About

Today’s educational leaders are being asked to improve student learning, respond to emerging technologies, and maintain sustainable district operations all at the same time. Through a common opening, lunch, and closing, participants will examine how decisions across instruction, innovation, and infrastructure intersect; learn from colleagues; and identify ways to align priorities, resources, and actions across their districts.

The remainder of the day will be spent in one of three pathways that you will need to select from when registering:

• Instruction — Strengthen teaching, learning, and instructional leadership through practical strategies that respond to limited budgets and changing student needs.
  
• Innovation — Explore emerging AI tools and district approaches that enhance student learning while protecting cognitive development.
  
• Infrastructure — Strengthen financial and human resource systems through practical strategies that help districts remain effective, resilient, and sustainable.

Date

Thursday, October 1, 2026

Target Audience

ALL WASA members and other leaders, especially those with responsibilities for operations, technology, and instructional programs.

Conference Location

Capital Region ESD 113 
6005 Tyee Dr SW 
Tumwater, WA 98512

Registration

$199 for WASA Members
$249 for Non-WASA Members

Register Here

Cancellation Policy

A $100 administrative fee applies to all cancellations submitted by September 15.
No refunds after September 15.
No Show = No Refund.

Clock Hours

This conference offers 6.0 Washington State-approved clock hours.

Housing

Spark by Hilton Tumwater 
1600 74th Ave SW 
Tumwater, WA 98501

To book a room at the $132.00 conference rate for September 30, 2026, please use this booking link. Please note that any rooms booked after September 12 are not subject to this conference rate.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tumwater – Olympia 
1620 74th Ave SW
Tumwater, WA 98501 

To book a room at the $132.00 conference rate for September 30, 2026, please use this booking link. Please note that any rooms booked after September 12 are not subject to this conference rate.

Meals

The following meals will be provided:

• Continental Breakfast
• Snacks
• Lunch
  

Laptop

Please bring a laptop for use during the conference activities.

Questions

Contact Ryan Hickerson at rhickerson@wasa-oly.org with registration questions.

Contact Kim Fry at kfry@wasa-oly.org  with questions about the conference.