2023/01/11 08:00:00
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AAGT 49th Annual Conference

“The best way for people [children included] to grow and develop is to identify how they most naturally think, feel, and behave — their talents — then build on those talents to create strengths, or the ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance.”

AAGT’s Conference theme this year is “Tap Into Talent” and we want to share keynote and breakout sessions that will focus on how we can better tap into our own talents as educators, help identify hidden talents in students, guide parents to better support their child’s talents, or give students the confidence to share their many talents.

Please join us either in-person or virtually for two full days of learning, networking, and gifted education synergy! Sessions on talent development, differentiation, technology integration, Arizona’s K-12 Academic Standards, social/emotional needs of gifted individuals, and much more will be offered.

Testimonials from Past Attendees

This was such a great event to come to as a brand new Gifted teacher. We really had zero direction when starting up our program, so this was so helpful!

Heather

Teacher

This was such a comprehensive conference! You have it all! Anchoring to the “WHY” we support gifted students, addressing the myths and barriers, and providing solutions and hacks to improving gifted education was non-stop! Keynotes and breakout sessions were all top notch! Can’t wait for next year!

Jennifer

Gifted Coordinator

I’m really rethinking my definition of gifted. I’m thinking about the way we identify gifted children and local norms and everything that goes along with that.

Amy

Teacher

I’m grateful to have the opportunity to hear directly from experts in the field of gifted education. Learning about the latest research findings and expert insights helps inform my teaching practices, allowing me to better serve my students.

Melissa

Teacher

I love the opportunity to be immersed in all things gifted every year with individuals that share that same passion. It always inspires, reignites, and helps me reframe. Thank you, AAGT!

Vicki

Gifted Coordinator

I really enjoyed the whole conference. I loved collaborating with new and familiar faces! My favorite sessions were those who had high energy, great modeling and practical takeaways to use right away in the classroom!

Brandy

Teacher

This has been on my bucket list for years. I am so proud to be among amazing educators in our state and valued hearing from all of the people who are advocating for our children in the state.

Amanda

District Coordinator

I enjoyed all the sessions and I am planning on watching the recordings of other sessions that I wanted to attend.

Adriana

Teacher

As a first time attendee, I left energized with fresh ideas to motivate as well as support the social and emotional needs of my gifted learners.

Lisa

Teacher

The conference was time well spent! I plan to convey much of the information to my co-workers when I return to school through PD. It’s always so refreshing and revitalizing to learn from the leaders in our discipline and each other! Thank you for a great experience!

Robert

Teacher

It is always refreshing to attend the conference. To be surrounded by a quirky and dedicated set of educators. It’s my favorite time of the year.

Jessie

Teacher

Conference Venue

Mesa Convention Center

263 N Center St
Mesa, AZ 85201

In the heart of a vibrant downtown, the Mesa Convention Center is located on the southeast corner of University Drive and Center Street.
Complimentary parking is available.

Explore Downtown Mesa

Conference Hotel

Delta Hotel by Marriott Mesa

Room Block Rate – $165

AAGT has secured a special room rate that is significantly lower than any other hotels in the area. Conveniently located adjacent to the Mesa Convention Center. Book your room before December 28, 2022.

Book Your Room

Attendee Registration

Choose to attend in-person or virtually, and earn up to 42 Professional Development Hours either way! All attendees will have access to event portal and session recordings for six months.

In-person Attendees Registration Includes:

  • AAGT Swag Bags
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Break
  • A chance to visit with exhibitors in person and win prizes
  • Watch Keynotes and General Sessions Live
  • Choose up to 7 breakout sessions per day to join in-person, watch the remaining recordings on your own schedule.

Virtual Attendees Registration Includes:

  • A chance to visit exhibitor profiles in the event app and ask questions via chat
  • Watch Keynotes and General Sessions on LiveStream
  • Breakout Sessions will all be pre-recorded – watch sessions during the scheduled time and use the event portal chat to engage with other virtual & in-person attendees!

