School Planning Conference 2026
Schedule
Tue, 23 Jun, 2026 at 07:30 am to Fri, 26 Jun, 2026 at 12:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
The Westshore Grand, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Tampa | Tampa, FL
Connect, Strategize, Lead. Join education leaders from across the US to redefine the standard for modern school district planning.About this Event
Welcome to the School Planning Conference 2026!
Date: Tue Jun 23, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: The Westshore Grand, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Tampa
π Conference Agenda Highlights
Our multi-track program is designed to provide hands-on skills and strategic insights.
Track A: GIS & SchoolSite Hands-on
- Day 1 (June 23): Focus on navigation, setting up project environments, and best practices for data hygiene and geocoding.
- Day 2 (June 24): Advanced sessions on building redistricting scenarios, optimizing for transportation and diversity, and integrating 3rd party data like municipal zoning.
- Day 3 (June 25): Deep dives into drive-time analysis, data visualization for Board presentations, and a "Bring Your Own District" open lab.
- Day 4 (June 26): Half day lab.
Track B: K12 Forecasting / Planning
- Demographic Fundamentals: Deep dives into the Cohort-Survival method and calculating student yields from new housing developments.
- Long-Range Strategy: Sessions on 10-year facility master planning and analyzing how private/charter schools impact enrollment forecasts.
- Future Trends: Exploring the role of AI and predictive analytics in student population forecasting.
Track C: Capacity & Safety
- Utilization Metrics: Methodologies for calculating functional vs. design capacity and identifying under-utilized facilities.
- Community & Equity: Strategies for facilitating town halls and ensuring facility decisions do not disproportionately affect subgroups.
- School Safety (Friday): A special deep dive into digital and behavioral threat assessments and modern security technology.
π΄ Evening & Local Exploration
- Thursday Night Social: Join us on June 25 from 5:30 PM β 7:30 PM for a dedicated networking social to connect with peers.
- World-Class Shopping: The hotel is a 2-minute walk from Westshore Plaza and 3 minutes by car to International Plaza.
- Local Brews: Visit the celebrated Cigar City Brewing, located just 1.5 miles (about 3 minutes) away.
- Outdoor Breaks: Take a quick trip to Cypress Point Park for scenic bayside trails and fresh air.
π¨ At the Hotel: Relaxation & Refinement
Between workshops and networking, take advantage of the sophisticated amenities at our host site:
- Rooftop Pool: Visit the 9th floor for a refreshing dip or panoramic views of the Tampa skyline.
- Signature Dining: Enjoy world-class steak at Shulaβs Steak House (on-site) or grab an Italian espresso at the illy Caffe.
- The No Name Lounge: This chic space features five plasma-screen TVs and is the perfect spot for catching up on sports or post-conference networking.
- Wellness: Stay on track with your routine at the 24-hour state-of-the-art health club.
Where is it happening?
The Westshore Grand, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Tampa, United StatesUSD 1550.00


















