Empowering Educators. Inspiring Students. Advancing CTE
VATIE Conference 2026
Tentative Schedule & Conference Highlights
📍 Location: Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
📅 July 20–23, 2026 (Extended courses July 16–28)
✨ Pre-Conference & Extended Learning
📅 July 16–21, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Curriculum & Instruction Design and Development
Course Title: Introduction to Curriculum Design and Development (Undergraduate Credit)
- Designed for CTE educators
- Focus on effective curriculum design strategies
- Build engaging, standards-aligned programs
📅 Monday, July 20, 2026 – Pre-Conference Workshops
🕗 8:00 AM – CHI Hands-On Color Master Training
Instructor: McKenzie Lehman
- CHI color systems & formulation strategies
- Grey coverage & blonding techniques
- Ammonia-free technology
- Hands-on learning experience
👉 Important:
- Pre-registration required
- Participants must bring a manikin and tools
- Earn professional development hours
🚀 Tuesday, July 21, 2026 – Opening Day
🕗 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Master Educator Session
“Light the Fuse: Igniting Motivation Within Your Students”
- Strategies to inspire and engage students
- Increase classroom motivation and success
🕚 11:00 AM
Registration Opens
🕛 12:00 – 1:00 PM
🍽 Lunch & Keynote Speaker: Tim Lawrence
- Career readiness
- Workforce engagement
- Educational innovation
🕐 1:00 – 2:00 PM
🎤 Panel Discussion
Panelists:
- Tim Lawrence
- Beth Lucchesi
- Courtney Baker
- Dr. Lee Ross
Discussion Topics:
- Industry partnerships
- Student success strategies
- Emerging CTE trends
🕑 2:00 – 5:00 PM (Concurrent Sessions)
💇♀️ Feature Session: Denman Brushes Hands-On Workshop
Presented by Martny Wady & The Wady Company
- Advanced styling techniques
- Brush selection strategies
- Precision & control methods
- Modern salon trends
✔ Hands-on experience
✔ Classroom & salon application
📚 Cluster Workshops
- IEP Bootcamp – Jennifer Eure
- New Teacher SOS – Laura Smith
- SkillsUSA – Debb Trip
- Additional sessions coming soon
🎯 Wednesday, July 22, 2026 – Keynotes & Breakouts
🕘 9:00 AM – Keynote (Auditorium)
Accreditation Best Practices
Presented by Marlo Miranda
- Accreditation updates and expectations
- Stress-free documentation systems
- Align programs with industry standards
🕘 9:00 – 10:30 AM (Room 204)
Milady Breakout Session for New Educators
- Classroom management strategies
- Instructional best practices
- Support for new CTE teachers
🕛 12:00 PM (Room 102)
OSHA 7405 Certification Course
- 0.5 CEUs
- Minimum 7 contact hours
- Ideal for Construction educators
🏁 Thursday, July 23–28, 2026 – Professional Development
🕛 12:00 PM (Room 301)
EXED 440: Classroom Management & Professional Collaboration
- Strengthen classroom management
- Improve collaboration among educators
- Enhance student outcomes
🌟 Why Attend VATIE 2026?
✔ Industry-Relevant Sessions
Stay current in Cosmetology, Construction, Automotive & more
✔ Hands-On Learning
Engage in real-world training
✔ Networking Opportunities
Connect with educators and industry leaders
✔ Professional Development
Earn CEUs and career-advancing credentials
✔ Support for All Educators
Sessions for new, experienced, and administrative professionals
📢 Stay Tuned!
The schedule is still being updated with additional sessions and presenters. Check back regularly!