RISE Conference 2026

REGISTRATION - Credit Card, Check or PO

📅 Conference Agenda

Monday, November 16 – Tuesday, November 17, 2026

Monday, November 16, 2026

7:00 AM – Welcome Table Opens

7:00 AM – Vendor Showcase Opens

7:00 – 8:30 AM – Breakfast Buffet

8:40 – 9:10 AM – Welcome & Opening Remarks

Jim Cultrara, Sara Seligson

9:15 – 10:15 AM – Keynote Presentation - Dr. Mary Hemphill,

The Limitless Leader

10:30 - 11:00 and 11:15 - 11:45 am NYSED Sessions:

10:00 – 12:00 PM – Time to Consult

12:00 - 12:40 ORISS Office Updates - Dr. Giovanni Virgiglio and Althea Johnson

12:45 - 1:45 LUNCH

2:00 – 4:15 PM – Master Classes

Empire

Salons A & B - Dr. Mary Hemphill

Salons C & D

Albany & Colonie

Schenectady & Troy

4:30 PM – Organizational Meetings

Tuesday, November 17, 2026

7:30 – 9:00 AM – Breakfast

7:00 AM – Vendor Showcase Opens

9:10 – 10:10 AM – PD Session #3

10:20 – 11:20 AM – PD Session #4

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Closing Program

What is Time to Consult?

Our colleagues from the NYS Education Department have long joined us at the RISE Conference to meet with conference attendees. Time to Consult is designed for you to meet directly one-on-one with the specialist in the area you have questions or concerns. The purpose of this time is to address short, quick questions. Come prepared with your questions and take advantage of this time.

The offices that will be present include assessment, curriculum and instruction, transportation, TEACH/CLTE, health, special ed, early childhood and many others. Time to consult will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Tuesday, November 17th, either in Albany/Colonie, or in their short session rooms.

Presentation Titles

Office of Religious and Independent School Support (ORISS) office hours

Have a question about MST paperwork? AIS? NPSE? or any of the other state funding programs? Your colleagues from ORISS will be available Monday, November 16th from 8 am - 12 pm to give you support. These experts can assist you in filling out the paperwork, answering your questions, or just giving some helpful advice on all the things ORISS supports our schools.