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Registration for the 2026 FHSA Annual Conference & Expo is

NOW OPEN! 

Join your Head Start colleagues in Orlando from October 27-29, 2026 for an enriching experience filled with education, networking, and team building!

Don't miss this chance to connect with fellow Head Start professionals from across the state, gain valuable insights, and learn from experts who will empower you and your team to advocate, lead, and enhance the education, health, and social services provided to Head Start children and families. 

2026 Annual Conference Hotel

DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
5780 Major Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819

Book Now!

Guests are able to make reservations through Hilton Reservations at 1-800-222-TREE (8733) using the special rate code (AE2) or the Hilton Link provided.
  • Group Rate: Starting at $149++ per night
  • Check-In: 4:00 PM
  • Check-Out: 11:00 AM
  • Resort Fee: None
  • Self-Parking: $15+ per night (discounted from $34+)
  • Reservation Deadline: Monday, October 5, 2026

Important Policies

Early Departure Fee: Guests who check out prior to their confirmed departure date will be charged a fee equal to one night’s room rate. To avoid this fee, any changes to your departure date must be made at or before check-in.

Cancellations & No Shows: Reservations must be canceled at least 72 hours prior to arrival to avoid a one-night room and tax charge. Cancellations made within 72 hours of arrival, or no-shows, will be charged a one-night penalty.

Register early to get the best rate available:
Early Registration runs June 23, 2026-July 21, 2026

MEMBER RATE: $450

NON-MEMBER RATE: $575

Conference registration includes:

  • Affiliate Group meeting participation
  • All Educational Sessions
  • Opening Reception
  • Awards Presentation & Luncheon
  • Breakfast and Coffee service
  • Sunshine Soiree Reception
  • All networking sessions
  • Personalized Exhibitor Experience  

Register Now!

 

Corporate Sponsorship & Exhibitor Information

The FHSA Corporate Partners and Sponsorships program gives your company meaningful visibility across Florida’s Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start–Child Care Partnership grantee and delegate agencies. Sponsorships offer a powerful opportunity to promote your products or services and educate the Head Start community about the solutions you provide.

Securing a Corporate Partners package or Sponsorship is one of the most effective ways to position your organization as an industry leader and demonstrate your commitment to early childhood education.

View Packages Here!

 

Keynote Speaker

Dr. El Brown is a storyteller, thinker, teacher, and mother who transforms moments into movements.

Through her signature Top Notch Village framework, she works with families, service providers, agencies, communities, and policymakers to create thriving ecosystems that support equitable education and life opportunities.


Dr. El’s solution-oriented nature led her to found KinderJam®, a play-based early education program that began as a way to share her observations about her son’s development with his service providers. This innovative approach quickly evolved into a military family support initiative, empowering families across 11 countries and 16 states. Its success earned Dr. El an invitation to the White House for Michelle Obama’s Joining Forces initiative and a feature on The Oprah Winfrey Show as the Army Spouse of the Year.

Her Top Notch Village philosophy is informed by her lived experience as the mother of a child on the autism spectrum. Her journey, from advocating for her son, who was nonverbal at nearly five years old, to celebrating him as a college-bound student, serves as a case study for her framework. She believes that a child’s village—the people, systems, and relationships that surround them—can transform lives.

With a PhD in Education with a research focus on Family and Community Engagement, Dr. El combines academic knowledge with real-world experience to inspire collaboration and resilience. Her mission is clear: to help build Top Notch Villages that foster connection and unlock potential for generations to come.  

QUESTIONS?  Contact the FHSA office at (850) 694-6477 or email us at [email protected].