Edufest 2026

Edufest is the Northwest’s Premiere Summer Conference for Advanced Learning

Edufest 2026 will take place on the campus of Boise State University in Boise, Idaho in late July 20th – 23rd, 2026.

Click below to open the Conference At-A-Glance guide, your quick reference for session schedules, locations, and conference activities throughout the event.

Edufest 2026 At- A-Glance

New this Year! Two Options for Edufest Attendees

Choose either a one-day registration for July 20th or register for the entire EDUFEST Conference.

One-day registration allows you to attend in person or online via live simulcast from anywhere with Airmeet, with on-demand access to session recordings for three months after the event.

The Full Edufest registration includes the MHS Special Program and the rest of the conference, July 21st to 23rd. Lodging and Meal Plans are available to purchase.

View all options at the Registration Link

MHS Special Program: From Potential to Practice: Designing Equitable Gifted Systems That Work.

July 20th, 2026 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

This one-day special program, provided by Multi-Health Systems, is available to attend live in person or virtually through Airmeet, allowing participants to join from anywhere.

The first day of EDUFEST, MHS Special Program: From Potential to Practice: Designing Equitable Gifted Systems That Work, offers a full day of engaging sessions focused on expanding access to advanced learning for all students. Educators and school leaders will explore inclusive approaches to identifying giftedness, selecting assessments with purpose, and designing instruction that promotes deeper thinking and meaningful challenge. Presenters share research-informed ideas alongside practical strategies that can be applied across diverse school settings. Whether attending in person or online, participants will gain clear, actionable insights to help turn student potential into effective, equitable practice.

July 20th, 2026 MHS Special Program Presenters

Jack Naglieri

Jack A. Naglieri, Ph.D. is a former Professor at Northern Arizona University, The Ohio State University and George Mason University and currently Senior Research Scientist at the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. He published 23 books, 51 tests and rating scales, and 300 research papers. He is widely known for his emphasis on innovative approaches to assessment of intellectual ability using tests such as the Cognitive Assessment System-2, Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Tests, Autism Spectrum Rating Scale, Comprehensive Executive Function Inventory and most recently the Naglieri General Ability Tests: Verbal, Nonverbal and Quantitative. He has an extensive test development and research program with emphasis on psychometric quality, equitable assessment, academic interventions and uniting sound theory with equitable scientific practice. He is also the recipient of many professional awards. In 2024 Dr. Jack Naglieri was recognized as one of the most cited scientists globally, according to a newly released database drawn from the extensive Scopus database of scientists. This distinction reflects Dr. Naglieri’s sustained commitment to advancing knowledge and the broad influence of his work, as recognized through citations by fellow scientists.

Dina Brulles

Dina Brulles, Ph.D., is the Gifted Master’s Program Coordinator at Arizona State University and the former Director of Gifted Education at Paradise Valley USD in Arizona. Dr. Brulles served as NAGC’s Governance Secretary and the board’s School District Representative. Dina received the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented, the 2022 NAGC Anne Isaacs Award for Distinguished Service, the 2019 and 2020 NAGC Book of the Year Awards (practitioners), NAGC’s inaugural 2014 Gifted Coordinator Award, the Professional Development Network Award in 2013, and has worked with the Javits Frasier Scholarship Program since 2010. Dina has co-authored the books: A Teacher’s Guide to Flexible Grouping and Collaborative Learning; Designing Gifted Education Programs; Differentiated Lessons for All Learners; The Cluster Grouping Handbook; Teaching Gifted Kids in Today’s Classrooms; Helping All Gifted Children Learn; Understanding and Using the Naglieri General Ability Tests: A Call for Equity in Gifted Education, the Naglieri General Ability Test – Verbal and over one hundred articles and chapters.

Kimberly Lansdowne

Kimberly Lansdowne, PH.D is the founding Executive Director (retired) of the Herberger Young Scholars Academy at Arizona State University, where she led a nationally recognized program for highly gifted secondary students. She holds a doctorate from ASU and brings over 20 years of leadership in gifted education, curriculum development, and teacher training. A published author and national consultant, Kimberly’s work focuses on gifted learners, equity in education, and innovative instructional practices. She is the 2023 recipient of the Dr. Sanford J. Cohn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented.

Amber Wiederhold

Amber Wiederhold, M.Ed. is a former educator with over ten years of experience developing curriculum and using data and research to implement best practices for student success. Proven ability to meet challenges with energy and drive to ensure the best possible outcome. Instructional knowledge of various educational platforms and their role in the curriculum. Experience designing and providing training resources and materials to school district administrators as part of the onboarding journey.

Educators Love Edufest!

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

“I feel that I have been given a huge dose of motivation in the form of renewed energy and passion for teaching. Edufest definitely has impacted my thinking and beliefs about teaching and the absolute need to differentiate and create lessons that incorporate higher level thinking skills.”
Edufest Attendee
Edufest 2016
“For the past two years that I have attended Edufest, I have come to realize how vital it is for me as an educator to keep coming to this special week. The knowledge I gain is invaluable. Nowhere else do I get exposed to current trends in education, new methods for keeping my classroom exciting for students, and information to keep me growing both as a teacher and as a person. I am looking forward to next year.”
Edufest Attendee
Edufest 2017
“I am very impressed by the quality of presenters at Edufest. I have not attended a conference at which presenters were so knowledgeable and demonstrated such good teaching techniques themselves. I hope to return to Edufest to inspire me to give the best and most appropriate educational opportunities to all kids.”
Edufest Attendee
Edufest 2022
“Edufest was an informative and inspiring week. I was informed about the latest research for best practices regarding gifted students and all students. I was informed about methods for helping reluctant learners and for encouraging students to delve into their areas of interest. I received inspiring lessons in art, drama, questioning, motivating students who had previously displayed a lack of interest, and in working with students to help them reach their full potential.
Edufest Attendee
Edufest 2021
“This has been a wonderful learning experience. It was mentally challenging and increased my awareness and understanding of the gifted students in my class. While I learned a lot – there were many seminars I would have loved to go to. I was amazed at the connections I made between sessions and presenters that reinforced my learning. As I mentioned earlier, I love to learn and Edufest is a great opportunity for that. I really found in each session – not only ways to meet the needs of my gifted kids, but all of the kids in my class. It reminded me that teaching is about reaching out to each of the students in my class – where they come in at and moving them to the next level. Now I can honestly challenge my gifted students. Thank you for the resources!”
Edufest Attendee
Edufest 2020
“I have to say that I teach in the traditional classroom. I do not have a GT endorsement; however, I strive each day to ensure that all of my students grow in their learning and excitement of learning. This conference allowed me to obtain resources that will help me continue to reach all students, especially those that are advanced learners but who don’t necessarily qualify under the GT parameters. I also currently teach kindergarten and get a plethora of student levels in my classes. Being able to tap into resources to continue to push those students who will eventually be in GT classes while they are at this early developmental stage is invaluable. I appreciated all of the information that will continue to help me develop my students on a daily basis!”
Edufest Attendee
Edufest 2018
“All schools/educators need this training to meet the current challenges of the classroom.”
Allison
Idaho Falls
Edufest 2023