[January 22, 2026 | 7pm ET] Whether this is your first NAEA National Convention or you’re a seasoned attendee looking to dive in with fresh eyes, “Convention 101: Navigating the NAEA26 Experience” is your dynamic, open-studio guide to making the most of this year’s event. Together, we’ll walk through how to plan your time, tap into the rich range of programming, and uncover the unique art education perspectives waiting for you in Chicago. With more than 600 sessions, workshops, exhibits, and special events, NAEA26 is packed with possibility—and this Open Studio will help you chart your path. We want to help you step into the Convention with clarity, curiosity, and excitement so you can head home feeling inspired, connected, and ready to bring fresh ideas back to your classroom, studio, or school.

[February 19, 2026 | 7pm ET] This Open Studio panel examines the breadth of research initiatives supported and undertaken by the NAEA Research Commission in advancing the discipline of art education. The session will present accessible research tools, current and emerging scholarship, and opportunities for action research within the field. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the Commission’s priorities, the potential forms and impacts of teacher-led research, and new directions shaping contemporary art education scholarship.