2026 THRIVE Conference
Join us for the 2026 THRIVE Conference! This year's event will consist of a dedicated two full days of professional learning on September 16-17 and will feature targeted sessions for instructional staff, principals, district level administrators, parents, and other stakeholders across Mississippi who support the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) Programs. There will be mandatory sessions for English Language (EL) Coordinators, Homeless Liaisons, Juvenile Detention Centers (JDCs) directors, and Foster Care Points of Contacts.
Full day pre-conference sessions will be offered on September 15:
EDGAR 101 is a full day session for new Federal Programs Directors, CTE Directors, SPED Directors, and Business Managers with the fundamentals of federal grant compliance, fiscal requirements, and best practices for successful program administration under the Education Department General Administrative Regulations.
The EL Combine is a full day session that will focus on outlining the components of the five Language Instruction Education Programs (LIEP) that can be implemented in the State of Mississippi. EL instructional staff and leaders will have a deeper understanding of how the LIEP should be implemented.
*Pre-Conference sessions are optional and participants will choose which sessions to attend when registering.
Lunch is on your own. Enjoy meal options offered for purchase by the Jackson Convention Center or nearby restaurants while continuing conversations and connecting with colleagues. *PLEASE NOTE: The Jackson Convention Center DOES NOT allow outside food or drinks.
*Check-in and concurrent session attendance will be recorded using QR codes. Please make sure your device is fully charged with a working camera to ensure a smooth check-in process.
The following hotels are offering group rates/discounts for the conference. Please click on the hotel name to re-direct you to their website.
Homewood Suites Fondren Medical District
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact EMCED at 601-484-0306.
IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY THAT WILL NEED AN ACCOMMODATION, PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY AFTER REGISTRATION SO WE CAN MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO ASSIST YOU.
| Date | Time | Session | Instructor | Facilitator | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM | ||||
| 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM | EDGAR 101: Pre-Conference (Optional) | Cythia Pouncey | Jackson Convention Complex | ||
| 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM | EL Combine: Pre-Conference (Optional) | Cythia Pouncey | Jackson Convention Complex | ||
| Wed, Sep 16, 2026 | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM | ||||
| 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM | THRIVE - Day 1 | Cythia Pouncey | Jackson Convention Complex | ||
| Thu, Sep 17, 2026 | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM | ||||
| 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM | THRIVE - Day 2 | Cythia Pouncey | Jackson Convention Complex |