The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc. (ELC) is excited to announce our 2027 Early Learning Conference: Everyday Heroes: The Hero Within, a one-day event dedicated to celebrating the individuals behind the early learning profession and recognizing that before educators and providers can pour into others, they must also invest in themselves. The conference will take place on Saturday, April 17, 2027, at the Florida State University Turnbull Conference Center in Tallahassee, Florida.

ELC is seeking engaging and interactive presenters, including three keynote speakers and multiple breakout session speakers, who can incorporate the conference theme, "Everyday Heroes: The Hero Within," into their sessions. Presentations should inspire attendees to embrace self-care, build resilience, strengthen leadership skills, and recognize the unique strengths that help them thrive both personally and professionally.

Ideal topics for sessions include, but are not limited to:

Keynote Speaker Opportunities 
We are seeking keynote speakers who can inspire, energize, and celebrate the everyday heroes of early learning. 
 
Suggested Keynote Topics:

• Discovering the Hero Within
• Finding Your Superpower and Living Your Purpose 
• Self-Care Without Guilt 
• Leading from the Heart 
• Preventing Burnout and Restoring Joy
• Courage, Confidence, and Growth 
• The Importance of Filling Your Own Cup First
• Thriving, Not Just Surviving 

 
Breakout Session Tracks: 
Track 1: Discover Your Superpower 
Helping conference attendees recognize their personal strengths and unique contributions. 
Suggested Topics 

• Identifying Your Personal Superpowers
• Building Self-Confidence
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
• Unlocking Your Leadership Potential
• Personal Growth and Self-Discovery 

 
Track 2: Recharge and Renew 
Focus on self-care and wellness. 
Suggested Topics 

• Practical Self-Care Strategies
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Physical and Emotional Wellness
• Compassion Fatigue Prevention
• Creating Sustainable Wellness Habits 

 
Track 3: Rise and Lead 
Developing strong leaders at every level. 
Suggested Topics 

• Leading Through Adversity 
• Emotional Intelligence 
• Effective Communication 
• Conflict Resolution
• Leading with Authenticity 

 
Track 4: Inspire Your Journey 
Encouraging participants to dream bigger and embrace growth. 
Suggested Topics

• Goal Setting and Vision Planning 
• Developing Resilience 
• Finding Joy and Gratitude 
• The Power of Positive Thinking 
• Celebrating Success 

We aim to provide educators with meaningful, developmentally appropriate, and joyful strategies that demonstrate how imagination is not just a part of learning, it is learning. If you are passionate about inspiring creativity and wonder in early childhood, we want to hear from you!

Together, we will engage, educate, and elevate our professionals and the profession.

For primary consideration, interested presenters must submit their completed applications no later than 6:00 PM EST on Friday, November 6, 2026. (Please submit a separate application for each presentation you would like ELC to consider.) Submissions received after this date and time will only be considered on an as-needed basis.

Presenter Information (Not Scored, 0 Points)

Speaker Quote Including Any Discounts (0 - 15 Points)

The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc. (ELC) will not reimburse speakers for travel or lodging expenses. The 2027 Everyday Heroes Conference is a one-day event held at a public conference center in Tallahassee, Florida, with an anticipated audience of approximately 250 early learning educators.

Breakout Session Speakers:
Breakout session presenters will participate on a pro bono basis and will not receive compensation for their presentation. Interested Breakout Session Speakers should enter “0” in all columns of the Speaker Quote table.

Keynote Speakers:
ELC intends to select three Keynote Speakers for this year’s event. Interested Keynote Speakers should complete the Speaker Quote table below, including their Standard Fee, any applicable Discount Amount (or “$0” if none offered), and the final Speaker Quote after adjustments. The total combined budget for all Keynote Speakers will not exceed $10,000.

ELC reserves the right to negotiate final speaker fees following the issuance of any Notice of Intent to Award (NOIA). Please note that ELC does not provide advance payments for contracted speakers. Selected keynote speakers who fulfill their contracted services will be approved for payment upon submission of an invoice and completion of all documentation required under ELC’s Professional Services Agreement.

Presentation Title and Session Track (Not Scored)

Both Keynotes and Breakout Sessions will each be one-hour long. 

Presentation Type and Conference Topic (0 - 10 Points)

Presentation Summary (0 - 35 Points)

Presentation Goals (0 - 20 Points)

Target Audience Engagement (0 - 20 Points)