WIDA Annual Conference

A conference by teachers, for teachers

The WIDA Annual Conference is the largest conference dedicated to educators of Pre-K through grade 12 multilingual learners. Educators from around the country submit session proposals, which are reviewed and selected by a panel of internal and external reviewers. Sessions examine research-based strategies and instructional practices on topics that align with the conference theme and are designed and delivered in an engaging format. Topic areas include

  • Equity and Social Justice
  • Family and Community Engagement
  • Bi/Multilingual Education
  • Language Assessment
  • Professional Learning in Schools and Districts
  • Specific Populations: Multilingual Learners with Disabilities, Newcomers, Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE), Migrant, Refugee, Long-term Multilingual Learners
  • Early Language Development and Pre-Kindergarten
  • Effective Instructional Practices - Implementation of WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition
  • Program Administration & Policy

Launched in 2013, the WIDA Annual Conference has continued to grow in popularity as it has traveled around the country – from Las Vegas to Milwaukee to Tampa.

In its first year, the conference drew 600 participants with a sizable waiting list. Now, we prepare for more than 1,000 attendees as well as 1,500 virtual attendees each year.

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2023 WIDA Annual Conference

Adelante With a Multilingual Mindset

October 17 - 20, 2023 
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

WIDA Annual Conference Website

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2,500+
Attendees

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200+
Presenters

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100+
Breakout Sessions

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4 of 5
Highly Recommend

45 States and 21 Countries Represented

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What participants say...

"WIDA conference is a phenomenal opportunity to collaborate with educators from around the country and a rare opportunity to lean into each others' expertise in order to become greater change makers."

– EL specialist and 2022 WIDA Annual Conference attendee

Past Conferences

More than 6,000 educators have attended the WIDA Annual Conference at least once, and about 40% return for more than one conference.

  • October 17-19, 2013: Milwaukee, WI
  • October 23-25, 2014: Atlanta, GA
  • October 15-17, 2015: Las Vegas, NV
  • October 12-15, 2016: Philadelphia, PA
  • October 16-19, 2017: Tampa, FL
  • October 23-26, 2018: Detroit, MI
  • October, 15-18, 2019: Providence, RI
  • October 12-30, 2020: WIDA eSummit, a virtual event for WIDA Consortium members 
  • October 14, 2021: WIDA eConference
  • September 28-30, 2022: Louisville, KY

Related Pages

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WIDA @ Conferences

In addition to hosting our own conference, WIDA supports national and international conferences with keynote speakers, workshop presentations and sponsorships.

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Professional Learning

Learning opportunities for K-12 educators centered on the WIDA Standards and Assessment System, offered in online, in-person and blended formats.

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WIDA Research

Research at WIDA is dedicated to promoting educational equity and academic achievement for linguistically and culturally diverse students.

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Overheard at the WIDA Annual Conference

Learn about and read highlights from the most recent WIDA Annual Conference.