2026 Illinois Dance Education Conference
The Illinois Dance Education Organization (ILDEO) invites you to our fourth annual conference, March 6–8, 2026 at Northern Illinois University.
Designed as a three-day professional development retreat, the ILDEO Conference brings together dance educators, teaching artists, private studios and companies, cross-disciplinary educators, and arts allies for a weekend of learning, dialogue, and connection. Whether you work primarily in dance, across disciplines, or as an arts advocate, this conference offers space to grow, share, and build meaningful community.
Attendees can expect engaging workshops, panel discussions, and community-centered experiences supporting both personal and professional growth. Single-day attendance is available, though participants are encouraged to attend the full three days to fully engage in the retreat-style experience.
Conference Schedule Overview
Friday: Full day of professional development sessions, plus an evening panel and kickoff networking event (light refreshments provided).
Saturday: Full day of sessions, keynote presentation, award honoring, student showcase performances, and a Pizza Party with DJ CJ Jilla.
Sunday: Half day of professional development sessions and the closing ILDEO Convening Meeting.
Light breakfast will be provided Saturday and Sunday. Lunch will be provided Saturday.
Affordable on-campus hotel accommodations at Northern Illinois University are available to support multi-day attendance.
NHSDA STUDENT SHOWCASE
Register your performance group to showcase their artistry at our Student Showcase. Register here today!
Regsitration for the 2026 conference is on a sliding scale. Registration includes all events listed including meals.
$40: Full conference rate
$10: Student showcase participant rate
$20-100: Sliding scale
We encourage you to register at the price point that is comfortable for you. The conference is heavily subsidized (particularly for students) so we appreciate any additional contributions.
PARKING
Parking is free and open to the public after 4:00 PM Monday–Friday and all day on weekends. Please refer to the attached map, where the Stevens Building and Gabel Hall are marked with yellow stars, and nearby parking lots are indicated with pink hearts.
