Homeschool Conventions (also called Expos or Conferences) are held every year in the United States and Canada.
These conventions are a wonderful way to meet publishers and see curricula in person, learn new skills, and connect with like-minded families.
A Google search for ‘Homeschool Conference’ will provide a list of Christian and Secular Expos, and occasionally a mix of both. Most of these conventions are in-person events, though online or live-stream expos exist and have become more popular since 2020’s shut down of in-person gatherings.
Conferences may be nation-wide or local. Localized events target issues affecting home educators (and regulations) in a particular Province or State.
Why attend a homeschool convention?
In-person conferences provide an opportunity to gather with like-minded families, make new friends, and peruse educational resources prior to purchase. In addition, guest speakers provide valuable information related to parenting, marriage, faith, and family. Special sessions for children and teens may also be available.
Not convinced?
Here’s a list of reasons to attend an in-person homeschool event:
- Speak with vendors, ask specific questions about materials.
- Hand-on experience with educational toys, games, and adjuncts.
- Meet and connect with the authors or publishers of curriculum.
- Examine curriculum in person. Flip through the pages to determine if it is a good fit. This is a wonderful opportunity to see if it reflects your family’s values, and if it will work for multiple ages, interests, and learning styles.
- Take advantage of special conference-attendee discounts.
- Gain access to freebies – copies of catalogs, magazines, and other materials.
- Learn new and exciting techniques and view newly (or yet-to-be) released materials.
- Get advice from well-know experts and leaders – experienced teachers, pastors, psychologists,
- speak to representatives of various homeschooling philosophies, including Charlotte Mason, Classical, Montessori, Waldorf, and more.
- Have fun!
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Unable to attend a conference? Check out these Homeschool Books:
Who should attend a Homeschool Conference?
You! (and me!)
It does not matter if you are a seasoned home educator or new to the idea, all will benefit from attending a convention.
Besides the material and educational aspects listed above, you will have the opportunity to meet like-minded families. You will gain a sense of being a part of the larger community, and perhaps even form long-lasting friendships.
Building a larger network of homeschool friends provides an opportunity to encourage and uplift one another in your homeschool journey.
Here are two of the largest Homeschool Conferences in the United States in 2024:
Event Sponsors:
World News Group, Worldwide Tentmakers, Word of Life Bible Institute, Samaritan’s Purse, The Voice of the Martyrs, Cedarville University, Sight & Sound, American Heritage Girls, Revelation Media, and more.
Ticket Information:
Offer military discounts & volunteer subsidies. Volunteers receive free registration with a specific number of volunteer hours, check website for details.
Speakers:
Founders David and Leslie Nunnery speak at each convention.
Other planned speakers include: Ginger Hubbard, Abby Halberstadt, Linda Lacour Hobar (author, The Mystery of History), Kim Sorgius Jones (Not Consumed Ministries), Sonya Shafer (Simply Charlotte Mason), Amy Roberts (Raising Arrows), and Heidi St. John (Faith That Speaks).
For a complete list of speakers, click here.
Dates and Locations:
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee May 2-4, 2024 at the LeConte Center
Branson, Missouri May 16-18, 2024 at the Branson Convention Center
For more information or to sign up for a Teach Them Diligently Convention, please click here.
Event Sponsors:
Medi-Share, The Tuttle Twins, Trail Life, and Reading Eggs.
Ticket Information:
Discounted tickets for pastors and active-duty military.
Volunteers who work a 4-hour shift receive a free family pass, check website for details.
Speakers:
Connor Boyack (author, The Tuttle Twins), Sarah Mackenzie (author & host of Read-Aloud Revival podcast), Nicole Thomas (“The Math Lady”), Andrew Pudewa (director of IEW), John & Rebekah Lovell, Dr. Carol Swain (founder of Be the People Project).
For a complete list of speakers and locations, click here.
Dates and Locations:
South Carolina March 14-16, 2024
Missouri March 21-23, 2024
Ohio April 4-6, 2024
California June 13-15, 2024
Texas July 11-13, 2024
Features an exhibit hall to browse and purchase curriculum and resources, over 250 workshops, over 100 speakers, eight special tracks (including Homeschool 101 and special needs), and a special children’s program (additional fee, pre-registration is required).
If you’ve attended one of these conventions in the past, I’d love to know what your experiences were! Please share in the comments section.
