Leadership Summit 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend?
The Leadership Summit is an invite-only event open to current state education agency (SEA) members, affiliates, corporate members, emerging and channel partners, event sponsors, and invited guests.
Is there a limit to the number of people who can attend from each organization?
Yes, to maintain a balance and mix of membership and partnership types at our flagship event, we limit the number of attendees from each organization…
Is the Ed Forum and the Leadership Summit the same thing?
The Leadership Summit is an all-encompassing member and partner event…
Where can I find the agenda?
Conference schedule can be viewed here.
Travel
Where is the Leadership Summit and Ed Forum being held?
Crystal Gateway Marriott
1700 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202
Google Map
How do I book my hotel room?
Reservations at the Crystal Gateway Marriott hotel can be booked at the SETDA group rate ($259 per night) through October 4 by using this link.
What is the hotel cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours before your check-in date…
How do I get there?
By Air: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)…
Metro/Bus/Train: MOOVIT
What is the SEA member travel support policy?
In an effort to ensure that each state or territory is represented at our annual in-person conference and business meeting, State Education Agency (SEA) membership benefits include travel support for one (1) SEA member from each state or territory in good standing to attend the Leadership Summit event.
Per our current policy, SETDA will reimburse all reasonable and necessary travel expenses incurred for SETDA-related business travel, including airfare, transportation, lodging, and food.
What are the COVID protocols?
Stay Healthy, Stay Connected: Please adhere to local COVID guidelines.
Registration
Do I need to register for the Leadership Summit?
Yes, all SETDA members, partners, and invited guests need to register in advance. By registering for the Leadership Summit, you will also be registered for the Ed Forum event.
When does registration close?
Late registration closes on October 24, 2025, at 11:55 pm ET. After this date and time, no further registrations will be accepted.
How do I register ?
More information will be released soon on event registration.
How much does it cost to attend?
The cost of attending the conference varies depending on attendee type and the date you register. Complimentary registrations are available as part of membership benefits based on your membership type and level (see table below).
Registration Fee Type | Deadline | Rate |
Early Bird | August 15, 2025 | $780 |
Regular | October 24, 2025 | $930 |
Late | October 31, 2025 | $1,005 |
Membership or Partnership Type | Number of Complimentary Registrations | Number of Additional Registrations Available |
SEA | 2 | 8 |
Affiliate | N/A | 8 |
Corporate Bronze | 2 | None |
Corporate Silver | 2 | 2 at 25% discount |
Corporate Gold | 2 | 2 at 50% discount |
Corporate Platinum | 3 | 3 at 50% discount |
Corporate Keystone | 3 | 3 at 50% discount |
Channel Partner | 2 | None |
Emeritus | N/A | $239 |
Event Sponsor Non-SETDA Member |
2 | None |
Refund/Cancellation/Substitution Policy
Can I get a refund for my registration fee?
Yes, registration fees are refundable minus a $99 processing fee until October 14. No refunds will be issued for cancellations starting October 15, 2025.
How do I cancel my registration?
All cancellations must be received in writing to [email protected], regardless of whether payment has been submitted. If a request is received after the October 14 deadline, the board executive committee will review and consider the request.
When will I receive my refund?
All refunds will be processed within 60 days of the conclusion of the conference.
How will my refund be processed?
Refunds will be processed in the same manner as the original payment. For example, if payment was made via credit card, the refund will be processed via credit card. If payment was made by check, the refund will be sent in check form.
Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
Registrations are transferable within the same organization prior to October 24 with a $75 administrative transfer fee. After October 24, transfers are not permitted. On-site transfers are also not permitted.
Are complimentary registrations subject to the transfer policy?
Complimentary registrations received by SEA members, corporate members, and channel partners as part of their program benefits are subject to the transfer policy.
Can I share or split my badge with someone else?
No, badge sharing or splitting is strictly prohibited.
What if unforeseen circumstances prevent me from attending?
SETDA acknowledges that certain circumstances beyond our control, such as weather conditions, hotel conditions, travel difficulties, and health issues, may impact participants. SETDA is not liable for any issues beyond our control affecting the event. Participants are encouraged to consider purchasing travel insurance to mitigate potential losses due to unforeseen circumstances.
