- FCIS CONVENTION
- REGISTRATION
- PRE-CONFERENCE
- SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
- FULL SCHEDULE
- HOTEL
- KEYNOTES
- THURS LUNCH SPEAKERS
- SOCIAL EVENTS
- CPE CREDITS
- MOBILE APP
FCIS CONVENTION
November 4 - 6, 2026
Join us in Orlando for the FCIS Annual Convention - Beyond Boundaries! Participation in the Convention is an outstanding opportunity for FCIS administrators, faculty, and staff to volunteer, showcase innovative ideas, and network with other FCIS educators. We are looking forward to a program filled with diverse, dynamic, and innovative sessions about leading, teaching, and learning.
REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
SCHOOL ATTENDEES REGISTER HERE
Consider appointing a Convention Coordinator to complete your school's registration and share important Convention information with attendees.
Each school should submit one registration that includes all attendees, including presenters. Additional event information will be shared with registered attendees closer to the Convention.
Please direct all attendees to the Administrator & Trustee Day (Thursday) and Faculty & Staff Day (Friday) schedules on the Convention webpage and in the Whova app. We encourage everyone to download Whova before the Convention to explore sessions and build a personalized schedule.
Member Schools Registration:
1 registrant = $580
2-30 registrants = $155 for each registrant
31 registrants and up = $35 for each registrant
(This does not include tickets for special events.)
Example: 30 registrants = $5,075
40 registrants = $5,425
Non-Member Schools Registration:
$735 per person (This does not include tickets for special events.)
Non-School Attendee Registation:
$850 per person (This does not include tickets for special events.)
non-school Attendee register here
Special Events:
Full Day Pre-Conference: $479 (Members) | $579 (Non-Members)
Half Day Pre-Conference: $279 (Members) | $379 (Non-Members)
Episcopal Breakfast: $54
Administrators' Luncheon: $59
Faculty Luncheon: $59
Administrators' Dinner: $77
Business Officer's Dinner: $77
Technology Director's Dinner: $77
Admissions Director's Dinner: $77
Half Day Pre-Conference: $279 (Members) | $379 (Non-Members)
Episcopal Breakfast: $54
Administrators' Luncheon: $59
Faculty Luncheon: $59
Administrators' Dinner: $77
Business Officer's Dinner: $77
Technology Director's Dinner: $77
Admissions Director's Dinner: $77
Payment Options:
Register by Credit Card: Visa and MasterCard are accepted, not American Express.
Register by Check: Once registration has been completed online, please mail check to:
FCIS — Convention ’26
PO Box 13859
Tampa, FL 33681-3859
Note: Check must be received in FCIS Office by October 13, 2026, or a late fee will apply.
Registration and Cancellation Information:
Registration is complete once FCIS receives payment.
Registration Deadline: October 13, 2026. There will be a $150 late fee for all registrants not received or entered online by October 13.
Cancellations, Refunds & Changes: Convention refund requests must be made in writing and emailed to: kdanger@fcis.org. There is a $100 processing fee through October 13, 2026, with no refunds after this date. Requests for changes of name cannot be honored after October 28, 2026.
Please make sure the names and position titles of attendees are correct, as this list is used to make name tags.
PRE-CONFERENCE
PRE-CONFERENCE INFORMATION
Get a head start on your Convention experience by joining us for a pre-conference session! These focused sessions offer an additional opportunity to dive deeper into valuable topics, gain practical insights, and connect with fellow attendees before the convention officially begins.
We have two morning pre-conference sessions and two afternoon pre conference sessions. Attendees can choose to attend a half-day (one morning session or one afternoon session) OR they can choose to attend a full day (one morning session and one afternoon session).
PRE-CONFERENCE MORNING
MORNING SESSION 1
Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Speaker: Ann Snyder
Title: The Golden Triangle of School Revenue Management: The Essential Partnership Strategy and Key Tactics for Enrollment Management, Philanthropy, and Finance
Description: Join Ann Snyder to look at the “Golden Triangle of School Revenue Management” and its implications for school operations. Advancing your school’s mission is harder than it ever has been. With challenges around affordability, staff turnover, leadership changes, and more external pressures than ever in history, the jobs of Head of School, business officer, advancement professional, and enrollment director have shifted dramatically. The bad news is that we must act: we must evolve to meet the challenges ahead and create truly sustainable schools. The good news is that with subtle shifts in practice, we can move the needle over time. In this session, learn about the ways key leaders can come together with revenue-generating offices to increase overall revenue and think strategically into the future.
