Events

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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REGISTRATION BEGINS IN SPRING OF 2026!

For questions regarding the upcoming conference, please reach out to conference@maineaeyc.org

Birth Through Eight Across the State: Maine’s Statewide

Early Childhood Education Conference

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

Friday October 23rd, 2026

TO BE ANNOUNCED!

Meet the Keynote Presenters

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Saturday October 24th, 2026

TO BE ANNOUNCED!

Thank you to our 2025 Conference Partners

TO BE ANNOUNCED!

 

What to expect…

Learn more about sessions!

FRIDAY OCTOBER 23, 2026

SATURDAY OCTOBER 24, 2026

Register!
See the Full List of Sessions!

Vendor & Sponsorships

Showcase your organization, products, or services to hundreds of early childhood professionals at Maine’s Statewide Annual ECE Conference. As a vendor, you'll have the opportunity to connect directly with educators, advocates, and decision-makers who are passionate about supporting young children and families. Join us in creating a vibrant, engaging conference experience while expanding your reach across Maine’s early childhood community.

Sign up to be a Vendor

Support Maine’s early childhood educators and elevate your brand by becoming a sponsor of the Statewide Annual ECE Conference. Sponsorship offers meaningful visibility among a statewide network of professionals dedicated to the well-being of young children and families. Your contribution helps us provide high-quality professional development while demonstrating your commitment to early childhood education.

Learn about Sponsorships

Child Care Business Summit
Apr
12

Child Care Business Summit

This day is designed to help you take your child care business to the next level. Whether you’re looking for strategies to grow your business, improve your operations, or stay ahead of industry trends, the conference will provide valuable insights, actionable tips, and incredible networking opportunities.

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MaineAEYC’s Play Date Conference
Oct
26

MaineAEYC’s Play Date Conference

  • Wells Conference Center, University of Maine Orono (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Registration opens July 1st!!

Session selection via the Whova App opens July 28th!

Come party with MaineAEYC as we throw a bash to celebrate our 20th Anniversary with our very first Play Date! This fantastic event is a jam-packed day-long conference dedicated to all the awesome folks caring for and teaching young ones. Get ready for workshops that dive into the magic of play-based learning in the early years and how us educators can sprinkle some playfulness into children's lives while nurturing their growth.

$150 Nonmembers

$125 MaineAEYC and FCCAM Members

Registration will include  a continental breakfast, a keynote address by Kristen Peterson, a selection of morning workshops, lunch, afternoon workshops, as well as vendors, exhibitors, raffles, scavenger hunts, and ample networking and connecting opportunities with fellow early childhood educators.

Register for the Play Date!

Schedule of the Day

8:00-9:00am Registration opens, continental breakfast and networking

9:00am-10:15am Kristen Peterson’s Keynote Address “Trust the Children and Your Cape”

10:30am-11:45am Morning Workshops

11:45am-1pm Lunch and networking

1:15-3:45pm Afternoon Workshops

Learn more about the workshops & presenters
Learn more about Kristen

How to Get Involved…

Become a Play Date Sponsor!
Become a Vendor at our Play Date
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Connecting Early Childhood Education
May
3
to May 4

Connecting Early Childhood Education

Connecting Early Childhood Education; Birth through Eight Across the State is an opportunity for educators of young children to re-connect in person, share best practices, build up our communities, learn from one another and advocate for early childhood education.

Join early childhood professionals from all over the state for the largest early childhood conference in Maine! With countless opportunities to connect, engage, and learn, the 2023 Birth Through Eight Across the State has sessions and content for a variety of roles in the early childhood field and early childhood professionals at various stages in their career.

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