The Council through our foundation LEAF, Inc. supports members by providing exceptional opportunities to expand and enrich their expertise and knowledge in the area of educational administration through statewide annual events. The Winter Institute offers keynote addresses by national experts in the fields of leadership, education, advocacy and related areas; opportunities for members to share best practices with colleagues through smaller sessions; an interactive discussion with the Commissioner of Education about New York State issues and initiatives; and networking for support and collegiality among members through social interaction, group discussions, meetings and workshops. The event also hosts an exhibit hall where companies, associations, organizations and foundations can connect with school leaders from across New York State.
2026 Winter Institute & Lobby Day
Advancing Innovation: Empowering Transformation for Leading & Learning
March 1 - 3, 2026
Albany Capital Center
Albany, NY
Join us in Albany as we explore visionary leadership, innovative learning models, and collaborative innovation among other topics.
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Hear from Sunday Opening Keynote Luis F. Cruz from Solution Tree and his presentation Transforming School Culture.
Registration Information:
Registration is now open for attendees only. Access registration via this Winter Institute & Lobby Day website. Attendees will receive access to the Housing portal through your registration confirmation. Connections Housing is once again our official housing company for this event.
Strategic Partners please contact Associate Director of Business Development Deidre Hungerford for registration and exhibiting details at deidre@nyscoss.org.
Experience at the 2026 Winter Institute & Lobby Day:
- Two more dynamic keynote sessions by experts in leadership, education, and advocacy including our popular Ignite presentations and a “fire side chat” with Commissioner of Education Dr. Betty Rosa and her senior leadership team.
- Member-focused professional learning at Pre-Institutes including a deep dive into Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a Superintendents Supporting Superintendents wellness retreat on Saturday.
- Sunday morning sessions specifically designed for New Superintendents and Early Career Superintendents.
- A yoga session to de-stress before the Institute begins with certified yoga instructor Theresa Doughty on Sunday.
- A performance by the Spartan Sound Machine with students from East Syracuse Minoa School District along with smooth jazz from Albany City Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter and his local Albany jazz trio The Capital Jazz Collective.
- Breakout sessions presented by education leaders, strategic partners, legal voices and State Education and NYSCOSS staff focused around six dynamic content strands.
- Another Hot Drinks and Cool Topics session, providing practical advice by seasoned superintendents and partners on current leadership priorities, is also a part of the education lineup.
- The 2026 New York State Superintendent of the Year presentation honoring Jennifer L. Gaffney, Superintendent, Sackets Harbor along with traditional award and scholarship ceremonies at our three keynote sessions.
- Two book signings including one with our Opening Keynote Luis Cruz on Sunday and his book Time for a Change: Four Essential Skills for Transformational School and District Leaders. Limited supply of complimentary books available.
- A Marketplace of Ideas showcasing the best educational tools and resources with our strategic partners.
- Connections and roundtable discussions with key staff from the New York State Education Department.
- Sessions to guide your advocacy efforts including an Advocacy 101 session, detailed lobby day memos to focus meetings with legislators, and legislative steps you can take to advance your school priorities.
Call for Proposals
Our Education Session Call for Proposals portal for the 2026 Winter Institute is now open. It closes on December 5, 2025. Proposal submissions will be vetted by our Conference Committee. Partners may submit a proposal and must have selected select this option as part of their 2025-2026 contract.
Save the Date for Future Events
- 2026 Fall Leadership Summit
September 27 - 29, 2026
Saratoga Hilton & Saratoga Springs City Center
Saratoga Springs, NY
- 2027 Winter Institute & Lobby Day
March 7 - 9, 2027
Albany Capital Center
Albany, NY
- 2027 Fall Leadership Summit
September 26 - 28, 2027
Saratoga Hilton & Saratoga Springs City Center
Saratoga Springs, NY
- 2028 Winter Institute & Lobby Day
March 5 - 7, 2028
Albany Capital Center
Albany, NY
- 2028 Fall Leadership Summit
September 24 - 26, 2028
Saratoga Hilton & Saratoga Springs City Center
Saratoga Springs, NY
The Council is committed to providing experiences and environments that are welcoming, inviting and user-friendly for all attendees. We recognize that some individuals may required specific accommodations to ensure their full and equal participation in our Winter Institute. Please contact us at 518.449.1063 should you need assistance.