JUSTIFICATION TOOLKIT

Making the case to attend The 2026 CASE Conference

We know how important professional growth is to your role as a special education leader—and how essential it is to have support from your organization. That’s why we’ve created this Justification Toolkit to help you confidently request approval to attend the 2026 CASE Conference, the premier event for special education administrators.

What’s Included in This Toolkit: 

  • Email template - Customize this to request approval and highlight key benefits of attending the conference. 
  • Cost Analysis Worksheet - Calculate and outline your anticipated costs, including registration, travel, lodging, and meals. 
  • Explanation of Benefits - Use the talking points in the next section to demonstrate how attending the 2026 CASE Conference aligns with your organization’s goals. 

Making the Case: Why Attend the 2026 CASE Conference?

When seeking approval, consider focusing on return on investment—what you will bring back to your district or organization in knowledge, tools, and connections. Here are key points to include in your conversation or written request: 

  • Professional Learning Impact: The 2026 CASE Conference offers evidence-based strategies, legal insights, and innovative practices to elevate your leadership and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Offer to deliver a brief presentation or lead a Q&A with your team to share the insights, tools, and resources you gain. This ensures that your attendance benefits the broader organization.
  • Cost Savings for Members: Highlight that CASE members receive discounted registration rates. If you’re not yet a member, joining now will offer savings not only for this event but for future CASE opportunities. It cost less to become a member of CASE and pay the member rate for registration than to register as a non-member. JOIN TODAY! 

Use the categories and examples below to support your request: 

  1. Networking OpportunitiesConnect with hundreds of fellow special education leaders and industry professionals from across the country. Exchange ideas, learn best practices, and build relationships that will benefit your district throughout the year.
  2. Access to Industry PartnersExplore the latest tools, technologies, and services from more than 75 exhibitors. Discover solutions that can support your team in areas like data collection, staffing, mental health, compliance, and instructional innovation.
  3. High-Impact Professional LearningGain timely insights from experts in special education law, leadership, instruction, and wellness. Whether you're addressing hot topics or strengthening foundational practices, the conference content is designed to equip you with actionable tools and resources.

The 2026 CASE Conference Strands

  • Advancing Equity: Practices for All Learners
  • Conflict Resolution: Resolving Challenges
  • Educational Leadership: Leading with Purpose
  • Exploring Hot Topics: Trends and Emerging Issues
  • Human Resources: Empowering Teams
  • innovating for Success: Cutting Edge Practices
  • Instructional Excellence: Achieving Success
  • Legal Issues: Navigating Special Education
  • Putting Research into Practice: Evidence for Impact
  • Staff Wellness: Fostering Resilience
  • Student Wellness: Prioritizing Balance for Success
  • Transition: Supporting Pathways to Independence

Next Steps

Visit the 2026 CASE Conference website for the most current updates, including session schedules and keynote speaker announcements. Use the email template and cost worksheet included in this toolkit to begin your request—and take the first step toward attending this impactful event!