Annual Conference 2023

Benedictine Schools of Richmond
Friday, November 3, 2023 ♦ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Ignite your passion for education like never before. Celebrate FIFTY years of VAIS and collaborate with us to reimagine the next fifty years of independent education in Virginia. At the Annual Conference, we will delve into the very essence of what makes education extraordinary – The Emotional Climate for Learning, Spaces to Support Learning, Instructional Design, Integration of Arts and Technology, Equitable Assessment Strategies, and Working & Leading in Community – topics that will reshape your approach to teaching and leading.

WHY ATTEND?
Are you an independent school Educator?
Do you want to connect with VAIS colleagues?
Would you like to explore The Emotional Climate for Learning, Spaces to Support Learning, Instructional Design, Integration of Arts and Technology, Equitable Assessment Strategies, and Working & Leading in Community?
Then this is the program for you!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Classroom Teachers - School Leaders - YOU!

HOW WILL WE LEARN?
Make plans now to join us as we go "Back to School" celebrating VAIS' 50th at Benedictine Schools of Richmond and exploring the future of independent school education. Anticipate:

A thought-provoking keynote with Antonio Viva

In The Power of Personal Practice: Moving Forward with Joy and Creativity: Antonio Viva will delve into the transformative potential of consistent personal and professional growth practices. Drawing on a wealth of research and personal experiences, the keynote highlights how cultivating daily habits can pave the way for joy, creativity, and resilience. prepare to be inspired and equipped with actionable insights to harness the energy of personal practice in your journey toward a more fulfilling and creative life.

10 Deep Dive Sessions
40+ concurrent sessions with VAIS' most innovative and inspiring educators
Hall of Museums, interactive for educators
Time to collaborate with peers in an exciting location that will inspire creativity and reignite your passion

With an expansive venue and a stunning setting, you'll be immersed in an environment that encourages you to Connect. Collaborate. Lead. with VAIS!

WHO WILL LEAD OUR LEARNING?

Antonio Viva is a Senior Associate with Leadership + Design. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of Artisans Asylum, one of the oldest and largest makerspaces in the United States. Prior to his role at Artisans, Antonio spent 12 years as the Head of School at Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, MA. During his tenure, he implemented transformative programs and oversaw the expansion of artistic facilities. Antonio's most recent achievement includes co-designing and founding The Boston Ballet School Professional Division at Walnut Hill, the nation's leading all-inclusive professional ballet academy. A child of immigrants and a first-generation college student, Antonio has dedicated his life to promoting diversity and inclusion. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Union College in English and Teaching. He is a sought-after speaker and addresses topics such as understanding global risks, fostering creativity, design, and effective leadership. Antonio has been featured by numerous regional independent school associations across the United States and works as an executive coach and advisor. Antonio resides in the Boston suburbs with his family and two cats and maintains his personal art studio at Artisans Asylum.

SCHEDULE:
Click here for the complete list of sessions.

Annual Conference Schedule, November 3, 2023
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM	Welcome/STOKE Keynote: Antonio Viva
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM	BREAK & VISIT WITH SPONSORS/HALL OF MUSEUMS
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM	Concurrent Sessions I	2 Hour Deep Dive Sessions
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM	BREAK & VISIT WITH SPONSORS/HALL OF MUSEUMS
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM	Concurrent Sessions II
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM	LUNCH Presentation of VAIS Awards VAIS Birthday Celebration
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM	Concurrent Sessions III	2 Hour Deep Dive Sessions
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM	BREAK & VISIT WITH SPONSORS/HALL OF MUSEUMS
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM	Concurrent Sessions IV

LOCATION:
Benedictine Schools of Richmond
12829 River Road
Richmond, VA 23238
804-708-9500

REGISTRATION:
Registration includes program, breaks, and lunch.

The final registration deadline is Friday, October 20, 2023. No refunds will be issued after that date. (See Cancellation Policy)

WHO	EARLY BIRD FEE	REGULAR FEE
VAIS MEMBER	$175.00 (until 8/31)	$195.00
NON-MEMBER	$390.00	$390.00

REGISTER for the ANNUAL CONFERENCE

NEED AN OVERNIGHT?
VAIS has a room block at Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump and Hampton Inn & Suites Short Pump Greengate with an overnight rate of $148 + taxes per night for Standard King and $155 + taxes for Standard Double. To receive our group rate, please make your reservation no later than Friday, October 12.

To make a reservation at one of these hotels, please call or use the link and reference VAIS Annual Conference at Benedictine to receive the above rate.
Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump ~ 804-364-3600
Hampton Inn & Suites Short Pump Greengate ~ 804-773-7111