Call for Exhibitors - Teacher Leader Summit 2027

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is calling for proposals for the Teacher Leader Summit 2027 Education Expo. The Education Expo is designed to connect Louisiana educators with high-quality professional learning partners and non-profit organizations outside of scheduled sessions for question and answer opportunities, relationship building, and the sharing of best practices.

Teacher Leader Summit is an annual professional learning conference that brings together Louisiana birth-to-grade-12 educators and content experts. Educators participating in the event will share their knowledge, learn new skills, and prepare for the 2027-2028 school year. The theme this year will be announced soon!

Instructional Leadership Teams (ILT)

District-level ILT
School-level ILT
Long-range planning
High-quality instructional materials implementation
Implementing vision, mission, expectations, and a common language
Using existing plans (e.g., literacy plans, Lau plans, school system strategic plans)
Using data to inform instruction (e.g., curriculum-embedded assessments, exit tickets, formal and informal teacher observations, student work samples)
Planning and implementing strategies to improve outcomes for diverse learners
Attaining coherence in an instructional program

As school systems will have already selected their 2026-2027 curricula and professional learning providers, the Education Expo is designed to be something other than a typical trade show focused on sales. Instead, the focus is on creating meaningful connections between partners and school systems. At a typical trade show, a sales team would staff the booth. For the Education Expo, the LDOE strongly encourages and recommends that those operating the booth be content experts, not sales and marketing professionals. Exhibitors agree only to discuss and/or demonstrate products/services for which they are approved as outlined in their application acceptance letters. The Education Expo area will be secured with enhanced after-hours security.

Step 2: Alignment to One of the Three Essential Professional Structures:

The High-Quality Professional Learning (HQPL) Cycle: Propose sessions that enhance professional development practices.
Observation and Feedback: Share strategies for conducting formal and informal feedback to improve teaching practices.
Professional Learning Roadmap Implementation: Provide guidance on effectively executing professional learning plans within schools and systems.

Ensure your submission tackles one or more of the LDOE’s four Trending Topics: Instructional Leadership Teams (ILT), Teacher Collaboration, Career Pipeline, and Career and College Acceleration.

Step 4: Craft Your Proposal

Consider format.
- Hands-on Workshops are HQPL outcome-focused sessions. After delivering the new learning, facilitators should allot substantial time for internalization and practice.
- Guided Applications are HQPL outcome-focused sessions that offer more time to receive new learning and less time for internalization and practice.
- Panel Discussions are HQPL outcome-focused sessions that offer more time to receive new meaning from multiple perspectives.
- Information Sessions focus on sharing new learning.
- Featured Talk sessions focus on a featured speaker sharing new learning and inspiring educators.
Once you have aligned your session topic with Louisiana’s education priorities, determine your title and session description:
- In this session, [audience] will gain insights into [topic, initiative, or innovative practice] to deepen their understanding of [key concept or challenge] and consider how these ideas can inform [future practice, leadership, or decision-making].
Clearly define your session objectives, format, and target audience.
- Be sure objectives begin with “participants will” and are clear, measurable, and observable. What should the attendees know and be able to do?
  - Informational slide deck template: These sessions are designed to inspire educators with one powerful idea, practical strategy, or compelling story. Attendees will leave each session with one actionable takeaway they can use to make an immediate difference in their classrooms, schools, or systems.
All sessions should offer practical takeaways and actionable strategies that educators can implement immediately.
Ensure sessions engage participants in meaningful discussions or activities that allow for peer collaboration and feedback.
Include facilitator notes to ensure reviewers understand the intent of the presentation.
Use the Branding Guidance and one of the TLS 2027 Slide Deck Templates.
- Titles: Public Sans 28; Hex #3C1053
- General Slide Content: Public Sans 18; #4d4d4f
  - Additional acceptable font colors: #029CAA; #DC8527; #C44B27
- URLs should be linked to the website name
- Bolding and italicizing are acceptable; Underlining is reserved for URLs
- Media releases for any student photos
- Images should include Alternative Text (Alt Text) for accessibility
If media is part of the presentation, please provide and ensure all links are working.

Step 5: Submit Proposal Before the Deadline

Double-check all proposal requirements and ensure your submission includes all necessary materials.
Submit your proposal to the LDOE using Sessionboard by January 15, 2027. The TLS 2027 Slide Deck Templates will force you to make a copy. The first few slides provide detailed instructions, including branding information. Please remove those slides before uploading.
- It is preferred that the shared link be in Google Slides, which is set to “Anyone with the Link” can view.

All presenter(s) information;
Proposed session title;
Session description
Target audience/Grade Level(s);
Session objectives (example below):
- By the end of this session, participants will be able to
  - identify processes and procedures necessary for effective implementation of the Bayou Bridges curriculum by completing the participant facilitator guide.
Alignment to Louisiana's Education Priorities;
Session alignment (e.g., Academic Content, Diverse Learners, College of Career Readiness);
Completed Slide Deck;
Materials or handouts for the session;
Preferences: Day, rotation availability, and room size/configuration
Please be sure to note if the deck is proprietary and cannot be shared with attendees after TLS 2027.

Additional services are available and will be considered at an additional cost. Once an application is approved and payment has been received, the event organizer will share the Freeman Event Services link with approved exhibitors. The link outlines ancillary items an exhibitor may want to pay for, such as electricity to the booth, round tables, high-boy tables, additional chairs, carpet, and sneeze guards. The exhibitor will arrange all ancillary costs through the Freeman Event Services link. More information will be shared upon application approval and receipt of payment.