Other Stuff
What is the dress code?
This is a professional event, so we recommend business or business casual attire.
We encourage attendees to wear their favorite tailgate or state gear for the Homecoming Reception on Monday.
Do I need to bring a device?
The SETDA community is a technology-forward organization, so we want to model that ethos. We have created a schedule responsive to all digital platforms, and we have asked our facilitators to share their resources digitally using a best practice method. We will also provide wifi access in meeting spaces. With this in mind, you should bring a digital device to consume most of what the Leadership Summit offers.
What is SETDA's Community Code of Conduct?
SETDA is dedicated to a safe and educational event experience for everyone. All attendees are expected to abide by our Code of Conduct, which they must acknowledge at the time of registration.
Who can I email if I have other questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected].
Where can I learn more about SETDA events?
Find information about all of our events on the SETDA event page.
FAQs for Corporate Members, Emerging Partners, and Event Sponsors
Is there a registration fee for corporate members?
SETDA’s corporate membership benefit packages include a limited number of complimentary registrations, and a limited number of additional registrations available at a discounted price.
Please refer to the Registration Details and the Refund/Cancellation/Substitution Policy sections for related fee information.
Is there a registration fee for event sponsors?
Event sponsorship includes two (2) complimentary registrations. Additional registrations are not available.
Please refer to the Registration Details and the Refund/Cancellation/Substitution Policy sections for related fee information.
When does the Leadership Summit begin and end for partners?
Leadership Summit conference activities for corporate members vary by membership type.
Plan to attend from Monday, November 3, at 8:00 pm ET through Wednesday, November 5, at 12:00 pm ET. Cybersecurity & Privacy Collaborative members should arrive on Sunday for pre-conference activities.
Set up your table for Homecoming Reception anytime after 1:00 pm ET for tabletop exhibit setup until 3:00 pm ET on Monday, November 3 (Platinum, Gold, Bronze, Silver, Event Sponsors).
Platinum Corporate Member 60-minute focus group sessions and Gold Corporate Member 30-minute Ignite sessions are scheduled from 1:00–3:00 pm ET on Monday, November 3. Exact time slots will be provided closer to the conference.
Where should sponsors send materials for their Homecoming Reception tables?
Send your materials for a very simple tabletop exhibit (e.g., branded tablecloth, pop-up banner, giveaway items, technology for demonstration of your solution) directly to the Crystal Gateway Marriott.
Helpful Hints
- Schedule all boxes for delivery at the hotel by Wednesday, October 29. SETDA staff will store them securely for you. Please include all of the information on the “SHIP TO” label below.
- Bring your tracking numbers so that if one of your boxes is missing, hotel staff can help to find your package.
- Bring a return label for every box you wish to mail back to your office after the event.
Important: Include ALL of the information below on your shipping label.
SHIP TO: Crystal Gateway Marriott
Attn: Hotel Guest – Ms. Tera Daniels c/o SETDA, November 2-5, 2025
Tabletop Exhibit – INCLUDE YOUR COMPANY NAME
1700 Richmond Highway
Arlington, Virginia 22202
What is provided to sponsors at the Homecoming Reception?
Corporate members and event sponsors should plan to set up their tables any time after 1:00 pm ET on Monday, November 3 and to tear the tables down immediately following the reception at 5:30 pm ET. SETDA staff will be on hand to assist with tear-down.
Simple is best for these exhibits. The photo below provides an example of the Homecoming Reception setup.
Provided to you:
- a six-foot skirted table
- connection to power
- Wi-Fi internet connection
- Two chairs
You may want to bring:
- tabletop booth display
- table banners or signs
- tablet/computer and/or monitor for demonstrations
- fun promotional items (plan for 150)
- company and product literature
- business cards
Who can I contact for corporate member or sponsorship questions?
Corporate members should email Trish Stevens at [email protected] and event sponsors should [email protected].
How can I find out more about event sponsorships?
SETDA offers a limited number of sponsorship opportunities at our hosted events. Sponsorship packages for the Leadership Summit are available on a first-come-first-served basis through October 1, 2025. Email [email protected] for more information.