An informative, innovative, and comprehensive opportunity for independent school leaders to gather and discover proven strategies and emerging trends. Examine critical issues alongside colleagues from across the region. Attend sessions that fill in gaps in your experience, converse with leaders from schools with a similar size and budget, and learn new strategies for success from top-notch speakers. Content will be geared toward heads of school, division heads, deans, directors, and other administrative and aspiring leaders. 

Keynote Speakers

Amanda Ripley
Will Richardson
Homa Tavangar
Jeff Shields

Registration

SAIS Member School PersonnelNon-Member School Personnel
Through September 3$425 per person$529 per person
September 4-October 1$475 per person$579 per person
After October 1$575 per person$679 per person

Member Rebate

Member schools with four or more registrants will receive registration rebates based on the chart below. Rebates will be issued within 30 days of the conference.

Rebate
Attendees 4-6$25 per person
Attendees 7+$50 per person

Hotel

  • The SAIS block is closed. Rooms may still be available at the regular hotel rate.

NOTE: SAIS does not utilize the services of a housing vendor for any events. Neither SAIS nor the hotel will call you to make reservations over the phone. Please use the above hotel link to secure your reservation directly with the Crowne Plaza Ravinia.

Thank you to our sponsor & exhibitors

Sponsors

Carney, Sandoe & AssociatesCCS FundraisingCheckwriters
DENNIS UniformFACTS ManagementFisher Phillips
Flik Independent School DiningHeifer Project InternationalISM
National Management ResourcesRG175Southern Teachers
Big Questions Institute

Exhibitors

Adams Keegan American Council of Trustees and Alumni Collins Cooper Carusi Architects
Digistorm Diversified Casework Enrollment Management Association
ERB FlynnO’Hara Uniforms Hellas Construction
Lands’ End Lexington Independents Metz Culinary Management
Mills Uniform Company Nantahala Outdoor Center Revolution Prep
Rhodes Branding Risse Brothers School Uniforms SAGE Dining Services
SCAD Shocco Springs Conference Center Text Request
The Center for Transformative Teaching & Learning at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School The Education Group The Social Institute
VS America    

COVID Safety Guidelines

Providing a safe environment for learning is top priority. We must all work together to achieve this. As of September 1, the number of attendees is being limited to make sure that we can provide adequate distancing and spacing in the meeting rooms.

We want to keep you safe and healthy. All participants will be asked to:

  • Wear a mask throughout the conference except during meals and receptions while eating/drinking.
  • Be fully vaccinated according to CDC guidelines.
  • Do not travel or attend if you feel sick or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
  • If you would like to request testing accommodations, there is an option for that on the registration form and the declaration form linked below.
  • Complete a declaration of COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.

We understand everyone has varying comfort levels and personal situations that may lead to different decisions at this time.If you are unable to comply with the above requirements, we will be happy to refund your registration fee or discuss other accommodations. Please complete this form as soon as possible to let us know your circumstances.

A few other things to know about conference logistics and protocols:

  • Hand sanitizer and masks will be available.
  • There will be extra space in front of the podiums so speakers can be unmasked.
  • We know you will be exuberantly happy to see each other, but please try to replace hugging and shaking hands with elbow bumps and friendly waves!
  • Seating will be spaced for social distancing:
    • The ballroom is 11,985 sf with 18’ ceilings. The tables are 72” rounds.
    • The largest breakout room is 3,074 sf with 11’ ceilings. It will seat 82 at 2 people per 6’ table with a 4’ clearance from the next table.
    • The smallest breakout room is 1,125 sf with 10’ ceilings. It will seat 38 at 2 people per 6’ table with a 3’ clearance from the next table.

As COVID-19 guidelines continue to shift, we will monitor the numbers and adjust accordingly. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we navigate returning to the in-person events that are so important to the fabric of the SAIS community. If you have any questions, please email lori@sais.org.

Past Participant Comments

Just astounded at the wonderful sessions and the timeliness of all the information. Great presentations that are valuable to our organizations. Will help us strengthen our schools!

The SAIS conference continues to represent the best value of any state, regional, or national conference of which I am aware.

Excellent presenters, with pertinent content, strategies, and ideas that can easily be used upon returning to my school.

I find that SAIS events are always above average and exceedingly well-organized, well-planned, and full of relevant and intriguing content.

This was really a great conference. I found the vendors open and helpful. The speakers were very inspiring while being relevant to all schools. I also met new people and re-connected with others, all invaluable connections.

Acknowledgement of Risk and Safety Procedures

Participation in SAIS events signifies an attendee’s acknowledgement of infectious and other diseases and voluntary assumption of the risk of exposure or infection by attending the event. Attendees agree to comply with all guidelines and procedures, including distancing and/or masking, that may be implemented by SAIS, in accordance with recommendations from the CDC and other public health authorities.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received before October 7 via this form will be refunded less a 20% processing fee. After that date refunds are no longer available, but replacement registrants are welcomed. In the event that SAIS cancels the event, attendees will be notified and the cost of registration will be refunded via the original payment method. 

Consent to Use of Photographic and Video Images

Registration, attendance at, or participation in SAIS meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to SAIS’s use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

Questions

  • For questions about event registration or special accommodations, contact abby@sais.org
  • For questions about speakers and sessions, contact elizabeth@sais.org.
  • For questions about exhibits and sponsorships, contact anna@sais.org.

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