Know Before You Go
Everything you need to arrive ready, relaxed, and excited to be Better Together in Spokane. Let's make these three days unforgettable.
We could not be more thrilled to welcome you to the 2026 AWSP/WASA Summer Conference. You lead with purpose all year long, and these three days are yours: to learn, to connect, to recharge, and to be reminded that we are always better together.
This guide has the essentials so you can show up on day one feeling prepared and ready to dive right in. Skim it now, then keep it handy as you pack.
The essentials
When
June 28–30, 2026Sunday through Tuesday
Where
Spokane Convention Center334 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
The app
WhovaYour schedule, maps & updates live here
Get the app first
Most of your day-of details (the full schedule, venue maps, real-time updates, and attendee messaging) live in Whova. Download it before you travel so you are ready to go the moment you arrive.
- Search "Whova" in the App Store or Google Play, or use our direct download link to install it and open the event.
- Sign up or log in with the same email address you used to register. That is how the app knows you are an attendee.
- Open AWSP/WASA Summer Conference 2026 in the app.
- Build your personal schedule, browse sessions, and say hello to fellow attendees.
Prefer not to download an app? Open the web version in any browser on your phone or computer, no download required. Log in with the email you registered with.
Can't get into the app? Make sure you are using the email address you registered with. Still stuck? Email conferences@awsp.org and we will get you squared away.
Tip: Turn on Whova notifications so you never miss a room change or a can't-miss session.
New this year: Your name badge has its own QR code. Meet someone you click with? Open Whova, scan their badge, and their contact info saves straight to your connections. No more juggling business cards.
Get your program
Prefer paper? View and print the agenda before you arrive. We'll have a limited number of printed programs on site, and every attendee gets an agenda-at-a-glance at registration.
The complete, up-to-the-minute schedule is always in Whova.
Before you leave home
A quick checklist so nothing gets left behind. Tap to check things off as you pack.
Getting there
Fly
Spokane International Airport (GEG) is about a 10 to 15 minute drive from the Convention Center (roughly 8 miles). Rideshare, taxis, and rental cars are available at the airport.
Drive & park
Driving in? The Spokane Convention Center's directions & parking guide has lot locations, rates, and the best routes to the venue.
Pro move: Build in a few extra minutes your first morning to find parking and check in without rushing.
Take the bus
You can ride Spokane Transit (STA) right to the Convention Center:
- City Line (Route 1), Spokane's bus rapid transit, stops a block away on W Main Ave.
- Route 25, the main north/south line, stops right in front.
Plan your trip from home or your hotel at spokanetransit.com/trip.
Eat & explore Spokane
From a quick bite between sessions to a great dinner out, Spokane's food scene has something for everyone. Looking for somewhere to eat or grab a drink near the Convention Center?
When you arrive
Make registration your first stop. Bring your photo ID and pick up your name badge, meal tickets, drawing tickets, and conference materials, and please wear your badge throughout the conference. The desk is at the Davenport Grand on Saturday and Sunday morning, then moves to the Riverside Lobby at the Spokane Convention Center, just outside the Commons in Exhibit Hall A.
Registration desk hours
- Saturday, June 27: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Davenport Grand)
- Sunday, June 28: 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM (Davenport Grand), then 2:00 - 6:00 PM (Convention Center)
- Monday, June 29: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Convention Center)
- Tuesday, June 30: 7:00 - 9:30 AM (Convention Center)
First time joining us? The team at the registration desk is happy to help you get your bearings and point you in the right direction.
Registered for a preconference?
Preconference programming takes place at the Davenport Grand Hotel. If you registered for a preconference, pick up your materials and name badge at the Davenport Grand:
- Saturday, June 27: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sunday, June 28: 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
What to wear & expect
Dress
Business casual is perfect. Layers are your friend, since session rooms are air-conditioned and can run cool.
Weather
Spokane in late June is typically warm and sunny, with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s°F and cooler evenings. Pack a light jacket for outdoor moments and chilly meeting rooms alike.
The pace
Expect inspiring keynotes, hands-on breakouts, and plenty of time to connect. Pace yourself, stay hydrated, and leave room for the hallway conversations. Some of the best moments happen between sessions.
A look at what's ahead
Here is a taste of what you have to look forward to:
Three featured speakers
- Brad Montague, author and creator of the hit web series Kid President, headlines Sunday's Opening Session and Banquet.
- Carlos Ojeda Jr., motivational speaker and youth development expert, leads Monday's General Session.
- Sandy Zimmerman, inspirational speaker, coach, and author, closes the conference at Tuesday's brunch and prize drawings.
And so much more
- Dozens of breakout sessions on leadership, equity, AI, and student support
- The Annual Golf Tournament, the Exhibits Grand Opening and Presidents' Reception, luncheons, and evening socials
- Everything in the Commons, from the Passport prizes and Spark Stage to the photo booth
- A grand-prize drawing at the Tuesday closing brunch (you must be present to win)
The full, up-to-the-minute schedule lives in Whova, so you can plan your days and adjust on the fly.
Explore the Commons
The Commons is the heart of the conference: our exhibit hall and the place to connect, learn, and recharge between sessions. Carve out time to wander through, you will be glad you did.
Get there early! The first 100 visitors to the Commons receive a gift bag, and 3 of those bags hold a "golden ticket" prize from our hotel partners.
While you are there
- Grab a latte at the coffee bar
- Browse the bookstore for your next great read
- Hang out and recharge in the lounge
- Catch the Spark Stage for quick talks, demos, and inspiration
- Power up at the charging stations
- Snap a photo at the photo booth (Monday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
Play the Commons Passport. Visit all 21 stations marked with the Passport icon, have your name badge scanned at each, and complete your Passport by 9:00 AM Tuesday, June 30 to be entered in the prize drawing. Track your progress under Passport in Whova. Getting scanned shares your name, email, and organization with that station so they can follow up. The full rules are in the app.
Commons hours
You'll find the Commons in Exhibit Hall A.
- Sunday, June 28: 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Grand Opening with the Presidents' Reception.
- Monday, June 29: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Open all day, with breakfast, Spark Stage talks, lunch competitions, and an afternoon dessert social.
- Tuesday, June 30: 7:00 - 10:00 AM. Final Connect Station visits and prize drawings.
Check Whova for the full Spark Stage schedule.
Clock hours & survey
On the last day of the conference (Tuesday, June 30), you'll receive an email with a link to the conference survey and your clock hours. The clock-hour forms appear at the end of the survey once you complete it.
If you attended a preconference, you'll receive a hard copy of those clock hours at the end of the session.
Questions about clock hours? Contact Dameon Brown at Dameon@awsp.org.
We're here for you
We want everyone to feel welcome and supported. For accessibility accommodations, dietary needs, or anything else that will help you have a great conference, see the staff at the registration desk for assistance.
Questions before you travel? Email us at conferences@awsp.org and we are happy to help.