Registration Open
Registration for the 2026 conference is now open!
Featured Speakers
Michael McDowell
Michael McDowell, EdD was a public school educator for eighteen years serving in the roles of classroom teacher, academic and athletic coach, school principal, assistant superintendent of personnel and instruction, and superintendent. During his tenure as a superintendent, his school district received state and national accolades including the National Blue Ribbon Award which recognized their work for student performance and mental health and well-being in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic by the U.S. Department of Education.
Dr. McDowell serves on educational boards, served as a college professor, and has worked for non-profit organizations to enhance student learning around the world. Over the course of his career, Dr. McDowell has authored bestselling books, created professional learning programs and workbooks, provided keynotes and workshops, and provided practical tools and resources for thousands of teachers and leaders on almost every continent around the world. A prolific author and consultant, Dr. McDowell is recognized as one of the leading authorities on integrating innovative and impactful practices into schools. Dr. McDowell is an author consultant for The Core Collaborative and co-founder of Hinge Education. In addition to keynotes, Michael supports districts around the world, where he partners with educational leaders and teams to implement high leverage strategies that will enhance teaching and learning in classrooms, schools, and systems.
Steve Bollar “Stand Tall Steve”
Keynote speaker Steve Bollar, also known as Stand Tall Steve, is a former principal, expert on school culture and former superintendent of schools. Steve is known for his dynamic keynotes, creative thinking and funny personality. He has one mission: to improve school culture and climate for students and staff.
Speaker Steve Bollar has more than 25 years’ experience in the school system from teacher to principal to superintendent. He has experienced first-hand how important a good and healthy school culture is for students and staff alike. Steve Bollar is also the author of the well-praised book “Ideas, Ideas, Ideas!” which has helped schools and organizations improve their culture. Steve is also a member of the Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame which is a program that focuses on recognizing students and staff while developing a positive school culture.
As school principal, Steve has proved his talent and reached milestones for multiple schools. In 2014, he was awarded the Burlington County Principals and Supervisors Association Visionary Leadership Award. In 2011 Steve was recognized by South Jersey Magazine as South Jersey’s top 20 Men of the Year. Steve is known for his innovative and creative thinking to problem-solving and as a leader, he has shown how to motivate and inspire his team.
As a speaker Steve Bollar is dynamic, motivational and engaging. He uses real-life stories with strategies and ideas that have worked and will work for you. His diverse professional experience allows him to handle problems and challenges from different perspectives and come up with the best solutions. Steve impresses every audience and continues to improve school culture all over North America. If you want a school or workplace where staff, teams, employees and students thrive, grow and succeed Steve Bollar is the speaker for you.
Patty Corum
Dr. Patty Corum is an educational trainer and speaker who works with school leaders in various areas. of development and effective communication. Since 2014, Patty has worked with over 45 school districts, associations and universities in Missouri and South Carolina. Her sessions include learning how to have difficult conversations effectively, understanding the building blocks of meaningful, collaborative relationships, practicing how to deliver hard messages with care and clarity, and understanding that a strong self-awareness and sense of confidence, result in better leadership, more trusting connections, calmness and inner peace.
Prior to 2014, Dr. Corum spent almost thirty years in public education as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent for human resources and deputy superintendent in a large school district outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Patty has been married to Dr. Brent Underwood, a retired superintendent for almost three decades and enjoys three step-children, their spouses and four beautiful grandchildren. Patty has lived and worked in Missouri her entire life and continues to provide educational leaders and aspiring leaders with the skills and self-confidence to effectively serve others.
Along with her trainings and speaking engagements, Dr. Corum served as the Executive Director of the Missouri Association of School Personnel Administrators (MOASPA) from 2014-2024, and for over two decades, worked with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in various projects related to leadership development. During this time, she has spoken at a number of educational conferences and to school administrators, faculty and staff, as well as facilitated years-long, ongoing trainings in schools and districts. In addition, Dr. Corum continues to serve as a guest instructor in educational leadership programs at St. Louis University, University of Missouri-St. Louis, University of Missouri-Columbia and Lindenwood University.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the conference being held & when?
Oasis Hotel and Convention Center in Springfield, MO.
March 1-3, 2026
How much does it cost?
Early conference registration fees: $250
Regular conference registration fees (after Feb. 9): $300
Pre-conference registration fee: $100
Post-conference registration fees: $75
What is included in the registration fee?
Early & regular conference registration fees include sessions and meals on Monday & Tuesday morning.
Can I attend the pre-conference session only?
Yes, registration is $100. The pre-conference session is on Sunday, March 1, from 2 – 5 PM.
Can I add the pre-conference to my conference registration?
Yes, you can add the pre-conference at the discounted rate of $50.
Can I attend the post-conference only?
No. You must be registered for the conference (Monday/Tuesday) in order to register to attend the post-conference.
What meals are included in my conference registration?
Lunch on Monday and brunch on Tuesday morning.
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