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WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference
Type: WA-ACTE Sessions clear filter
Saturday, August 1
 

8:00am PDT

WA-ACTE Executive Board Meeting
Saturday August 1, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Speakers
avatar for Michelle Spenser

Michelle Spenser

Executive Director, WA-ACTE
Michelle Spenser is the Executive Director of the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education (WA-ACTE). With a decade of classroom teaching under her belt and experience as a former OSPI Program Supervisor, Michelle is deeply committed to empowering educators and expanding opportun... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Birch Ballroom

8:00am PDT

CTE Director Program
Saturday August 1, 2026 8:00am - 5:00pm PDT

Speakers
avatar for Shani Watkins

Shani Watkins

CTE Director, Puyallup School District
Shani Watkins is entering her twenty‑ninth year in education, bringing extensive experience as a 9–12 classroom teacher, instructional facilitator, university program director, assistant CTE director, principal, technical center director, and currently the Director of Career and... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 8:00am - 5:00pm PDT
Cedar Ballroom
 
Sunday, August 2
 

8:00am PDT

Breakfast
Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

8:00am PDT

Registration Open
Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm PDT
Located in the coat check room 
Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm PDT
WA-ACTE Office Coat Check, by restrooms

8:00am PDT

Section Tables
Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm PDT

Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm PDT
Daveport Grand Lobby

9:00am PDT

WA-ACTE Summer Conference Welcome!
Sunday August 2, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Welcome to the conference! Join us for this essential opening session as we kick off our time together and set the stage for an impactful event. We will cover key updates, navigate the schedule, highlight can’t-miss sessions, and share critical information to help you maximize your conference experience. Whether you’re looking to connect with peers, discover new strategies, or get the most out of every event, this session will ensure you have all the tools and insights you need for a successful week.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Spenser

Michelle Spenser

Executive Director, WA-ACTE
Michelle Spenser is the Executive Director of the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education (WA-ACTE). With a decade of classroom teaching under her belt and experience as a former OSPI Program Supervisor, Michelle is deeply committed to empowering educators and expanding opportun... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

10:00am PDT

WA ACTE New Member Meet & Greet
Sunday August 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Welcome & “Who We Are” Overview
We’ll kick off with a warm welcome from WA ACTE leadership and provide a brief introduction to the organization’s mission, purpose, and role in supporting CTE educators. You’ll learn how WA ACTE advocates for high‑quality Career and Technical Education and promotes professional development statewide.
Meet the Sections
Each WA ACTE section will introduce itself and share what makes their group unique. Sections may include areas such as Agricultural Education, Business & Marketing, FCS, Health Sciences, STEM, Skilled & Technical Sciences, Counseling & Career Development, and more.
You’ll gain insight into:
  • The focus of each section
  • Opportunities to connect with colleagues in your specialty
  • Events, resources, and leadership pathways within each section
How to Use the WA ACTE App
A brief guided walkthrough will show you how to navigate the conference or membership app. We’ll highlight how to:
  • Access schedules and session details
  • Connect with other members
  • Receive updates and announcements
  • Customize your conference experience
Agenda Review & What Comes Next
We’ll wrap up with a quick review of the conference or meeting agenda so you know what to expect throughout the rest of your time with WA ACTE. This includes key sessions, networking opportunities, and must‑see events.
Participants will also have time for questions and informal conversation with WA ACTE leaders and peers.
Speakers
avatar for Jodi Jacobs

Jodi Jacobs

CTE Program Facilitator, Everett Public School
Jodi Jacobs, CTE Program Facilitator at Everett Public Schools, offers 20+ years' expertise spanning Business, Marketing, IT, and Family Sciences. Engaged with WAME and WA-ACTE, she champions CTE development. Armed with BS degrees in Administrative Management and Business Education... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Cedar Ballroom

12:00pm PDT

Lunch
Sunday August 2, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

Sunday August 2, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

12:00pm PDT

Exhibitor Show Open
Sunday August 2, 2026 12:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Sunday August 2, 2026 12:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

1:00pm PDT

Voices in Policy: WA-ACTE Legislative Review & Priority Setting
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
What happened in Olympia this year, and where do we go next? Join us for an update on WA-ACTE’s legislative focus and recent policy outcomes impacting CTE. Following the brief overview, participants will engage in a feedback session to share local needs, identify policy barriers, and help establish WA-ACTE’s advocacy goals for the upcoming legislative session. Your input is vital in shaping our platform in Olympia!
Speakers
JT

Jesse Taylor

Government Relations and Lobbyist, WA-ACTE
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Meeting Room #10 Second Floor Davenport Grand

4:00pm PDT

Vendor Social
Sunday August 2, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Unwind after a full day of sessions at our Exhibitor & Sponsor Social! This is your prime opportunity to meet face-to-face with industry experts, discover cutting-edge resources, and swap ideas with peers from across the region.
Sunday August 2, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

5:30pm PDT

🌟 Celebrating Our Stars: WA-ACTE Awards & Recognition Gala
Sunday August 2, 2026 5:30pm - 8:00pm PDT
An Evening of Celebration & Inspiration It’s time to roll out the red carpet for the absolute best in Career and Technical Education! Join us high above the city on the beautiful Roofdeck Patio at the Convention Center. As you celebrate the shining stars of CTE, you'll enjoy a fantastic dinner with stunning, panoramic views overlooking the Spokane River and the iconic Riverfront Park.
You won't want to miss this unforgettable evening of high-energy celebration, incredible connections, and well-deserved recognition against one of the city's best backdrops!

