Recommended Education and Homeschool Conferences
Whether you are a full-time homeschool parent or you supplement your child's education at home (something I did for many years myself) let me highly recommend getting yourself to at least one education conference this year.
I know what you might be thinking: Is it really worth the trip? The answer is a resounding yes! These events are not just about curriculum shopping (though you will do plenty of that). They are about community, encouragement, fresh ideas, and connecting with other parents who are doing the exact same thing you are — trying to set their kids up for a great future.
Charla’s Top 10 Education and Homeschool Conferences
As a vendor at many of these events, I have seen firsthand how energized parents leave these education and homeschool conferences. There is something powerful about being in a room full of people who take their children's education seriously. So whether you have been educating your kids at home for years, or just starting out, here are my top 10 conferences worth adding to your calendar in 2026.
FPEA Florida Homeschool Convention (BPF is at this one!)
Kissimmee (Orlando), FL | May 21–23, 2026
If you are going to attend just one homeschool convention, make it this one. FPEA is held at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, and it consistently draws the largest attendance of any homeschool convention in the country.
The Gaylord Resort could have its own zip code, it is that big. Because of this, my biggest tip for a first-time visitor is to stay on property. Parking for non-guests is a huge headache. We always bring food in ahead of time to save money, but there is no shortage of options inside.
The vendor hall is massive, the workshops are plentiful, and there is programming for children and teens too. And here's a bonus:the Gaylord Palms has a water park attached, so if you book your stay at the resort and come for Memorial Day weekend, you can turn this into a full family trip.
Room rates are discounted for attendees but they go fast, so don't wait. Beyond Personal Finance will be in the vendor hall. I'll be there in person and would love to meet you face to face!
Teach Them Diligently — Pigeon Forge (BPF is at this one!)
LeConte Center, Pigeon Forge, TN | May 7–9, 2026
If you have never been to a Teach Them Diligently convention, Pigeon Forge is the one to start with. Held at the beautiful LeConte Center in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, this three-day event is family-focused from start to finish. Featuring a children's program, a youth program for 11–15 year-olds, a Mom's Night Out, and a Men's Breakfast, the whole family leaves filled up. The speaker lineup is great, and the vendor hall is well worth your time. If the Smoky Mountains are on your bucket list, this is a great excuse to make a trip of it. Additionally, if you’re fond of the cult-favorite stop, there is a Buc-ee's nearby (if you know, you know). And if you want a hidden gem, the Pigeon Forge Deli makes a homemade pretzel that is worth every bite. Don't let the looks of the place fool you!
Great Homeschool Conventions — Missouri (BPF is at this one!)
St. Charles, MO | March 2026
GHC is one of the most respected names in the homeschool convention world, and they run five regional events across the country, each featuring an enormous vendor hall, top-notch speakers, and workshops for every kind of homeschool family. The Missouri stop is a great entry point for Midwest families and it's one of the two GHC locations where you'll find Beyond Personal Finance this year. This will be my first time attending in person, so if you have been going to GHC for years, please come by and introduce yourself. I am always looking for a good food recommendation.
Great Homeschool Conventions — Ohio (BPF is at this one!)
Cincinnati, OH | April 2026
Spring in Ohio brings one of the most well-attended stops on the GHC tour. The Cincinnati area has a large and passionate homeschool community, and this event reflects that energy. Great for families in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and beyond. Beyond Personal Finance will be in the vendor hall, and this one holds a special place for me personally. I have been coming to Cincinnati for years and I genuinely love this city. If you are making a trip of it, do yourself a favor and spend some time eating in the downtown Cincinnati area. Some of my favorite stops include the “Sleepy Bee Cafe” and the regional staple, Skyline Chili (just trust me on this one)! Come find me in the vendor hall and I will happily point you in the right direction.