NON-MEMBER RATE

$400 Per Attendee

Early bird rate ends December 1, 2022 – Pice will increase by $50

AAGT MEMBER RATE

$350 Per Attendee

Early bird rate ends December 1, 2022 – Pice will increase by $50

ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP

Submit Application by October 15th

Available to first time attendees to the AAGT Annual Conference. Up to 10 scholarships will be issued for a full access pass either in-person or for virtual annual conference experience. Recipients must be a current member of AAGT. 

Submit Application

EXPO HALL TABLE TOP REGISTRATION

$350 AAGT Partners | $450 NonPartners

Early bird pricing will end December 1, 2022, pricing will increase $50

Please join us either in-person or virtually for two full days of networking and sharing gifted education resources to educators throughout Arizona!

Your registration will include

  • Six foot table top
  • Registration and meals for 1 attendee (additional attendees may be added for a fee)
  • Small Vendor Profile in event app
  • Receive a registration list of opted-in attendees.
  • Participation in the Vendor Passport to encourage attendees to visit your booth and win prizes
Reserve Your Tabletop
Download the Vendor Prospectus

Bronze Advertisement Package

$100 Add-on to Table or Purchase Separately for Virtual Presence
  • Small Profile in event app- May include all social media links, documentation, and calls to action
  • Ad in slideshow in general session
  • Quarter page ad in printed program

Silver Advertisement Package

$200 Add-on to Table or Purchase Separately for Virtual Presence
  • Large Profile in event app- May include all social media links, documentation, and calls to action
  • Half page ad in printed program
  • Ad in slideshow in general session
  • Tote bag insert included
  • Social Media Post

Gold Advertisement Package

$300 Add-on to Table or Purchase Separately for Virtual Presence
  • Large Profile in event app – May include all social media links, documentation, and calls to action
  • 2 Minute Promotional Video in event app
  • Ad in slideshow in general session
  • Full page ad in printed program
  • Tote bag insert included
  • Social Media Post

Sponsorship Opportunities

Show your support at the AAGT Annual Conference!

The sponsorships below automatically will have gold advertising package added. All sponsorships will be listed on our website, social media and email marketing campaigns.

Lanyard/Name Badge Sponsor – Your logo on attendee lanyards 

Tote Bag Sponsor – Your Logo on conference tote bags given to every attendee

Program Printing Sponsor – Full Page COLOR ad in premiere location on back of the program + signage at registration next to programs

Breakfast Sponsorship – Poster with your logo at banquet tables during breakfast

Lunch Sponsorship – Poster with your logo at banquet tables during lunch

Wifi Sponsorship – Signage throughout the venue with wifi instructions and your logo

Event App Sponsor – Event app banner ad with link to your profile. Signage with download instructions and your logo.

Afternoon Snack Sponsorship – Poster with your logo at banquet tables during breaks

Photo Booth Sponsorship – Your logo on the border of all digital photos and poster next to photo booth

Parent Night Refreshment Sponsorship – Poster with your logo at the event

Purchase Sponsorship
Thank You Sponsors!

Meet Our Keynotes!

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Angela Housand, Ph.D. is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Program Support, and Student Success at the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Watson College of Education. Dr. Housand is the recipient of the 2019 North Carolina Association for Gifted and Talented (NCAGT) Outstanding Service Award, 2016 UNCW Discere Aude Award, and numerous other recognitions for outstanding teaching and service. Her considerable work in gifted education includes having served as the UNCW Gifted and Talented Graduate Program Coordinator, an elected member for the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Board of Directors, Chair of the NAGC Whole Gifted Child Task Force, and the NAGC Policy and Advocacy Committee to name a few. In addition to her leadership in the field, her publication and presentation vita is extensive.

Angela Housand

Ph.D.

Practice? Practice. Practice!

Plus Two Breakout Sessions!

