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2026 ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (PDI)
"“The Next Generation of Science: Innovate, Elevate, and Accelerate”
November 12-14, 2026
Hotel Madison
Harrisonburg, Virginia
This year’s PDI theme, “The Next Generation of Science: Innovate, Elevate, and Accelerate,” will bring together science educators from across Virginia to explore cutting-edge strategies, share innovative teaching practices, and collaborate on how to better prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. It promises to be a remarkable event filled with inspiring sessions, hands-on workshops, and opportunities to connect with fellow educators. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a community dedicated to elevating science education to new heights. We look forward to seeing you there! Jill Collins, VAST President
The PDI features:
- Presentations related to our theme, as well as concurrent session presentations in all science areas for grades K-12;
- General sessions featuring speakers who will challenge you with up-to-date scientific discoveries and instructional strategies;
- Interact with vendors in the Exhibit Hall as you collect samples of new instructional materials and explore cutting-edge technologies;
- Interact and network with science colleagues from across Virginia in-person and using the PDI WHOVA App to keep your conversations going after you leave the PDI; and
- All attendees receive a one year regular VAST Membership with their PDI Registration!
INFORMATION AND LINKS WILL BE ADDED AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.
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2026 Thursday Pre-conference Activities
CLICK HERE for Pre-conference Workshop Information:
"From Strategy to Student Impact: AI-Enhanced Science Instruction That Works"
Presenters: Eric Rhoades, Jessa Miles, Tyler Hunt, Cary Wright
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
$100.00 fee includes lunch and all materials, the workshop is limited to 100 attendees
CLICK HERE to register for the pre-conference workshop
Workshop registration is separate from and does not include registration for the PDI.
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CLICK HERE for Pre-conference Field Trip Information
"Scientists in Action - Lunch and Lab Tours"
Meet at the hotel at 12 noon, tour ends at 3:30 PM
$35.00 fee includes a box lunch and transportation to the labs, the field trip is limited to 50 attendees
Field trip fee is an add-on to the PDI registration. Select the field trip when you complete the PDI Registration.
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2026 PDI Information for Attendees & Presenters
CLICK HERE: 2026 PDI Fees and Ticket Prices for Attendees, Presenters, and Exhibitors
CLICK HERE: 2026 PDI Registration Link for attendees and attendee-presenters
Attendees registered by September 30 receive the discounted "early bird" registration fee.
Attendee-presenters must register by September 15 to be included in the final program.
Are you registering a group? Contact Pdi.registrar@vast.org for a Group Code and registration information.
READ THIS: Before you open the presentation proposal form.
CLICK HERE: 2026 PDI Concurrent Session Presentation Proposal Form (now open until June 15)
Presentation types (choose one in the proposal form)
Hands-on
Lecture/Demonstration
Poster (there will be a scheduled time for presenters to be with their posters)
Group Meeting (attendees with a similar interest),
Content Meeting (sponsored by a VAST Committee)
All presenters must register and pay by September 15, 2026 to be included in the final program.
Commercial and non-profit entities must purchase an exhibit booth to be eligible to do a concurrent session presentation.
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2026 PDI Hotel Information
CLICK HERE: 2026 Hotel Madison Reservation Form
Hotel Floorplan
Hotel Cost: $123.53/night
Hotel Parking: complimentary
Hotel WiFi: complimentary
Hotel menus:
Nearby the hotel information
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2026 PDI Exhibitor and Sponsorship Information, Prices, Advertising and Forms
CLICK HERE: 2026 PDI Sponsorship and Exhibitor Information
CLICK HERE: 2026 PDI Registration link for exhibitors and sponsors
2026 Exhibitor Kit (coming)
CLICK HERE: 2026 Digital Advertising Contract
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2026 PDI PROGRAM
CLICK HERE: 2026 PDI Schedule at a Glance (as of March 1)
PDI Schedule (as seen on the WHOVA app)
General Session Speakers
Speaker: Steve Spangler, STEM Educator in Residence at High Point University
Title: “Best Day Ever – The Art & Science of Creating Unforgettable Learning Experiences”
General Session II, Friday
Speaker: TBA
Title: TBA
Friday Evening Activity
Speaker: Maynard Okereke, Hip Hop Science
Title: "Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders"
2026 PDI Printed Program, with exhibitor and sponsor lists (PDF copy, printed programs are available at the PDI)
(coming in early November)
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Other Helpful Information & Resources
January 2026 VAST Newsletter with PDI Information
March 2026 VAST Newsletter with PDI Information
May 2026 VAST Newsletter with PDI Information
Summer 2026 VAST Newsletter with PDI informationOctober 2026 VAST Newsletter with PDI Information
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Contacts
Susan Booth, Executive Director, executive.director@vast.orgJohn Kowalski, PDI Co-Chairman, pdi@vast.org