2026 KASS Annual Conference: Partner Opportunities Now Open!
December 6-8 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown
Organizations that support Kentucky public school districts can now register to exhibit, sponsor, or join as a Preferred Partner at the 2026 KASS Annual Conference, December 6-8 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown. The Annual Conference is the largest KASS gathering of the year, bringing Kentucky's school superintendents together for professional learning, peer connection, and conversation about the work ahead for their districts.
For superintendents, the partners in the room are part of that work. For organizations, it is a direct and personal way to understand what district leaders need.
What This Conference Means for Districts and Partners
Kentucky's superintendents are the chief decision-makers for districts across the Commonwealth. They are accountable for governance, operations, and long-term student outcomes, and they come to KASS events to learn alongside peers and find partners who can help them do the job well.
Because KASS is the state organization dedicated solely to superintendents, partners at the Annual Conference are in the room with the leaders who set direction and shape priorities for their districts. This year's conference theme is The Power of Possibility: Empowering Learners. Igniting Innovation. Transforming Education.
Conference at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | 2026 KASS Annual Conference |
| Dates | December 6-8, 2026 |
| Location | Louisville Marriott Downtown |
| Format | Exhibition hall, general sessions, and breakouts |
| Partner Options | Event Sponsor, General Session, Meal/Breakout, Preferred Partner, and Exhibitor Booth |
How the Exhibitor Experience Is Structured
KASS has built the exhibit experience so partners have real time with attendees, not a few minutes between sessions. The exhibit hall is open to attendees on Sunday, December 6, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and on Monday, December 7, from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
- Dedicated exhibit-hall hours so attendees have time to visit and talk with partners
- Built-in traffic through an exhibitor punch card and refreshments served in the hall
- Added visibility through prize drawings at the President's Reception
- Attendee and booth information shared before the conference so partners can plan their connections
- On-site KASS staff support throughout exhibit hours
Partnership Options
Partners choose one clear path: a sponsorship level or an exhibit zone. Depending on the level, sponsorship benefits can include introducing a session or keynote speaker, a full-page program ad, signage, on-screen recognition, and exhibit space.
Preferred Partners receive one representative with access to conference events and sessions featuring Kentucky superintendents, along with one breakfast/lunch ticket. Exhibit booths are sold separately.
Exhibit booths are offered in two zones. Zone 1 is the prime location with limited spaces, and Zone 2 includes the remaining exhibit-hall spaces. Every booth includes:
- An 8' x 10' space with pipe-and-drape dividers
- Identification sign, skirted table, two folding chairs, and a wastebasket
- Organization description and contact details in the conference program
- Breakfast/lunch and welcome refreshment access for two
Full details on each option, along with the exhibit-hall map, are in the 2026 KASS Exhibitor & Sponsorship Guide.
Logistics for Exhibitors
Exhibitor space will be ready for setup at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6. Electricity should be reserved in advance on the registration form, and EXCEL Decorators, Inc. will send booth details and options for additional items after registration.
Exhibitors participating in the prize drawing should bring their attendee prize to the registration desk before 4:00 p.m. on Monday for the drawing during the President's Reception. Lodging is available at the Louisville Marriott Downtown through the KASS reservation link.
A New Home for KASS Partnerships
KASS has also launched a dedicated Partner With KASS page that brings every partnership opportunity into one place. The page outlines the four statewide convenings KASS holds each year, sponsorship within leadership development programs such as Kentucky Leadership Rising, Step Up, and Synergy, and upcoming sponsorship for the KASS Live video series.
KASS represents superintendents from 171 Kentucky public school districts, and each event has its own format and audience. Organizations can complete the interest form on the page, and Jim Flynn will follow up directly.
For Superintendents
If your district works with an organization that would benefit from time with Kentucky's superintendents, this is a good page to share with them. Partners who understand district work make the conference more useful for everyone in the room.
Questions
For help choosing the right opportunity, contact Nancy Hutchinson and Trisha Carroll at 606-584-8578 or eliteeventplanning3@gmail.com.
Register as a Partner
Booth assignments are made in order of registration, with sponsors and Zone 1 partners receiving priority placement. Zone 1 spaces are limited. Organizations ready to join Kentucky's superintendents in Louisville this December can register now.
- Register as a KASS Annual Conference Partner
- View the 2026 KASS Exhibitor & Sponsorship Guide
- Reserve your room at the Louisville Marriott Downtown
- Explore the Partner With KASS page