MEET THE SPEAKER
Ann Snyder is Vice President, Strategic Initiatives at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Previously, she served as Senior Director of Engagement at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and Director of External Affairs at Stuart Hall School in Virginia.
With nearly 20 years of experience spanning marketing, advancement, enrollment, financial aid, and external affairs, Ann is a seasoned independent school leader and industry expert. She has spoken and facilitated for NAIS, CASE, NBOA, CAIS, IDPE, AMISA, and regional associations across the United States.
Ann serves on the boards of the Small Boarding Schools Association and Overstory Community School in Virginia.
MORNING SESSION 2
Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Speaker: Scott Barron
Title: Leading Schools to Organizational Resilience
Description: The AI revolution is disrupting education along with other factors. The schools that thrive will be the ones built on key anchors unique to humanity: discernment, character, community, and formation. This interactive program will equip FCIS members to lead that transition with composure and conviction. Resilience, like excellence, requires shared principles, wise preparation, and considerable practice. Working from a shared definition of leadership, participants will assess their school's resilience, identify strategic advantages and opportunities, and prepare a compelling vision that board members, employees, and families can champion.
MEET THE SPEAKER
Scott Barron is an author, advocate, and advisor for educators in schools and learning organizations. Through his "Weekly Encouragement for Educators" messages, Educators Among Us Podcast, books, webinars, and other publications, Scott shares wisdom and guidance to achieve greater authenticity, joy, and success. He served as a school administrator, is the founder of School Growth and of Educators Fellowship, serves on the board for Johns Hopkins University School of Education, counsels entrepreneurs and executive leaders, and speaks at events around the world.
PRE-CONFERENCE AFTERNOON
AFTERNOON SESSION 1
Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Time: 1:00p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Speaker: Ann Snyder
Title: Leadership Alignment in Independent Schools: The Future of a More Stable Sector
Description: Leadership instability in independent schools is often treated as a Head of School turnover issue, but the deeper challenge is leadership misalignment. In this session, Ann Snyder, VP of Strategic Initiatives at NAIS shares NAIS research on shrinking head-of-school tenure, leadership churn, and the disconnects that can arise among boards, heads, and senior leadership teams. Participants will explore how distributed leadership, shared accountability, and practical alignment tools can strengthen trust, improve decision-making, and build more stable, resilient schools.
MEET THE SPEAKER
Ann Snyder is Vice President, Strategic Initiatives at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Previously, she served as Senior Director of Engagement at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and Director of External Affairs at Stuart Hall School in Virginia.
With nearly 20 years of experience spanning marketing, advancement, enrollment, financial aid, and external affairs, Ann is a seasoned independent school leader and industry expert. She has spoken and facilitated for NAIS, CASE, NBOA, CAIS, IDPE, AMISA, and regional associations across the United States.
Ann serves on the boards of the Small Boarding Schools Association and Overstory Community School in Virginia.
AFTERNOON SESSION 2
Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Time: 1:00p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Patrick Schuermann and Dr. Andy Van Schaack
Title: Compensation with Purpose, Character by Design: Investing in the People Who Carry Your Mission Forward
Description: A school's mission makes two promises: about the people it employs, and about the qualities it develops in everyone on campus. This four-hour working session takes them in turn — first a four-domain framework for designing an intentional employee value proposition across material offerings, growth, connection, and meaning, then an evidence-based method for developing the attributes a school names in its mission, the work that gives the growth and meaning domains their substance. Heads, board chairs, and CFOs will leave with a shared framework and a common language for the decisions they make together about people, resources, and mission.
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Dr. Patrick Schuermann
Patrick Schuermann is a leader in leadership development and compensation strategy for independent schools. At Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, he founded the Professional Leadership Institutes and developed and directed the Independent School Leadership Master’s Program. In 2022, he led research for NBOA’s Mission-Anchored Compensation Strategies initiative, the most comprehensive study of compensation and benefits practices in the independent school community to date. He is an author and founder of Strategic Compensation and Coaching Partners, which helps schools develop mission-aligned compensation systems.
