Annual Training Conference & Expo

ABOUT THE EVENT

Homecoming 2026: RIVHSA Turns 40

For four decades, RIVHSA has been more than an organization — we’ve been a home.  A home for shared purpose, bold ideas, transformative learning, and lifelong connections in this regional Head Start/Early Head Start network. Across our eight charter states and countless communities, our network has championed early childhood education, strengthened families, and inspired leadership that that endures for generations. Together, we’ve built a strong foundation rooted in collaboration, advocacy, and innovation — one that continues to evolve with the needs of children, families, and the programs that serve them.

Now, we invite you to join us the week of February 9, 2026 in Atlanta — where it all began — for our most memorable gathering yet: a Homecoming that not only celebrates our past but boldly charts our future.  Homecoming 2026 is more than a conference theme or tagline.  It is the launch event for a yearlong celebration of legacy and leadership, a reunion of champions past and present, and a rallying call for the work ahead.  Together, we’ll honor the milestones that shaped our journey, spotlight the people and programs driving change today, and set our sights on the future we’re building for the next generation — just as we have for the last 40 years, and for many more to come.

This isn’t just another conference, this is your homecoming — to reconnect, reflect, and reimagine the future of early care in your community and across the Southeast.

A Unique Conference Experience

Our Annual Training Conference & Expo (ATCE) attracts hundreds of early care and learning professionals, parents and partners throughout the region and around the country. It is this unique gathering of participants which gives our conference its energy and wide reach.

Get ready for an inspiring and impactful experience with more than 1000 professionals, parents, and partners from across the region and nation for 4 unforgettable days of:

• A homecoming atmosphere that celebrates RIVHSA’s 40-year legacy of impact and community with spirit days, a gala honoring regional heroes and leaders, and loads of surprises!
• Pre-Conference events jump-start your learning experience with focused, high-impact sessions before the main conference begins.
• Game-changing workshops across multiple tracks designed to elevate practice, compliance, and innovation
• Breakthrough learning labs ignite fresh ideas and fuel actionable solutions through interactive, peer-driven discussions.
• Dynamic general sessions from regional and national thought leaders delivering transformative keynotes
• Explore the vibrant Expo Center filled with cutting-edge resources and solutions from corporate sponsors and leading vendors in our Expo Hall
• Unmatched networking opportunities to build bridges and reconnect across states, agencies and roles to spark collaboration and lifelong connections

Learn More and Register

Your Homecoming journey starts here — explore, connect, and customize your conference experience with our official event website and app! 

Event Page

• Stay in the know with access to real-time information and the latest updates, preview speakers and sessions, explore sponsors and exhibitors, build your agenda and connections.
• Our comprehensive learning tracks are designed to meet the diverse needs of our community.   Sessions are confirmed and released in rounds.  Visit the app regularly to check for new releases!

Payment Guidelines:  Get details about event registration fees, deadlines, payment options and policies.  Consult the Event Registration section to download our Payment Guidelines.

Our Event App is Powered by PheedLoop:  App access granted with ticket purchase only.  Once you have purchased event tickets, you will gain complete app access. You will receive an e-mail from the app with a download link and instructions prior to the event. You must use the email address entered when registered for the event as your user login. then create/input password.  The app is compatible for download on Apple or Android devices and can be accessed via a mobile device or web platform on a desktop computer.  Participants will be able to:

• View our event agenda and plan their personal schedule;
• Access handouts, pre-recorded sessions, and live webinar sessions directly within the agenda and utilize the session Q&A and chat to ask questions and interact with other participants;
• Set up in-person/virtual meetups with other attendees to connect and network;
• Create and converse through various discussion topics in the Community Board;
• Receive updates such as last-minute session changes;
• And much more!

Frequently Asked Questions

(1) Is the event in-person or hybrid? RIVHSA is hosting our Annual Training Conference & Expo (ATCE) as an in-person conference in Atlanta, Georgia.  All sessions and events will be live; there is not a virtual option.

(2) Are CEUs available for purchase at this event?  Currently, RIVHSA does not offer CEUs.  However, a certificate of attendance is available at no-cost and is available in the app post-event.

(3) App Troubleshooting

< The app does not accept my login > Make sure you are using the correct email address.  Participants must use the email address entered when registered for the event as your user login.

< I cannot remember my password > If the participant has forgotten their password, they must reset by clicking “forgot password”.   RIVHSA does not have access to the password.

< The current event does not show in the app > If the app was downloaded for a previous event but does not show the current event, the best fix is to: (1) uninstall the app; (2) reinstall the app; (3) login using the correct email address.

(4) How can I access footage from the most recent ATCE?  View or download now

(5) Will there be health and safety measures?  RIVHSA prioritizes the health and safety of all participants - attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and staff.  We are committed to delivering the world-class conference experience associated with our brand while observing industry-leading health and safety practices in collaboration with our partners and contractors. In keeping with our duty of care and responsibility as an event host, RIVHSA is guided by recommendations from the event venue as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and will abide by the legal mandates of the State of Georgia at the time of the event.   RIVHSA will continue to monitor CDC guidance, make protocol adjustments as required, and post updates accordingly because we are committed to delivering this year’s conference content in a format that makes you feel comfortable while still allowing you to receive the industry’s best training.