**Based on venue rules: Nothing may be taped, pinned, stapled, or otherwise attached to walls/wall surfaces in the building. No banners or other materials will be hung from the ceiling/rafters. Exhibitors are permitted to have signage, banners, and table runners within their booth. Anything attached to tables must not damage tables or any rented linens. Anything attached to the pipe and drape must not damage the pipe and drapes. Table runners should be draped from the table and affixed with spring clips. Banners, signage, and other accompaniments may be displayed on easels or banner stands where space is available within your booth. Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Please see the full Terms and Conditions and Exhibitor Policies.

Additional booth products are purchased through Freeman Event Services. The direct Freemen event link for Teacher Leader Summit 2027 is not available until closer to the event. For a preview, visit last year’s event: Teacher Leader Summit 2026.

To order products for your booth, click Shop. Product categories include audiovisuals, cleaning services, decor and essentials, flooring, furniture, labor and equipment, lighting, material handling and shipping, rental exhibits, signs and graphics, and utilities. Note that utilities, such as electricity and internet, are ordered through the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO). Links to utilities’ order forms are also under shop. For assistance with orders or services, contact Exhibitor Support at (855) 435-3234 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or reach the team via WhatsApp at (214) 984-3514. For transportation services and shipping quotes, contact Freeman Transportation at (800) 995-3579 or email exhibit.transportation@freeman.com. Representatives are available 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please visit the Freeman Exhibitor FAQ for more information.

Exhibitor set-up will take place on May 31, 2027, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All supplies and materials unloading must occur via the designated loading dock behind MCCNO.

Exhibitor tear-down will occur on June 3, 2027, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. All supplies and materials must be loaded via the designated loading dock behind MCCNO.

Exhibitors must be fully set up by 5:00 p.m. on May 31, 2027. Exhibitors must be in place and ready to function by 9:45 a.m. on June 1 and 8:00 a.m. on June 2 and 3, 2027. Exhibitors must be fully vacated from MCCNO by 4:00 p.m. on June 3, 2027.

All exhibits must have an attendant during show hours. All displays must be fully contained within the designated exhibit space.
Exhibitors signing this agreement (by way of the online application) shall not sublet any part of the space without the prior written approval of the event organizer.
Use of public address systems and other sound amplification must have prior approval from the event organizer.
The event organizer reserves the right to accept only applications aligned with LDOE’s strategies and the event's priorities.
Exhibit space cancellation notice must be submitted by April 16, 2027, to the event organizer at ldoeevents@la.gov to receive a full refund. Cancellations received after April 16, 2027, will receive no refund, and the said booth space will revert to the event organizer.
Exhibitors who are approved, pay for space, and are no-shows will not be refunded any portion of the registration fee. These exhibitors will be prohibited from participating in future Teacher Leader Summit Education Expos.
Exhibitors who are approved but do not pay the registration fee in full by April 16, 2027, will have their booth space canceled and their attendance at the event revoked.
Should the LDOE or MCCNO cancel the event, exhibitors are entitled to 100% of their registration fee.
Liability and Lawful Operations: The LDOE and MCCNO will assume no responsibility for damaged, lost, or stolen property. Insurance on the exhibitor’s property is the responsibility of the exhibitor.
Electricity and the use of flammable materials must conform to all local regulations. Firearms and other weaponry are not allowed. No gasoline engines will be allowed to operate without written approval from the Fire Marshal and must be organized through the event organizer.
Exhibitors shall comply with all federal, state, and municipal laws and administrative rules, including but not limited to those relating to licenses and permits, ordinances, and regulations applicable to the exhibit.

Indemnification: Any damage to the premises is the responsibility of the Exhibitor causing the damage. Any restitution for such damage remains the Exhibitor’s responsibility. The Exhibitor agrees to hold the LDOE and MCCNO harmless from any liability, injury, or damage to persons or property that may arise out of the use of the premises by the Exhibitor pursuant to this agreement. The Exhibitor agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the LDOE and MCCNO against all actions, liabilities, damages, losses, expenses, debts, taxes, fees, charges, assessments, and other claims which may be caused by, arising out of, or are in any way associated with or contributed to directly or indirectly, by any act, omission, negligence, fault, or violation of any law or regulation by the Exhibitor or any of the Exhibitor’s officers, employees, agents, independent contractors, volunteers, guests, or visitors including but not limited to the costs of investigating, processing, litigating, or settling any such claim and the LDOE and MCCNO reasonable attorney fees.

Any matters not herein provided for shall be at the discretion of the event organizer and MCCNO. The laws of the State of Louisiana shall govern this agreement. If any action is brought with respect to this agreement, it shall be brought in the courts of Baton Rouge in the State of Louisiana.

Teacher Leader Summit 2027

Three Essential Professional Structures

Instructional Leadership Teams (ILT)

Teacher Collaboration

Career Pipeline

Step 1: Understand Louisiana’s Education Priorities and the TLS 2027 Theme

Step 2: Alignment to One of the Three Essential Professional Structures:

Step 3: Identify Presenters

Step 4: Craft Your Proposal

Step 5: Submit Proposal Before the Deadline

Step 6: Notification of Acceptance