Dr. Andy Van Schaack
Andy Van Schaack is a founder of the Attribute Development Group and applies the science of learning and behavior change to school leadership. He spent twenty years at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College and School of Engineering, teaching applied cognitive psychology and research methods and earning the university’s highest undergraduate teaching honor. He has led sessions for NAIS, NBOA, ERB, AISAP, ESHA, and TAIS, and most recently served as Senior Advisor for Teaching Excellence at Ensworth School.
PRE-CONFERENCE PRICING
Full Day Pre-Conference: $479 (Members) | $579 (Non-Members)
Half Day Pre-Conference: $279 (Members) | $379 (Non-Members)
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
FULL SCHEDULE
HOTEL
HOTEL INFORMATION
Hotel Address:
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Theme Park Resort
10100 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
All guest room reservations should be made directly with the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Theme Park Resort using the weblink designed especially for FCIS attendees to access discounted rates. Discounted room rates start at $169, plus applicable taxes.
The deadline for the guaranteed Convention rate is Tuesday, October 13, 2026, based on availability. Once the room block is sold out, there may not be rooms available at the group rate.
Check in time: 4:00 PM
Check out time: 11:00 AM
Please note that FCIS is not using a housing bureau for hotel reservations. You will not receive a call from FCIS or the hotel asking you to make reservations over the phone. If you receive this type of phone call, it is likely a scam. Please make your reservations online or by calling the hotel directly.
Parking:
Complimentary overnight parking for hotel guests. For drive-in guests, there is a discounted self-parking rate of $12 per night. Please note that parking is first come, first served. We strongly suggest carpools.
Bus Drop Off:
It is strongly suggested that schools arrange for carpools or bus drop-off, as parking is limited. Bus drop-off is at the front of the Palms Conference Center.
New Mothers:
A private space for nursing mothers is available. Please visit the Convention registration desk for access.
KEYNOTES
KEYNOTES
MEET JESS
Jess Ekstrom is the founder of Headbands of Hope and Mic Drop Workshop, investor in women, best selling author, Forbes Top Rated Speaker and mom.
Her first brush with success was selling all of her toys on eBay when she was twelve. Since then, Jess and her companies have been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America and more. More importantly, her companies have helped millions of women and girls around the world.
She’s the bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Side and Making it Without Losing it. Her hobbies include writing, hiking, board games with her husband, playing hide and seek with her kids, and searching for the best breakfast burrito in America.
Thursday, November 5
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Majestic Ballroom
Majestic Ballroom
Title: "Making it Without Losing It: The New Rules for Innovation and Motivation That Lasts"
Description: Let’s face it, there’s always a “what’s next?” Your ability to individually and collectively reach that next big milestone without burning out–has to do with the answer to the following question:
How do we create motivation that lasts when we're never done? It turns out — While traditional leadership approaches focus on external rewards, the latest science shows us that the most flourishing contributors have a personal, internal connection to their work. That’s right; people with high intrinsic motivation experience lower rates of disengagement, higher levels of innovation and more fulfillment than those focused primarily on external factors.
MEET DAN
Dan Lerner is a psychology professor and strengths-based performance coach who helps high performers achieve more while avoiding burnout. A former talent agent, he now works with clients ranging from Fortune 500 executives to Metropolitan Opera singers, guiding them to manage stress, rediscover strengths, and reach their potential. His engaging talks focus on thriving under pressure, boosting performance, and maintaining well-being.
Dan teaches at NYU’s Stern School of Business, where he co-created Thrive@Stern with Jonathan Haidt, a required course on work-life excellence. He co-authored U Thrive with Dr. Alan Schlechter, a research-based guide to success in college and life. Dan also consults for major firms like Deutsche Bank and UBS, and trained with sports psychologist Dr. Nathaniel Zinsser. He holds a master’s in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also teaches.
Friday, November 6
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Majestic Ballroom
Majestic Ballroom
Title: "The Science and Strategy of Engagement"
Description: Peak moments in life don’t happen when things are easy—they happen when you’re stretching your physical and mental limits to tackle challenges that truly matter. The moments when you feel most alive are the moments when you’re fully engaged.