Social Emotional Learning: A Foundation for Talent Development
Fail Early, Fail Fast!
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Dr. Brian Housand, is the coordinator of the Academically or Intellectually Gifted program at University of North Carolina Wilmington and creator of Gifted360.com. Dr. Housand earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology at the University of Connecticut with an emphasis in both gifted education and instructional technology. He served two terms on the National Association for Gifted Children’s Board of Directors as a Member-At-Large. Along with his wife Dr. Angela Housand and Dr. Joe Renzulli, he co-authored Using the Schoolwide Enrichment Model with Technology. He is also the author of Fighting Fake News! Teaching Critical Thinking and Media Literacy in a Digital Age. Brian has worked in education as a classroom teacher, a teacher of the gifted, and a university professor for over twenty years. As a speaker and consultant, he has presented in 40 states, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Kuwait, and Chilé. Brian is a lover of technology, Star Wars, all things Disney, video games, and fonts. He proudly identifies himself as a geek. You can learn more on his website at brianhousand.com and by following him on Twitter @brianhousand.

Brian Housand

Ph.D.

Taylor Swift, a Supermarket, & the Saguaro Cactus

Plus Two Breakout Sessions!

The Struggle is Real: Recognizing and Responding to #giftedkidburnout
Curiouser & Curiouser: Intriguing Adventures in Wonderland

Call for Breakout Proposals

Please submit your proposal by October 16, 2022

It’s the 49th Anniversary of the AAGT Annual Conference!
This year will once again be a hybrid in-person & virtual conference, and our breakout presenters will agree to:

  1. Pre-record their session for our virtual attendee to access in the Event Portal
  2. Attend In-Person during the two-day event to give their 45 minute presentation + 10 minute Q&A during their designated time slot

If your proposal below is accepted, you will be emailed information, by November 1, on how to record your 45 minute presentation. You will then have until December 30th to record your presentation and submit it, along with:

  • Headshot
  • Slidedeck
  • Other optional handouts

As you prepare your presentation, please keep in mind, that our theme is “Tap Into Talent”  – how can we better tap into our own talents as educators, help identify hidden talents in students, guide parents to better support their child’s talents, or give students the confidence to share their many talents. We are looking forward to your proposals!
Proposals Due by Sunday, October 16, 2022
Presenters and co-presenters will be able to register for the event at the speaker rate.

Submit Presentation Proposal

Student Video Contest

Myth - Gifted Students Don't Need Help; They'll Do Fine On Their Own

At the Annual AAGT Conference on Jan. 11th & 12th, 2023, our organization, parents and teachers are offering the opportunity for gifted students to share their perception of life in and out of school.

Our vehicle is a VIDEO CONTEST for students ages 11 and up.

Here’s the assignment:
  • Create a 3-5 minute video about you.
  • Here’s what we would like you to include:
    • Tell us about how and when you were identified as gifted
    • Describe the highs and lows of your life as a gifted and talented student.
    • Is there an adult who has influenced you? If so, how ?
    • What makes you, you?  What sets you apart from your peers? (academic, talent, leadership, etc.)
    • Tell us about your hopes and dreams
  • Upload your video using the form link below!

And now the rest of the story!

Videos will be reviewed by AAGT Board members. The three videos judged to be most compelling will be shown to the attendees at the AAGT Annual Conference. Attendance at the conference is often close to 500 teachers and administrators from around the state.

Students whose video is selected, and two guests, will have the opportunity to join the AAGT Board for lunch on Wednesday, January 11, and then following the viewing of the videos, be part of a student panel who will answer questions from educators to help them understand the unique gifted student’s point of view.

Bonus! The students whose videos are selected to be shown at the conference and who participate on the student panel will receive an AAGT hoodie and a $50 Amazon Gift Card.

 

All videos are due by October 14, 2022.

Submit Student Video

Featuring Adam Laningham

SENG President Elect

SENG Logo

AAGT Gifted Parent Night for Supporting the Social & Emotional Needs of Your Child

Wednesday, January 11 • 5:30 PM

Virtual or In-Person Available!

Free for AAGT Members and Conference Attendees. $15 for Nonmembers. Limited to first 100 in-person registrations.

The Impact of Trauma in Gifted Children and Strategies to Support Them

Research is continuing to show us the effects trauma has on the brain, and its impact on our children. It is especially important to understand this for our gifted population as many gifted children are already struggling with their asynchronous development, fitting into society, and working through the school system. Gifted children are just as likely to suffer from other traumas as any other child; however, their unique sensitivities and pressures they are already under put them at a unique risk. This presentation will help participants better understand the impact of trauma as well as provide specific strategies to support our gifted children.

Register Today