Learning

Spring
Conference

2026 Conference • May 14-15, 2026 • Exhibits May 14

Kalahari Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells | A conference for all WASBO members!

The SPRING Conference is WASBO's biggest event of the year, with something to offer for all WASBO Members. The six pillars of the SPRING Conference are Share | Plan | Reflect | Improve | Network | Grow. There are over 40 educational sessions, an expansive exhibit hall, a WASBO Foundation student scholarship fundraiser, WASBO professional recognition award presentations, and plenty of opportunities to network.


Attendee Registration

Fundraisers and Pre-Conference Sessions have seperate regisrations

Full Conference (Early Bird) Reg Rate: $415
Multi-Attendee (Same Org) Reg Rate: $361

REGISTER NOW

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Additional Information

Spend two days learning at educational sessions on topics such as auxiliary services, best practices, facilities (including certification sessions), human resources, sessions for those new to the profession, safety, and technology. Gain even more insight by visiting the sponsors in the exhibit hall, who are there to share their expertise. This conference also offers many chances for networking, sharing, reflecting, and fun!

New to Spring 2026: Pre-Conference Sessions

Kick off the WASBO Spring Conference with an engaging three-hour pre-conference workshop. These interactive sessions offer an in-depth look at timely topics, providing practical strategies and networking opportunities in a smaller setting. Pre-registration is required at $95 per workshop. Space is limited, so register early! Offerings include:

 

Emergency Readiness: The First 5 Minutes

Speaker: Dr. Mary Tyszkiewicz, Heroic Improv

Build reflexes—not just plans—using "Heroic Improv" techniques to bridge the gap between drills and real-world response. Through a 5-step cycle (Alert, Ready, Connect, Focus, Move), you will develop the communication and decision-making skills needed to respond clearly in the critical first minutes of an emergency.

DPI Financial Reporting

Speakers: Bureau of School Finance, WI DPI

Strengthen your financial confidence with this comprehensive overview of DPI reporting requirements and timelines. Using real-world examples, this session covers best practices for maintaining consistent data, navigating common reporting challenges, and using accurate financial reporting to support district transparency.

REGISTER FOR THE PRE-CONFERENCE SESSIONS

 

Sponsorships

Conference Sponsorships

Conference sponsorship opportunities are available to vendors who provide services or products to school districts. By sponsoring a portion of the Spring Conference, your organization helps keep registration for District Professionals affordable while providing outstanding visibility for your products and services. In addition to being recognized via WASBO's sponsor recognition program, Bronze & Above Sponsors who have confirmed their participation by January 5 will get to purchase their booths early! Sign up to sponsor the 2026 Spring Conference! For more information, email [email protected] or call (608) 249-8588.

SPONSOR

Golf Hole Sponsorships

Service Affiliates can sponsor a golf hole at WASBO's Spring Golf Outing for $350 per golf hole. Register for a hole sponsorship below! The Golf Hole Sponsor Rep Registration and Golf Hole Preference Form will be sent to all sponsors at 8 AM on April 1. Golf holes will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.  Golf hole assignments are final and will be sent to sponsors on April 24.

In addition to increased visibility during the Spring Fundraisers and Conference, you can volunteer to run a game at your golf hole or play golf with district professionals! If sponsors choose to sponsor a golf hole and play, they will still need to pay the golf registration fees in addition to the sponsorship fees. Even if you can't attend the conference or fundraiser in person, sponsoring a golf hole is a great way to increase your visibility during the event. Please review the additional rules to maximize funding for student scholarships and ensure a safe and ethical event, and direct any questions to [email protected]:

  • Sponsoring volunteers will cover the cost of a golf cart rental.
  • Some golf holes may have multiple sponsors.
  • Only two reps are allowed per hole. If more than two representatives volunteer at a golf hole, companies must pay to sponsor an additional hole.
  • All golf hole sponsors must bring their own materials (including tables, chairs, and tents) and may not provide food, beverages, or alcohol to golfers, per the policies of both WASBO and the Golf Course.

SPONSOR

Scholarships

Scholarship applications due April 11

Thanks to the generous support of Focus on Energy and Virco, five WASBO Spring Conference Attendee Scholarships will be awarded to attend the Spring 2026 Conference. These scholarships will enable school district professionals who would not otherwise be able to attend this conference to do so. Applications must be submitted before April 11. Scholarship winners will be notified on or before April 20. Questions can be directed to [email protected]. Covered expenses include conference registration (a $345 value) and travel expenses up to $255 (for a total grant of $600). No reimbursement for cancellations or no shows.

To apply for a scholarship:

  • The applicant must be employed by a public or private school, technical college, or university in Wisconsin and has sought other sources of funding, including his or her employer.
  • Preference will be given to first-time attendees of the WASBO Spring Conference.

