The 64th Annual AECA Conference
Wednesday, October 7- Friday, October 9, 2026
AECA 2026 will continue to focus on the five areas of AECA's mission--develop, contribute, encourage, improve, and provide--and explore them through the lens of working together as we advocate for best practices with young children and positive opportunities and outcomes for early childhood professionals. This year will highlight the power of early childhood educators and leaders to shape strong programs and supportive workplaces by lifting our voices together.
Full conference registration gives you access to the entire conference. Registration by August 31 includes a free conference T-shirt. You can see a preliminary schedule of the conference here > 2026 Conference Schedule DRAFT.pdf
Attendees will be able to choose from a variety of interest sessions and tracks. Our awesome exhibit hall will feature all your favorite vendors. Don't forget to pick up some amazing items at this year's silent auction.
The Dot Brown Memorial Keynote Speaker
AMANDA MORGAN
Writer, Speaker, Trainer and Creator of NOT JUST CUTE
“The Key Ingredient: Intentional Interactions”
With a bachelor's degree in both elementary and early childhood education and a master's degree in human development, Amanda has taught students ranging from preschool to sixth grade, along with university students, parents, and early childhood professionals. Amanda is passionate about intentional, whole child development, and about making sure that what we know about how children grow and learn is reflected in what we do as parents and teachers. Perhaps the ultimate experience in child development, Amanda is also a mom to four boys.
Other keynotes will be announced as they are confirmed. AECA reserves the right to modify conference content, speakers, schedules, and session formats as necessary. Changes do not constitute grounds for refunds.
REGISTRATION
Registration will be open through October 9, 2026 or until event is full, whichever is earlier. Please read through registration and pricing policies by clicking the link below:
2026 Conference Pricing and Registration.pdf. Registration by August 31 includes a free conference T-shirt.
HOTEL
The 2026 conference will be held at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock. You may reserve a room in the AECA block for the discounted price of $114 per night.
Click here to make a reservation or call 501 371 9000 and let them know you are with the AECA conference. Hotel reservations and related policies are managed by the hosting hotel and are separate from conference registration.
PDR CREDIT
To receive professional development credit, participants must submit their Arkansas PDR (registry) number with registration. If you need a PDR number, go to this page and submit the application.
PAYMENT PLANS
This year, payment plans are available for certain registrations. During early bird registration, you may select a 3, 4 or 5-month payment plan. Regular registrations have the option of a 2 or 3-month payment plan. No plans are available for late/onsite registration. Credit or debit cards are required for payment plans. All plans must be fully paid by August 31, 2026 to avoid a $30 late charge. To do a payment plan, register online, select INVOICE ME then call 501 680 1930 to set up your plan.
BUNDLE REGISTRATIONS
During the regular registration period, programs may register a bundle of member-employees at the early bird member rate of $180 per person. A minimum of 5 persons are required for a bundle registration. Bundles must be paid in full and may not be combined with a payment plan. No refunds--only substitutions through October 1 are permitted. Call the AECA office at 501 680 1930 if you are interested in registering an employee bundle.
MEMBERSHIP
If you need to join or renew your membership, do that before registering. (Membership is verified automatically during registration. If your membership is not current, you will be prompted to renew or pay membership fees before proceeding.) It is less expensive to join and attend the conference as a member than to register as a non-member. For $39, you will receive a year’s membership to AECA and the Southern Early Childhood Association. Join or renew then come back to this site to register.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Refund requests will be accepted through August 31, 2026.
- 75% refunds are available if requested by August 1.
- 25% refunds are available if requested by August 31.
Due to financial commitments, no refunds can be issued after August 31, 2026 for any reason. Refund requests must be received in writing by email at conference@arkansasearlychildhood.org.
Payment Plan Refunds: Refunds will only apply to the amount paid at time of request.
Bundle Refunds: No refunds can be made on bundle registrations. Only substitutions are permitted until October 1.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Substitutions may be made under certain conditions. You may request a substitution on a paid registration at no charge through October 1, 2026. Requests must be emailed to conference@arkansasearlychildhood.org. If the original registration was at a member rate, the substitute must have an active AECA membership at the time the substitution request is submitted. On-site substitutions will not be permitted. If there is a difference in registration fee, the difference must be paid before the substitution is confirmed. If the substitution amount is less, no refunds will be issued.
ADMITTANCE
AECA reserves the right to refuse registration or admittance to any individual, at its sole discretion, including but not limited to cases involving non-compliance with event policies, disruptive behavior, or concerns regarding the safety and integrity of the event. AECA also reserves the right to remove any individual from the event whose behavior is deemed inappropriate or disruptive, without refund.
ALLERGIES/DIETARY NEEDS
AECA will make reasonable efforts to communicate reported food allergies and dietary needs to the conference venue. However, we cannot guarantee the complete avoidance of allergens or restricted food items, as food service is provided by the host hotel and is subject to their preparation methods and limitations. Attendees with severe allergies should take appropriate precautions and consult with on‑site catering staff as needed.
PHOTO/VIDEO/RECORDING DISCLAIMER
By registering for and/or attending the 64th Annual AECA Conference, you acknowledge and agree that photographs, video, and audio recordings may be taken during the event. These images and recordings may include your likeness and may be used by the Arkansas Early Childhood Association (AECA) for educational, promotional, reporting, and marketing purposes, including but not limited to print materials, websites, social media, and grant or sponsor reporting, without compensation.
CHILDREN AT AECA
For safety and comfort, no one under the age of 18 can be permitted in conference sessions, exhibit areas, or any event spaces. Individuals under the age of 18 who work in a child care program may attend with prior approval. AECA is unable to provide child care during the event. We appreciate everyone's cooperation in maintaining a professional and safe environment for all attendees.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Conference attendance is voluntary. Attendees assume responsibility for their own safety, health, travel arrangements, and personal belongings while attending the AECA Conference and related activities. AECA is not responsible for loss, damage, injury, or illness incurred during participation, except as required by law.
EVENT CANCELLATION
AECA shall not be liable for delays, changes, or cancellation of the conference due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, public health emergencies, governmental actions, labor disputes, or facility issues.