Birth Through Eight Across the State: Maine’s Statewide
Early Childhood Education Conference
Join us for Maine’s premier event for early childhood professionals! This two-day conference, happening October 23-24, 2026, at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, brings together educators, administrators, and advocates to explore innovative strategies, share best practices, and inspire excellence in early childhood education.
Through dynamic workshops, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, attendees will gain valuable insights to address today’s challenges and enhance their impact on young learners. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this conference offers something for everyone.
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For questions regarding the upcoming conference, please reach out to conference@maineaeyc.org
Thanks to our Sponsors!
Sponsorship provides meaningful exposure to a statewide network of educators, caregivers, leaders, and advocates dedicated to supporting young children and families. Your partnership helps make high-quality professional development, connection, and inspiration accessible to Maine’s early childhood workforce while demonstrating your commitment to the future of early childhood education.
Registration
The Maine Department of Education and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services serve as Premier Partners of the MaineAEYC Early Childhood Statewide Conference, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening Maine’s early childhood system and supporting the educators, caregivers, and advocates at the heart of this work. Their generous partnership has helped make significantly reduced conference ticket costs possible this year, expanding access to professional development and connection for Maine’s early childhood workforce.
Conference Registration Pricing
Whether you join us for one day or the full conference experience, there’s an option for everyone!
Member registration opens May 29th
General registration opens June 1st.
MaineAEYC Member Rates
1-Day Ticket: $70
2-Day Ticket: $130
Non-Member Rates
1-Day Ticket: $80
2-Day Ticket: $150
Not a member yet? Becoming a member is a great way to save on conference registration while supporting Maine’s early childhood community year-round. Be sure to check your email for member discount information and upcoming registration announcements!
Refund and Substitution Policy
Cancellations received on or before September 25, 2026, will be refunded at 50%.
Refunds will not be issued after October 9, 2026.
Substitutions are allowed until October 19, 2026, at no additional cost.
All substitution requests must be submitted via email to conference@maineaeyc.org.
Meet the Keynote Presenters
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Friday October 23rd, 2026
Adam Bienenstock — founder of Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds and a global leader in nature-based play. Adam is known for his passion for getting children outside and his ability to challenge and inspire educators to think differently about play, risk, and the natural world.
Saturday October 24th, 2026
Anthony (Ant) Toombs Sr. — trauma counselor and leader with the Life is Good Playmaker Project. Ant brings warmth, energy, and real-world insight as he shares how play and optimism can help children heal and build resilience, especially in challenging environments.
Join us for two energizing days filled with dynamic workshops, interactive sessions, inspiring keynote speakers, meaningful networking, and innovative strategies to support young children, families, and educators. Your conference experience also includes breakfast and lunch, access to vendors and exhibitors, and opportunities to connect with early childhood professionals from across Maine.
Explore topics through interactive sessions including:
Nature-Based Learning & Outdoor Education
Leadership & ECE Administration
Play & Learning
Social-Emotional Development & Behavior
Inclusive Practices & Special Education
Family Engagement & Community Partnerships
Educator Wellness & Self-Care
Language, Literacy & Communication
Policy, Advocacy & ECE Workforce
Connect with early childhood professionals from across Maine as you discover new ideas, gain practical strategies, and leave inspired to make an even greater impact in your work.
What’s Included in Your Conference Experience
Highlights from Attendees…
“I loved that I had a chance, with my co-teachers and colleagues, to attend workshops at the same time, and network with new people and organizations. It's a chance to stay informed, but also refresh your love for the profession! ”
— 2022 Conference Attendee
“The energy all day long was contagious! Everybody was so excited to be there and learn and share knowledge”
— 2024 Conference Attendee
Session Tracks & Learning Opportunities
Conference sessions will take place throughout the day on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, offering attendees a wide variety of learning opportunities, workshops, and networking experiences across both days of the conference.
Conference tracks and sessions will start being announced on June 15, 2026.
Workforce Empowerment Partnerships
Support Maine’s early childhood educators and elevate your organization’s visibility by becoming a sponsor of the 2026 MaineAEYC Early Childhood Statewide Conference.
Sponsorship provides meaningful exposure to a statewide network of educators, caregivers, leaders, and advocates dedicated to supporting young children and families. Your partnership helps make high-quality professional development, connection, and inspiration accessible to Maine’s early childhood workforce while demonstrating your commitment to the future of early childhood education.
Vendor & Exhibitor Opportunities
Interested in becoming a conference vendor? We’re looking for organizations, businesses, and creators whose work supports young children, families, and the early childhood workforce.
If you offer educational materials, children’s books, kid-friendly products, classroom resources, crafts, wellness or self-care products, mental health supports, professional services, or other tools that uplift educators and families, this is a great opportunity to connect with more than 750 early childhood professionals from across Maine.
Our conference brings together educators, caregivers, program leaders, advocates, and community partners who are passionate about supporting children and strengthening the early childhood field. We’d love to showcase vendors whose products, services, and missions align with that work.
Call for Proposals
We appreciate the strong interest in presenting at our MaineAEYC Conference, scheduled for October 23–24, 2026, at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.
The call for proposals for this event is now closed.
If you are interested in sharing your expertise at future MaineAEYC conferences or professional development opportunities, we encourage you to complete the form below to be considered for upcoming events.
There are no upcoming events at this time.