To be notified when registration for the 2026 National Conference becomes available, please click the “Register” button at the top of this page. Registration is now open to ICLE Member Schools. Member Schools should visit the resource page linked on the member dashboard to register.
Our largest annual event, the National Conference inspires and equips a growing community of Catholic educators to reclaim the Church’s full vision of education and to bring it to life in their classrooms. Join hundreds of Catholic educators as they come together to deepen their understanding of the nature and purpose of Catholic education and its roots in the liberal arts tradition.
THEME:
St. Catherine of Siena said that, “the task of the educator is to bring the soul from the shadows of ignorance into the light of truth.”
Inspired by this calling and by the compelling scene depicted in Caravaggio’s The Calling of Saint Matthew, the theme for our 2026 National Conference is Stepping into the Light.
In Scripture, light not only depicts God’s presence and transforming power; it also illuminates knowledge and witnesses to the Truth. God’s people are called to be a light to the nations.
C.S. Lewis noted that knowledge comes not simply by looking at things from the outside in an analytical fashion, such as studying a sunbeam in a dark room; we must also look along the shaft of light—stepping into its path and seeing what else it illuminates. The renewal of Catholic education is not only a venture of studying about the Church’s intellectual tradition, but stepping into it and seeing what—and, more importantly, Who—it reveals from the inside.
Joining us at the 2026 National Conference will be an incredible lineup of Bishops on the forefront of the renewal of Catholic education, and faithful, brilliant educators who will offer their insights at the event, including:
And many others!
LOCATION:
The 2026 National Conference will take place at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel in Columbus, Ohio.
SCHEDULE:
Please plan your travel to allow you to check in, pick up your seminar selection, and visit our vendor hall between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14. The opening plenary session begins at 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
Wednesday evening, July 15, after a day of conference activities, is intentionally left free for you to explore Columbus.
Don’t miss the closing Mass and final banquet dinner (with a speaker) on Thursday evening, July 16.
The conference concludes on Friday, July 17, after 9 a.m. Holy Mass, allowing conference attendees the opportunity to conveniently travel home.
We will share the full conference schedule as it becomes available.
COST FOR 2026:
Member School Rate: $675 per person, due within 15 days of registration
Non-Member School Rate: $725 per person, due within 15 days of registration (Become an ICLE Member School today!)
Conference registration includes:
- More than 40 plenary and breakout sessions to choose from with paths for both seasoned veterans and newcomers
- An optional ‘Scholars Track’ with academic presentations on topics ranging from literature to math, theology to music
- A Newcomers Track for those new to Catholic liberal education
- Sacramental and liturgical opportunities to nourish your soul, including Holy Mass, Confession, Adoration with Benediction, and Morning Prayer
- Three light breakfasts, two lunches, and one banquet dinner during the conference
- Vibrant welcome reception for networking and relaxing fellowship
- Daily moments of visio divina: guided times of prayerful meditation on works of sacred art led by Benedictus Art
- Seminar discussion: an opportunity to participate in a model class and discuss a beautiful text with fellow conference attendees
- Interaction with mission-aligned partner organizations in our lively 40-table vendor hall
- Free evening to explore Columbus
- And more!
TITLE FUNDING:
Title funds (federal monies administered by your Local Educational Agency) may be available to help offset participant costs related to this event. Past participants in this event have successfully secured title funding. Please review some helpful information HERE.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CLERGY AND VOWED RELIGIOUS:
A limited number of partial, needs-based scholarships are reserved specifically for clergy and vowed religious interested in participating in this program. If you are a member of the clergy or a vowed religious interested in applying for a scholarship, please complete this scholarship request form.
CONFERENCE LODGING:
Please note that your conference registration does not include overnight lodging. Visit our Attendee Information Page for helpful information about our conference room block at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel.
TRAVEL:
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (Airport code: CMH) is located 12 minutes from the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel.
CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE:
Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are granted for participation in ICLE workshops, programs, and events. You may request a certificate of attendance for a previous event HERE.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Due to hard costs incurred in contracts and planning, we provide a cancellation policy that aims to be respectful of your ministry in Catholic education, but also justly considerate of the fiscal responsibilities of our own ministry:
For the National Conference, cancellations received at least 90 days in advance of the event (by April 14, 2026) will be honored with a full refund. Cancellations received at least 45 days in advance (by May 29, 2026) will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations received less than 45 days in advance (after May 30, 2026) will receive no refund.
Please allow up to 30 days for a refund to be processed.
QUESTIONS:
Please contact Program Manager Megan Fassero with questions: mfassero@CatholicLiberalEducation.org.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2025 CONFERENCE: