2026 Timely Challenge Conference: LEAD AI

Monday, November 9, 2026

8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (EST)

The Westminster Schools

1424 West Paces Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30327

The acceleration of technology, specifically AI, is transforming how we live, work, play, and learn. How do we lead this moment instead of being led by it?

LEAD AI is a one-day SAIS event equipping leaders with real data, expert context, and design space to move from insight to impact on AI in our schools.

In the morning, participants Learn and Explore alongside researchers, industry leaders, and practitioners who are shaping the conversation on AI in education. Sessions draw on original SAIS research, emerging trends, and direct input from teachers and students across member schools.

In the afternoon, participants Adapt and Design. Each attendee selects a design pathway focused on people, processes, programs, or culture, then works alongside SAIS staff through a structured design sprint grounded in the morning's research, evidence, and dialogue. The sprint is collaborative and context-driven, giving attendees space to co-create solutions relevant to their own school and leave with concrete next steps, not just new ideas.

Get ready to LEAD.

Speakers


David Cummings	Carrie Grimes	Mark Orchison
CEO & Founder, Atlanta Ventures	Director of Independent School Leadership Graduate Program, Vanderbilt Peabody College	Founder & CEO, 9ine

A full agenda, additional speakers, and session details to follow soon.

Registration

OPENS SOON!

By August 31: Members $325 | Non-Members $399
After August 31: Members $425 | Non-Member: $489

HOTEL RESERVATIONS:

Courtyard by Marriott Vinings/Galleria
2829 Overlook Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30339

Group rate: $169/night
Cut-off date: Oct 18 (or earlier if the block is full)
Reservation link here

If you receive an error message or if the block is full, please contact info@sais.org.

NOTE: Neither SAIS nor the hotel will call you to make reservations over the phone. Occasionally unauthorized third parties may attempt to coordinate your reservations. Please use only the link provided to secure your reservation directly with the host hotel.

Event Policies & Acknowledgments

Event Policies

Event policies apply to all conference participants, including attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors. By registering for or participating in this event, you agree to the terms outlined here.

Event FAQs

Review Event FAQs at this link.

Payment & Cancellation Policy

Payment may be made by credit/debit or ACH. The form defaults to credit/debit but ACH is selectable.

Cancellations received before the stated deadline via this form (October 19) are eligible for an 80% refund. After the stated cancellation date, refunds are not available, but replacement registrants are welcomed. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis following the conclusion of the event. In the unlikely event that SAIS cancels a program, 100% of the registration fee will be refunded.

Acknowledgment of Risk & Safety Procedures

Participation in SAIS events signifies an attendee’s acknowledgment of infectious and other diseases and voluntary assumption of the risk of exposure or infection by attending the event. Attendees agree to comply with all guidelines and procedures, including distancing and/or masking, that may be implemented by SAIS, in accordance with recommendations from the CDC and other public health authorities.

Acknowledgment of Intellectual Property

Participants expressly acknowledge the intellectual property of the presenters of this conference and these other terms that are conditions of attendance. This acknowledgment includes the understanding that creating any form of recording, including but not limited to video or audio is a violation of the intellectual property of the speakers as well as a violation of the terms of participation in this event. Participants expressly agree not to independently record, or knowingly let anyone else record, any of the conference sessions in which they participate. Participants will also not share their unique link to the conference platform or the content therein with anyone else. The unique link to the conference platform will be used solely by the participant.

Consent to Use of Photographic & Video Images

Questions

For questions about event registration or special accommodations, contact info@sais.org.