US/Global 
CAN
Leaders in a PLC at Work® Institute
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois | October 27–29, 2026
Research has validated what practitioners have known for decades: powerful principal leadership is key to increased student achievement. Principals are responsible for both building and keeping a positive and productive school culture.
As an active participant in this institute, you’ll connect with a professional community of leaders committed to best practices and continuous improvement. Hear inspiring keynotes from seasoned leaders who have faced challenges like the ones you are facing now, and get one-on-one help. Build a toolkit of strategies and ideas for creating a positive culture in your building. Be called to action by a series of 20-minute high-impact talks by principals who have successfully nurtured collaborative teams focused on student learning.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
- Organize staff into high-performing learning teams
- Focus on the right work with intentionality
- Create and lead a safe school learning culture with effective systems, procedures, and high expectations
- Share leadership with a guiding coalition, collaborative teams, and community partners
- Observe, support, lead, and monitor effective instructional practices
- Build strong relationships with students, staff, parents, and the community
- Make data transparent for true evidence-based decision making
- Develop a strong recognition program for students and staff when goals are achieved
- Work effectively with resisters and have difficult conversations
Join us for a career-changing experience presented by award-winning PLC at Work® principals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
VenueDrury Lane Theatre and Conference Center 100 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois |
Presenter slate coming soon
Schedule
On-Site Solution Tree Bookstore Open Throughout Event
Agenda and speakers are subject to change.
Tuesday, October 27th
| 7:00–8:00 a.m. |
Registration and Continental Breakfast |
| 8:00–9:45 a.m. | Keynote |
| 9:45–10:00 a.m. |
Break |
| 10:00–11:30 a.m. | Breakouts |
| 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. |
Lunch (on your own) |
| 1:00–2:30 p.m. |
Breakouts |
| 2:30–2:45 p.m. |
Break |
| 2:45–3:45 p.m. | High-Impact Talks by Principals |
Wednesday, October 28th
| 7:00–8:00 a.m. |
Registration and Continental Breakfast |
| 8:00–9:45 a.m. | Keynote |
| 9:45–10:00 a.m. |
Break |
| 10:00–11:30 a.m. | Breakouts |
| 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. |
Lunch (on your own) |
| 1:00–2:30 p.m. |
Breakouts |
| 2:30–2:45 p.m. |
Break |
| 2:45–3:45 p.m. | Leadership Forums |
Thursday, October 29th
| 7:00–8:00 a.m. |
Continental Breakfast |
| 8:00–9:30 a.m. |
Breakouts |
| 9:30–9:45 a.m. | Break |
| 9:45–11:45 a.m. |
Keynote |
Accommodations
Events reach capacity quickly. Please confirm your registration before making travel plans.
In order to receive the discounted hotel room rate, please mention Solution Tree. After the deadline listed below, rates will be determined by the hotel. While discounted rooms in our hotel room block may be sold out, the primary hotel may still have rooms available at their standard rates. Please inquire directly with the hotel.
Parking information:
Greater Tacoma Convention Center - 0-15 min $0, 0-4hrs $8, 4+hrs $16
Marriott - discounted to $18 per vehicle
Hotels
Primary Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago/Oakbrook Terrace
1000 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
800-HILTONS
Discounted Rate: $136 per night
Deadline: September 25, 2026 or until group rate is sold out.
Parking Information: Hilton discounted to $5 daily self parking
VenueDrury Lane Theatre and Conference Center 100 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois |
Hear from our attendees
Event Reviews
“I found all of the keynote sessions to be very engaging and relevant. Each of the presenters was knowledgeable about the content and shared tips and practical strategies to assist site administrators in building and sustaining culture. As a high school principal I found the final keynote to be the most valuable to me. Mr. Jones was outstanding and it was nice to hear the perspective of a high school colleague. Thank you! ”
“The information was amazing. I left with a new drive to improve our school culture through PLC.”
“I appreciated the 'why' combined with the 'how to'—and I felt that the presentations were done in a way that demonstrated how we can present this information to our school site.”
More details
Additional Information
Product code: CFF886
Five Reasons to Attend a Solution Tree Event (PDF)
A Letter to Your Boss (DOC)
You will receive a certificate of participation 6 weeks after the event concludes. Please check with your department of education for CEU availability.
On-Site Solution Tree Book Co-Op Discounts
- Buy 5 or more Solution Tree titles or resources and receive 30% off and free shipping
- On-site book co-op open daily throughout the event
Discounts above are for on-site purchases only. Does not include any non-Solution Tree product, toolkit, or sale table items. Purchase orders and credit cards accepted. We now accept Apple, Google and Samsung Pay onsite. Continental US only.
Included with your registration
Anchor Your Vision
This book is for educators who have a strong desire to lead the type of change in districts and schools that impacts learning for both students and the adults who serve them. With practical action steps and tools, the book helps educators put their district’s or school’s mission into action to achieve their vision.
Event Journal
We’re enhancing your event experience. In addition to providing presentations in digital format, Solution Tree is publishing retail-quality, perfect-bound notebooks expertly designed to support your learning. Any printed handouts or worksheets integrated into your sessions will continue to be provided.
