See the rhythm of the Convention at a glance. Tap a General Session to meet its keynote speaker, and register for ticketed meals right from the list. Concurrent session blocks (A–V) each offer hundreds of sessions to choose from; see this online listing of sessions to help you begin planning for the Convention!

 

Can’t wait to meet your favorite author? See the Meet the Author booklet for schedules of author signings at publisher exhibit booths and at the NCTE Author Signing area inside the Exhibit Hall.

 

Packed with all you need to know to plan your Convention experience,
see the Convention Preview magazine.

 

19

Thursday

November 19, 2026
6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Registration & NCTE Central Open
8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Preconvention Workshops
11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. A Sessions
12:15–12:45 p.m. B Sessions
1:00–2:15 p.m. C Sessions
2:30–3:00 p.m. D Sessions
2:30–3:30 p.m. First-Timers' Event
3:15–3:45 p.m. E Sessions
5:30–7:00 p.m. Section Get-Togethers
7:00–8:30 p.m. Cultural Celebration
8:30–10:00 p.m. Cultivating New Voices among Scholars of Color Reception and Mentor Panel
20

Friday

November 20, 2026
7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Registration & NCTE Central Open
9:30–10:45 a.m. F Sessions
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Exhibits Open
11:00–11:30 a.m. G Sessions
11:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. H Sessions
12:30–1:45 p.m. I Sessions
2:00–2:30 p.m. J Sessions
2:45–3:15 p.m. K Sessions
3:30–4:45 p.m. L Sessions
5:00–6:15 p.m. Annual Business Meeting
6:30–9:00 p.m. Friday Night Celebration
21

Saturday

November 21, 2026
6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Registration & NCTE Central Open
7:00–9:15 a.m. ALAN BreakfastRegister
7:30–8:45 a.m. Awards Session
8:15–9:30 a.m. M Sessions
11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Exhibits Open
11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. N Sessions
12:30–2:30 p.m. Children's Book Awards LuncheonRegister Sponsored by W.W. Norton & Company
12:30–1:00 p.m. O Sessions
1:15–2:30 p.m. P Sessions
2:45–3:15 p.m. Q Sessions
3:30–4:00 p.m. R Sessions
4:15–5:30 p.m. S Sessions
5:00–6:30 p.m. Author Soiree
5:45–7:00 p.m. Special Interest Group Sessions
22

Sunday

November 22, 2026
7:00–8:45 a.m. Children's Literature Assembly & Affiliate BreakfastsRegister
8:00–11:00 a.m. Registration & NCTE Central Open
8:00–11:30 a.m. Exhibits Open
8:15–8:45 a.m. T Sessions
9:00–10:15 a.m. U Sessions
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. National Writing Project BrunchRegister
10:30–11:45 a.m. V Sessions
2:00–6:00 p.m. ALAN Workshop & CEL Annual Convention begin

Good to Know

  • All times are Eastern Time (ET).
  • Lettered blocks (A–V Sessions) are concurrent session periods, each offering many sessions to choose from.
  • Ticketed meal events require separate registration — use the Register link on each.
  • Sessions, times, and events are subject to change as the program is finalized.