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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
Pre-conference information
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2026 PDI Information for Attendees & Presenters
INFORMATION AND LINKS WILL BE ADDED AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.
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.
CLICK HERE: 2025 PDI Concurrent Session Presentation Proposal Form (Open March 1-June 15)
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
INFORMATION AND LINKS WILL BE ADDED AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.
CLICK HERE: 2026 Hotel Madison Reservation Form
Hotel Floorplan
Hotel Cost: .
Hotel Parking:
Hotel WiFi information:
Hotel menus:
Nearby the hotel information
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2026 PDI Exhibitor and Sponsorship Information, Prices, Advertising and Forms
INFORMATION AND LINKS WILL BE ADDED AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.
Click Here: Online exhibitor registration
CLICK HERE: 2026 PDI Sponsorship and Exhibitor Information
CLICK HERE: 2026 PDI Registration link for exhibitors and sponsors
2026 Exhibitor Kit
2026 Digital Advertising Contract
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2026 PDI PROGRAM
INFORMATION AND LINKS WILL BE ADDED AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.
CLICK HERE: 2026 PDI Schedule at a Glance
PDI Schedule (as seen on the WHOVA app)
General Session Speakers
General Session I, Thursday
Speaker:
Title:
General Session II, Friday
Speaker:
Title:
Friday Evening Activity
General Session III, Saturday
Speaker:
Title:
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