Adult learners

  • Instructors, staff, and volunteers

  • Supporters of adult education in Indiana

If adult education matters to you, your creativity belongs here.

Submission Details

  • High-resolution PNG or JPG

  • Optional: PDF or SVG

  • Optional short description explaining your design

Submit entries via email to director@iaace.com

Timeline

  • Contest Opens: Now

  • Deadline: January 31, 2026

  • Committee Review: February 2026

  • Winner Announced: Late February / Early March

The Magic Comes With Perks

The selected designer will receive:

  • A $25 Amazon Gift Card

  • Recognition in the IAACE Conference program

  • Their logo featured on all 2026 conference materials

Optional Extras (Because Magic Loves an Audience)

We may:

  • Showcase the top three designs on social media

  • Offer a digital recognition badge or certificate for finalists

  • Host a short virtual reveal event to celebrate the winner

Ready to Create?

This is more than a logo. It’s a story. A spark. A symbol of what happens when learners, educators, and communities come together with purpose.

Together, We Make Magic.
We can’t wait to see what you create.

Adult Learners Can Attend COABE 2026 for FREE — Thanks to IAACE Membership!

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If your program isn’t already taking advantage of this, now is the time!
 When an adult learner becomes a member of the Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education (IAACE) for free, they automatically receive a complimentary COABE membership—and that membership unlocks something extraordinary…

Adult Learners Can Attend COABE 2026 in Indianapolis for FREE.

This opportunity is not just a perk — it’s a full benefit of the free IAACE student membership.
 IAACE believes in lifting student voices, reducing barriers, and ensuring learners have access to the best tools, spaces, and networks in adult education.

🎯 Students may sign up right here:
 👉 https://iaace.com/student-member/

Once they join:

  • Their IAACE student membership begins immediately
  • Their COABE membership is activated at no cost
  • They can register  for COABE 2026 in Indianapolis for FREE

One membership.
 Two powerful organizations.
 A national conference experience with registration fees waived for student members.


 (Note: Travel, lodging, and meals are not included.)

COABE 2026 in Indy

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🏁 2026 Registration Is Now Open!

Start your engines—COABE 2026 is officially headed to Indianapolis, and registration is NOW OPEN! We’re gearing up for an unforgettable experience April 12–15, 2026, right in the heart of downtown Indy at the JW Marriott and connected convention spaces.

  • Pre-Conference: April 12

  • Conference: April 13–15

This year’s theme, The Crossroads of Adult Education, celebrates momentum, innovation, and the powerful intersections that move our field forward.

Why Register Early?

Early bird registration isn’t just a discount—it’s your competitive advantage. Registering early:

  • Locks in the lowest rate before prices increase

  • Secures your spot at one of the largest gatherings of adult educators in the country

Don’t get caught in the late rush—early bird is the smoothest road to Indy.

Say “Yes” to Volunteering

As a cohost for COABE 2026, Indiana has a special role—and we want everyone at the conference to know exactly who the Hoosiers are!

Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to make that happen. When Indiana educators show up as greeters, session helpers, wayfinders, registration support, and exhibitor assistants, we don’t just help the conference run smoothly—we make Indy unforgettable.

Our goal is for attendees from across the nation to walk away saying,
“Indiana? They showed up, stood out, and made this conference exceptional.”

Join the volunteer team and help us put Indiana on the map at the Crossroads.

Registration Made Easy

The registration is designed to be as flexible as possible for individuals and teams:

  • Enter a Purchase Order number during checkout (Same one for your entire team)

  • Request an invoice for your group

  • Register everyone now and finalize payment through your organization’s preferred process

No need to slow down your momentum—get your team signed up and handle payment later.

Adult Learners Attend for FREE

One of the most meaningful parts of COABE is the presence of adult learners. They bring the heart, the stories, and the real-world impact of our work.

COABE 2026 will once again offer free registration for adult learners, ensuring that students from across the country can participate, share their voices, and be celebrated.

If you support learners who may want to attend, now is the time to start the conversation, explore travel support options, and help them prepare. Their perspectives add depth to every session, every conversation, and every moment.

And stay tuned—a full blog with all the details and Student Leadership Summit will be published next week!

Hotel Reservations Are Open Too!

Hotel rooms at the JW Marriott and connected properties are now available at special conference rates. These blocks fill up fast, so early booking is strongly encouraged.

Reserve early to ensure you’re:

  • Conveniently close to all conference events

  • Connected to Indy’s skywalk system

  • Steps away from the action in downtown

Ready for the Road to Indy?

COABE 2026 in Indianapolis is gearing up to be a high-energy, high-impact event—full of learning, connection, innovation, and inspiration.

Registration is open. Early bird savings are waiting. Volunteer opportunities are calling.
Secure your place now and join us at the The Crossroads of Adult Education, Empowering the Future of America in 2026!