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

  • Social Justice and Equitable Opportunities 
  • Family and Community Engagement
  • Bi/Multilingual Education
  • Assessment and Multilingual Learners
  • Professional Learning in Schools and Districts
  • Specific Populations of Multilingual Learners
  • PreK–3
  • Effective Instructional Practices
  • Implementation of WIDA ELD Standards Framework
  • 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 1,350 attendees as well as 1,800 virtual attendees each year. Read about the biggest moments from the 2023 WIDA Annual Conference held in Milwaukee.

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2024 WIDA Annual Conference

Bridging Cultures, Empowering Multilingual Voices

October 15 - 18, 2024
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

WIDA Annual Conference Website

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3,100+
Attendees

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200+
Presenters

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100+
Breakout Sessions

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4 of 5
Highly Recommend

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What participants say...

"The WIDA Conference is an annual professional highlight for me as it presents an invaluable opportunity to learn from colleagues about contemporary topics in our field, network and strengthen relationships with colleagues, and personally revitalize myself ready to advance our multilingual services for students in our district."

– district EL coach

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Past Conferences

The WIDA Annual Conference, hosted in a different region across the WIDA Consortium each year, attracts educators from around the globe. Most recently, in 2023, educators from 44 U.S. states and 14 countries attended the 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
  • October 17-20, 2023: Milwaukee, WI

Related Pages

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WIDA at 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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Featured Educator: Conference Presenters

Get to know talented educators as they discuss their WIDA Annual Conference session.