In this interactive keynote, positive psychologist Dan Lerner shares how to identify your unique strengths and use them to achieve the powerful state of engagement known as "flow." Through his simple Aware, Explore, Apply framework, he combines compelling stories—from Kobe Bryant to Hidden Figures—with research showing how leveraging strengths improves teamwork, retention, performance, and goal achievement.
With practical strategies and contagious energy, Dan demonstrates how a few intentional changes can help anyone become more engaged, effective, and fulfilled at work, school, and in life.
THURS LUNCH SPEAKERS
THURSDAY LUNCH SPEAKERS
MEET THE SPEAKER
Kevin Plummer became the seventh Head of Tampa Preparatory School in 2007. Under his leadership, the school has completed transformative campus renovations, including the Genshaft & Greenbaum Building of Learning and Discovery, creating innovative active learning spaces.
A respected leader in education and the Tampa Bay community, Kevin serves on several nonprofit and civic boards and has held leadership roles with the Bay Area Association of Independent Schools and the Enrollment Management Association. He is a frequent presenter for FCIS and NAIS and earned a master's degree in Educational Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University as a Klingenstein Fellow.
MEET THE SPEAKER
Dr. Dana Markham ’18H serves as President of Pine Crest School, where she honors tradition while leading innovation. Guided by the belief that “every conversation has an impact,” she fosters authentic, accessible leadership. In 2018, she was named an honorary Pine Crest alumna.
A former teacher and administrator, Dr. Markham has also made significant contributions to the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), serving as President and leading accreditation efforts that strengthen independent schools across Florida.
MEET THE SPEAKER
Patrick H. F. Roberts has more than 30 years of experience in independent school leadership and has served as Head of School at Palmer Trinity School since 2014. Under his leadership, the school has experienced significant growth while remaining committed to educating the whole child.
A respected leader in independent education, Mr. Roberts serves on the Board of Directors of the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), including as President from 2021–2024, and on the Board of the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES). In 2025, he was appointed to the Heads Collegiate Forum and the Vanderbilt Open Dialogue Seminar Steering Committee, recognizing his national leadership in independent education.
Thursday, November 5, 12:10 - 1:40 p.m.
Majestic Ballroom
Majestic Ballroom
Title: Leadership That Lasts: A Conversation with Experienced Heads of School
Description: Join a panel of long-serving FCIS heads of school for an engaging conversation on the lessons, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped their leadership journeys. Through stories, practical advice, and reflections on sustaining and growing as a leader, panelists will share insights gained from years of experience. Questions for the discussion will be submitted by luncheon attendees, making this an interactive opportunity to learn from some of independent education's most respected leaders.
SOCIAL EVENTS
CPE CREDITS
MOBILE APP
MOBILE APP
To get the most out of this year's Convention and navigate all of the information about the program, schedule, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and logistics, access the Convention web app or download the mobile app.
*Sessions are subject to change. Check the mobile and web apps closer to the Convention for the most updated information.*
- Whova Web and Mobile Apps | Attendee User Guide
- What do I do if I forget my username or password to access the Whova mobile and web apps?
- Do I need an invitation code to log into the Whova web and mobile apps
Whova Web and Mobile Apps | Attendee User Guide
What do I do if I forget my username or password to access the Whova mobile and web apps?
Do I need an invitation code to log into the Whova web and mobile apps
EXHIBITORS
Sponsors
SUBMIT ADS
SUBMIT CONVENTION ADVERTISEMENTS
Deadline to Submit Ads: October 20th, 2026
Price: $195 per ad
To submit your ad: Use the button below to submit all ad artwork as a high-resolution JPG or PNG file. We will be using standard digital presentation slides, 1024 x 768, landscape orientation. If using an image prepared for print, resolution should be at least 300 dpi. Once received, the file will be sized to fill one slide of a PowerPoint slideshow.
Payment must be received with ad submission in order to have the ad in the presentation.
If you have any questions regarding the ads, please contact Evelyn McCulloch at emcculloch@fcis.org.
Payment must be received no later than October 20th, 2026, in order for your ad to appear.
Refunds: All refund requests must be made in writing and emailed to kdanger@fcis.org. There is a $50 per ad processing fee through October 20th, 2026, with no refunds after this date.
Thank you for placing an electronic advertisement to run during the 2026 FCIS Convention.
We appreciate your support!