IASB BoardCon (Convention)
Wednesday, Nov. 19–Friday, Nov. 21, 2025
Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
REGISTRATION & LODGING NOW OPEN! The IASB Annual Convention & Trade Show is now IASB® BoardCon—a fresh, modern name with the same great networking, education, and insights. Register for BoardCon and visit our BoardCon Lodging webpage to view available discounted hotel options. See you at BoardCon!
Register Now
Register Now
Key Dates
- Sept. 17: SCHED Launches
- Nov. 4: School Board Elections
- Nov. 7–13: Register Newly Elected Board Members
- Nov. 13: Deadline to Register Delegates
- Nov. 13: BoardCon Online Registration Closes
- Nov. 13: Last Day to Cancel Registration with Full Refund
- Nov. 19: Delegate Assembly, PreCon Workshops & Member-Vendor Social
- Nov. 20: BoardCon & Trade Show
- Nov. 21: PostCon—Board Presidents' Workshop
Keynote Speakers
Learn more about the esteemed keynote speaker featured at this year's BoardCon.
Thomas C. Murray
Educator, Author & Director of Innovation at Future Ready Schools—Leading with Purpose
What sets high-performing school boards apart? In award-winning education leader Thomas C. Murray’s inspiring keynote, explore how boards can lead with a mindset for bold, student-centered leadership. Through stories, humor, and actionable takeaways, attendees will reflect on their leadership and leave empowered to drive positive change in their districts.Learn More
Anne Marie Anderson
Award-Winning Speaker, Author & Broadcaster—The Moment of Impact
What kind of impact does school board leadership really have? In this powerful and personal keynote, award-winning speaker and storyteller Anne Marie Anderson helps board members reconnect with their purpose. Through real-life stories, humor, and heartfelt insight, attendees will be reminded of their quiet but lasting influence—and leave inspired to lead with clarity, compassion, and confidence.Learn More
PreCon & PostCon Workshops
BoardCon offers a variety of PreCon and PostCon workshops designed to give school leaders in-depth learning opportunities with state and national experts. Learn more about this year's featured workshops!
The Art & Science of Constructive Disagreement
Heather Sulejman, Co-Founder of Disagreeing Better & Director at Harvard's Disagreement Project
PreCon—Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, 9–11:30 a.m. OR 1–3:30 p.m. (repeat offerings)Effective board leadership requires navigating disagreement with purpose and clarity. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn practical, research-based strategies to engage with differing views, strengthen board/superintendent team dynamics, and foster trust and collaboration.
Led by Heather Sulejman, co-founder of Disagreeing Better and Director at Harvard’s Constructive Disagreement Project, this session is personalized to help you build a governance culture where diverse perspectives lead to better decisions.
PreCon
- Ready, Set, Govern! New Board Member Onboarding Workshop—9–11:30 a.m. OR 1–3:30 p.m. (repeat offerings)
- The Art & Science of Constructive Disagreement—9–11:30 a.m. OR 1–3:30 p.m. (repeat offerings)
- School Finance 101, 201 & 301—9–11:30 a.m. OR 1–3:30 p.m. (repeat offerings)
- Basics for Board Secretaries—11 a.m.–Noon
- Board Secretary Workshop—1–3:30 p.m.
PostCon
- Board Presidents’ Workshop—8 a.m.–Noon
DELEGATE ASSEMBLY & ANNUAL MEETING
IASB bylaws give each member board a delegate who casts the board's votes on issues before the Delegate Assembly. School board members provide input on IASB’s legislative platform and your priorities help influence legislators and the governor. By participating in this debate process, school, AEA and community college boards contribute to IASB’s legislative program and ultimately the unified legislative interests of all Iowa school boards. Learn more.MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The next Delegate Assembly & Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025.
Trade Show
Network and learn from over 150 vendors in the exhibit hall! These vendors offer important services and products to help your school succeed. We're excited to welcome many new and returning vendors!Exhibitors
EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! For the most updated information on the trade show and exhibitor resources, or to book your booth, visit our Exhibitor Portal.Exhibitor Portal
BoardCon Contacts
Registration & Lodging
BoardCon Registration Fees
- Members: $225
- Non-Members: $340
- Delegate Assembly & Annual Meeting: Free
- PreCon Workshops: $125 for members; $165 for non-members
- Basics for Board Secretaries Workshop: Free
- PostCon—Board Presidents’ Workshop: $125 for members; $165 for non-members
Register Now
Lodging
IASB offers BoardCon room blocks at select hotels in downtown Des Moines. Hotel blocks have limited availability and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Book early to ensure you get your preferred rooms!Lodging Options
BoardCon attendees earn six Annual Board Awards hours!
Learn more about
Annual Board Awards.
Contact
Iowa Association of School Boards®
6000 Grand Ave., Ste. A
Des Moines, IA 50312
direct (515) 288-1991
fax (515) 243-4992
6000 Grand Ave., Ste. A
Des Moines, IA 50312
direct (515) 288-1991
fax (515) 243-4992
© 2017–25 Iowa Association of School Boards®
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