Great Homeschool Conventions — California
Ontario, CA | June 2026
Heading west! The California stop is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the West Coast homeschool community, and if you are in California, Arizona, Nevada, or the Pacific Northwest, this is the one to put on your calendar. The GHC team does a remarkable job keeping the quality consistent across all five events, so whether this is your first GHC or your fifth, you know what you are getting: excellent content and a vendor hall worth every minute you spend in it. Beyond Personal Finance won't be at this one due to a scheduling conflict, but don't let that stop you. This event stands on its own and the West Coast homeschool community always shows up strong.
Great Homeschool Conventions — Texas
Round Rock (Austin), TX | July 2026
Texas wraps up the GHC season in a big way, and as a Texas girl myself I have a soft spot for this one. The event is held at Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock, just north of Austin, and if you have never been to a Kalahari, it is one of the largest indoor water parks in the country. Bring the whole family and make a weekend of it. The convention draws families from across the South and Southwest, and if you can only catch one GHC event and you live in the region, this is a strong choice. Beyond Personal Finance won't be there this year due to a scheduling conflict, but don't let that stop you. And if you are making the trip, spend some time in Austin. The food and music scene there is the real deal, and that is not something a born and raised Texan says lightly.
HEAV Virginia Homeschool Convention (BPF is at this one!)
Richmond, VA | June 4–6, 2026
HEAV is one of the most established homeschool conventions in the country and has the kind of reputation that only comes from decades of doing things right. It is well-organized, vendor-friendly, and draws a loyal and passionate homeschool community. If you are in Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic, or the Southeast and looking for a convention with deep roots, put this one on your list. Beyond Personal Finance will be in the vendor hall, so stop by and say hello.
NCHE Thrive! Homeschool Conference
Winston-Salem, NC | May 21–23, 2026
Thrive! is a standout regional event that brings together families from across the Carolinas and Southeast, and it makes sense that it is held right here in my home state of North Carolina, which has one of the largest homeschool populations in the country. It features an extensive vendor hall alongside keynote speakers, practical workshops, and special programming for teens. One thing worth knowing: Thrive! falls on the same weekend as FPEA in Orlando, but don't let that discourage you. Most of the vendors still make it to both, and the community feel at this event is something special. You will leave both informed and encouraged. Beyond Personal Finance won't be there this year due to a scheduling conflict, but it is absolutely worth your time if you can’t make it to Florida.
Southeast Homeschool Expo
Atlanta, GA | July 24–25, 2026
Held at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, the Southeast Homeschool Expo is a growing event with a great mix of curriculum vendors and speakers. There is also a teen leadership conference running alongside the main event, which makes it particularly relevant for parents of older students. A word of honest advice: Atlanta in the summer is hot. But the Georgia Aquarium is right there and it is one of the best in the world, so build that into your trip and you will be glad you did. Beyond Personal Finance has attended in the past and it is a solid event, though we won't be there this year.
CHAP Pennsylvania Homeschool Convention
Elizabethtown, PA | June 11–13, 2026
Rounding out our list is CHAP, one of the longest-running homeschool conventions in the Northeast. Now in its 38th year, it is held on the campus of Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.If you are in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, or the surrounding region, this is your home base. It has a solid vendor hall, strong programming, and a warm community atmosphere that keeps families coming back year after year. I have not attended this one personally, but it has a loyal following and a reputation that speaks for itself. Beyond Personal Finance will not be there this year, but it is well worth your time if you are in the area.
A Final Word on Education and Homeschool Conferences
I encourage you to pick at least one of these events and make it a priority this year. Come with your questions, your curiosity, and an open mind, and plan to spend real time in the vendor hall. You never know what tool, curriculum, or resource might be the missing piece for your family.
Beyond Personal Finance will be at several of these events in 2026, and even I will be at the booth on occasion. I would love to meet you in person. Stop by our booth, say hello, and let's talk about what financial literacy can look like for your student. See you out there!
About Beyond Personal Finance: Beyond Personal Finance gives teens (middle & high school) the chance to design their future to see if they can really afford the life they dream of. In one semester (20 lessons- less than 2 hours per lesson), your teen will choose (and budget for) a career, car, apartment, spouse, house, investments, and so much more. This is the class your teen will get excited about.