APPLY

Hotel Info

Hotel Accommodations

Special conference hotel rates have been negotiated with the Kalahari Resort & Conference Center for Monday through Saturday nights, May 11-16, 2026. You will be quoted a room rate of $139 per night for Monday through Thursday nights. If you wish to stay over on Friday and Saturday, you will be quoted $169 for those nights.

To make your hotel reservations at these discounted rates, contact the Kalahari directly at 877.253.5466 or reserve your room online on or before April 11, 2026. Be sure to ask for the "WASBO Spring Conference 2026" room block. The deposit policy for hotel reservations is one night (plus tax) at the time of reservation. Hotel cancellations made at least 72 hours prior to arrival receive a full refund, less a $25 processing fee.  Less than 72 hours prior to scheduled arrival forfeits the entire deposit. 

BOOK NOW

NEW Kalahari Hotel Check-In

In order to ensure a successful check-in at the Kalahari, there is now a dedicated team that approves completed Letters of Authorization forms, Tax Exemption forms with completed WI S211, and Purchase orders to ensure validity prior to attachment to the reservations before check-in. All forms should be submitted no later than 7 days in advance of your stay to Kalahari at [email protected] or fax them to 608-254-6116. Failure to follow this procedure may result in full room and tax charges to the attendees on their personal cards; since the Front Desk will not accept these forms at check-in. If you have any questions at all, visit the general policy page for the resort, which explains the full policies in detail.


Deadlines

June 30, 2025

Right of first refusal deadline for 2025 sponsors to renew the sponsorship.


July 1, 2025

New companies are invited to sponsor the 2026 conference.


January 13 (at 8 AM) - February 9, 2026

Priority exhibitor registration window for Bronze & Above Sponsors (Must be committed by February 5; sponsors still have to pay for their booths).


February 12, 2026

Exhibitor registration for all companies opens at 8 AM.


March 2026

Attendee registration opens.


March 26, 2026

Exhibitor and sponsor fees must be paid in full; otherwise, companies will forfeit booth space.


April 1, 2026

Exhibitor name badge registration opens | Golf hole preference and volunteer registration form sent to Spring golf hole sponsors.


April 12, 2026

Kalahari room block deadline.


April 15, 2026

Deadline to sponsor the conference and fundraisers at the Platinum-Bronze level.


April 24, 2026

Golf hole assignments released | Deadline to sponsor a golf hole at the scholarship fundraiser.


April 25, 2026

Exhibitor raffle submission deadline.


April 30, 2026

Last call for early bird discount attendee registration fees and name badge registrations.


May 1, 2026

Attendee list sent to sponsors and exhibitors.


May 14-15, 2026

Conference dates | Exhibits only on May 14.

 

Exhibitor Registration

Exhibit Hall ONLY open on May 14

The exhibit hall is SOLD OUT!

Single Booth Fee: $1,000 for members • $1,300 for non-members

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Exhibitor Information

The Spring Conference is WASBO's biggest event of the year, offering the ultimate platform for exhibitors to connect with key decision-makers in Wisconsin schools. With hundreds of members in attendance, the event features high-traffic exhibit hours, professional recognition awards, and networking favorites like the student scholarship fundraising bike ride and golf outing. Spend day one of the conference showcasing your solutions to officials actively seeking products and services for auxiliary services, facilities, human resources, safety, and technology. Maximize your visibility by engaging directly with attendees who are eager to learn from your expertise in the exhibit hall. This conference offers unrivaled opportunities for lead generation, brand awareness, relationship building, and fun!



Spring Student Scholarship Fundraisers

2026 Golf Outing & Hike • May 13, 2026 • Wisconsin Dells Area

Hit the greens or enjoy a hike to support student scholarships awarded by WASBO to deserving Wisconsin high school seniors! Network on Wednesday, May 13, with district professionals and those who provide products and services to Wisconsin schools.

Note: There is no option to register others as part of this registration in order to ensure District Professionals and Service Affiliates adhere to Wisconsin's State Ethics Laws for public employees. If you would like to register multiple attendees from your SAME ORGANIZATION, email [email protected] or [email protected].

The Scholarship Golf Outing will be held rain or shine, on Wednesday, May 13, at Trappers Turn Golf Club, located at 2955 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells. Teams of six will play a best-ball scramble. SBO Service Affiliate Members sponsor hole events to make this a fun networking opportunity for everyone, while we benefit students by raising money for high school senior scholarships.

Hikers: Pack your best hiking boots or sneakers and enjoy the outdoors at a local state park! The group will meet for lunch, then proceed together to the park.

REGISTER FOR THE FUNDRAISERS

   

Thank you to our Spring 2026 Sponsors!