🎟️ Important Ticket Information: Tickets are strictly required for entry. To bring your whole team, school districts can purchase full tables at a special discounted rate—but act quickly! Tables are filling up fast, so lock in your district's reservation before they sell out.


Speakers
avatar for Dottie Record

Dottie Record

Teacher, Wapato School District
With three decades of classroom experience, Dottie Record has spent her career empowering students at PACE High School. Her work in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) has spanned everything from culinary arts and financial literacy to applied math and digital tools. A firm believer... Read More →
avatar for Michelle Spenser

Michelle Spenser

Executive Director, WA-ACTE
Michelle Spenser is the Executive Director of the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education (WA-ACTE). With a decade of classroom teaching under her belt and experience as a former OSPI Program Supervisor, Michelle is deeply committed to empowering educators and expanding opportun... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 5:30pm - 8:00pm PDT
Roofdeck Patio, Spokane Convention Center
 
Monday, August 3
 

7:30am PDT

Registration Open
Monday August 3, 2026 7:30am - 4:00pm PDT
Located in the coat check room 
Monday August 3, 2026 7:30am - 4:00pm PDT
WA-ACTE Office Coat Check, by restrooms

8:00am PDT

Breakfast
Monday August 3, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Monday August 3, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

9:00am PDT

Hope. Opportunity. Tenacity: The Mindset That Shapes Futures
Monday August 3, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am PDT
This keynote ignites the conference by exploring how hope fuels possibility, how
opportunity is intentionally created, and how tenacity sustains progress in career and
technical education. Participants will be introduced to The Energy Map — a dynamic
framework that helps leaders recognize how their internal mindset influences external
outcomes. Through engaging storytelling and actionable insight, attendees will begin to
identify how stress, pressure, ownership, and leadership energy show up in their daily
work. This session challenges leaders to become more aware, more intentional, and more
resilient in how they respond to challenges. Participants will leave inspired and equipped
with a powerful lens for understanding how their energy shapes the futures of students and
teams.
Speakers
avatar for Niki Spears

Niki Spears

Business Owner, Culture Cre8ion
Niki Spears is an educator, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and culture strategist passionate about helping people and organizations transform the way they think, lead, and work together. A former school principal and the founder of Culture Cre8ion, Niki has spent years empowering educators, leaders, and teams through powerful conversations centered on mindset, self-awareness, ownership, and culture transformation.Known for her high-energy storytelling and practical leadership strategies, Niki challenges audiences to recognize... Read More →
avatar for Michelle Spenser

Michelle Spenser

Executive Director, WA-ACTE
Michelle Spenser is the Executive Director of the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education (WA-ACTE). With a decade of classroom teaching under her belt and experience as a former OSPI Program Supervisor, Michelle is deeply committed to empowering educators and expanding opportun... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

9:00am PDT

Exhibitor Show Open
Monday August 3, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm PDT

Monday August 3, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

11:00am PDT

WA-ACTE Blood Drive
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 2:30pm PDT
🩸 Be a Hero: The WA-ACTE Life-Saving Blood Drive!
Where: Outside the Eastside Doors of the Davenport (just past the Grand Ballrooms)

Goal: 15 Units of Life-Saving Blood (Let’s crush this target!)

Why Join? As career and technical educators, we spend every day shaping the future—but here is your chance to literally save a life between sessions! We are on a mission to collect 15 units of blood, and we need your help to get there. It only takes a few minutes to make an immeasurable impact.

Roll up your sleeves, show the incredible heart of the WA-ACTE community, and help us hit our goal!

📢 Stay Tuned! More details and official sign-up slots will be available closer to the event. Keep an eye on your inbox so you can lock in your preferred time!

Speakers
avatar for Jodi Jacobs

Jodi Jacobs

CTE Program Facilitator, Everett Public School
Jodi Jacobs, CTE Program Facilitator at Everett Public Schools, offers 20+ years' expertise spanning Business, Marketing, IT, and Family Sciences. Engaged with WAME and WA-ACTE, she champions CTE development. Armed with BS degrees in Administrative Management and Business Education... Read More →
avatar for Dottie Record

Dottie Record

Teacher, Wapato School District
With three decades of classroom experience, Dottie Record has spent her career empowering students at PACE High School. Her work in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) has spanned everything from culinary arts and financial literacy to applied math and digital tools. A firm believer... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 2:30pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

11:00am PDT

Section Tables
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 4:00pm PDT

Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 4:00pm PDT
Daveport Grand Lobby

12:00pm PDT

Lunch
Monday August 3, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

Monday August 3, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C
 
Tuesday, August 4
 

8:00am PDT

Breakfast
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

8:15am PDT

National CTE Update: Trends, Advocacy, and Opportunities from National ACTE
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:15am - 9:00am PDT
Join Michael Connet, ACTE Associate Deputy Executive Director of Outreach & Partner Development, for an insider’s update on what’s happening at the national level in Career and Technical Education. This session will cover crucial federal policy shifts, federal funding landscapes, emerging national initiatives (including AI in CTE), and new professional learning resources available through ACTE to support educators, administrators, and students.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Connet

Michael Connet

Associate Deputy Executive Director of Outreach and Partner Development at national ACTE, ACTE
Michael Connet is the Associate Deputy Executive Director - Outreach and Partner Development at the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE®). In this role, Michael is responsible for promoting the impact of high-quality CTE on America’s learners and supporting the... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:15am - 9:00am PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

12:00pm PDT

Lunch
Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C
 
Wednesday, August 5
 

8:00am PDT

Breakfast
Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

12:00pm PDT

Closing Session and Wrap up!
Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm PDT
Final remarks, Raffles, and well wishes for a great year and safe travel home. 
Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C
 
WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference
From $21.37
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