#coabe2026
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
There's a lot to know about the 2026 COABE national conference! Scroll below to find registration, hotel, and event information and links, as well as information on general session, meeting for new members, and exhibit hall setup details and hours.
Hotel & Transportation
Conference Hotel Location
JW Marriott Hotel
10 S West St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Airport
The closest airport to the JW Marriott is the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), which is located approximately 14 miles from the hotel.
Hotel Reservations
Book your hotel and travel reservations today. We have several hotel blocks available, and they will fill up soon. Don’t wait and visit the COABE Hotels & Travel page to book today!
On-Site Registration
Avoid long lines! Conference registration will open starting Sunday morning. Pick up your attendee or exhibitor registration packets. Payments can be made for any outstanding balances, and tickets can be purchased while available.
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Sunday, April 7
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7:00 am – 9:00 am Eastern: Pre-conference presenters and attendee registration (this time is for pre-conference attendees only)
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9:00 am – 6:00 pm Eastern– All attendee registration
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Monday, April 13
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7:00 am – 5:00 pm Eastern
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Tuesday, April 14
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8:00 am – 5:00 pm Eastern
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Wednesday, April 15
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8:00 am – 10:00 am Eastern
General Session
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday | 9:30am - 10:50am Eastern
Located on Level 3, JW Grand Ballroom
COABE 2025 General Sessions: High-Octane Inspiration in Indianapolis!
Get ready to start your engines! COABE 2025 kicks off in Indianapolis, Indiana, the home of the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, for three days of high-energy general sessions designed to fuel your work in adult education.
Monday | April 13 | 9:30 AM EST
Monday
Take the pole position for the week with keynote Kyle Quilausing, author and motivational speaker, as he shares his inspiring story of overcoming barriers. Celebrate excellence in adult education and hear updates on COABE’s strategic initiatives that are driving new opportunities. Award winners include: Outstanding Adult Learner, Outstanding Teacher, Outstanding Administrator, and Local Excellence in Advocacy.
Tuesday | April 14 | 9:30 AM EST
Tuesday
Award-winning author Kim Strobel brings a message of hope, resilience, and innovation. A short workforce literacy panel will offer insights to help chart a strong path forward in the field. We’ll honor leaders and innovators with awards for Advancing Workforce Development for Adult Learners, State Innovation, the SALI Award, and Behind Every Employer Incentive Grant.
Wednesday | April 15 | 9:30 AM EST
Wednesday
Finish the week in high gear with Jimmie McMillian, Corporate Counsel for Hulman & Company, parent of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Celebrate success, explore funding opportunities, and honor programs leading the way with the Scholarship Grant, Incentive Grant, and Programs Succeed When Learners Lead Incentive Grant.
Whether you’re here to learn, connect, or celebrate, these sessions will set the pace for an unforgettable COABE experience. Don’t miss your chance to join colleagues from across the country in Indianapolis for a week of inspiration, innovation, and excellence!
New Attendees Meeting
Monday, April 13 | 7:00 am – 7:40 am Eastern
Location: TBD
Buckle up, new COABE attendees! This session is your pit-stop primer, designed to help you navigate the conference, understand the app, and get up to full speed. And here’s your victory lap: just by showing up, you’re automatically entered to win a free registration to COABE 2027! One attendee will race away with the prize.
Tuesday | April 13 | 7:00 AM EST
COABE Innovations Breakfast
Location: Level 1, White River Ballroom
Rev up your morning and join us Tuesday, April 13, at 7:00 am Eastern! Enjoy breakfast and networking with colleagues from coast to coast as you get your engine running for the day. We’ll also give you a pit-lane peek at COABE’s recent innovations and how we're helping power programs nationwide. This breakfast is a ticketed event.
Visit The Exhibit Hall!
Location: Level 2, Griffin Hall
Exhibit Hall Hours
Monday
10:50 am – 5:00 pm
Snack Break from 10:50 am – 11:50 am | 3:10 pm – 3:50 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Snack Break from 10:50 am – 11:50 am | 3:10 pm – 3:50 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Snack Break from 10:50 am – 11:20 am