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Fifty Years, and Still the Best Three Days of the Year

LAPCAE turns 50 in 2026. For half a century, this association has brought together the people who teach, administer, and advocate for adult education in Louisiana — through funding shifts, program changes, and five decades of adults deciding it wasn’t too late.

Adult education in this state is often delivered by people who are the only person in their building doing this job. The annual conference is where that changes for a few days. An instructor in Monroe compares notes with one in Houma. A new program director finds out how someone else solved the problem they’re stuck on. The field gets to see itself as a field.

Three days of sessions, practice-sharing, and recognition — built around the work happening in Louisiana programs right now. Presenters are Louisiana practitioners, state and national partners, and invited experts.

Present at LAPCAE!

Submission deadline: September 1, 2026
Presenters notified October 2, 2026

Submit a Proposal

We know the great work going on in our state. Share your best practices, grow professionally, and let’s learn from each other.

You do not need to be an experienced presenter. Some of the most useful sessions come from someone describing a problem they solved in their own program.

If you submitted a proposal for the 2025 conference before it was canceled, please revisit and resubmit if it’s still applicable.

2026 Conference Strands

Strands help presenters and attendees navigate sessions and find the ones most useful to them. They’re guidelines, not rules — the descriptions below aren’t exhaustive and shouldn’t limit what you propose. Some topics fit more than one strand; choose the one that best matches your specific focus.

Technology that expands access and improves instruction — digital skills instruction, blended and distance learning, remote student engagement, and tools that build digital readiness.

How adult education connects to communities, institutions, and systems — industry partnerships, public awareness, student leadership, alignment with state and local priorities, and amplifying the voice of adult education.

Instructional practice across ABE, ASE, HSE, and English language instruction — teaching literacy and numeracy, integrating contextual topics such as financial and digital literacy, and designing inclusive, engaging curricula.

Pathways into postsecondary and workforce training — Integrated Education and Training (IET), Ability to Benefit (ATB), access to financial aid, partnerships with colleges and employers, and dual-enrollment models designed for adult learners.

The services that help learners enroll, persist, and finish — orientation, career coaching, case management, trauma-informed care, advising, and reaching high-need populations.

Building financial knowledge and stability — standalone financial literacy programs, classroom integration of economic topics, partnerships with financial institutions, and national standards that build learner confidence.

Not sure which strand fits? Pick the closest one. The committee reviews for quality and relevance, not for perfect categorization.

Ready to Submit?

Proposals are submitted online and take about 10 minutes. You'll need a session title, a short description, your presenter information, and your strand.

Questions about proposals: contact LAPCAE at (318) 348-4221.

Submit a Proposal

2026 LAPCAE Awards

Recognizing excellence in adult education across Louisiana.

Teacher of the Year

An instructor whose work in the classroom changes outcomes for Louisiana adult learners.

Nominate

Administrator of the Year

A program leader whose management, vision, or advocacy strengthens adult education.

Nominate

Support Person of the Year

The person who makes the program run — advising, data, intake, or the thousand things that don’t fit a title.

Nominate

Student of the Year

An adult learner whose persistence and achievement embody the best this work makes possible.

Nominate

Classroom Learning Grant

Funding for materials, projects, or classroom needs in a Louisiana adult education program.

Apply

Continuing Education Scholarship

Support for adult educators pursuing their own coursework, certification, or degree.

Apply

Nominations July 21 – September 8, 2026 | Committee review September 14–18 | Recipients announced October 1st | Recognized November 3rd at the Awards Luncheon

Registration

Registration opens August 15, 2026.

LAPCAE members receive a reduced rate.  Join or renew first — 2025–26 memberships expire September 1, which also ends your COABE membership.

There is no LAPCAE state conference in 2027 — COABE’s national conference comes to New Orleans that April. This is the year to be in the room with your Louisiana colleagues.

Conference Details

Schedule at a Glance

A look at the three-day program — sessions, meals, and the Awards Luncheon.

View the Schedule

Hotel & Travel

Baton Rouge Marriott. A room block is reserved at a reduced rate for attendees.

Book by October 9th — rooms outside the block aren’t guaranteed.

Reserve your Room

Vendors & Sponsors

Exhibit or sponsor and reach adult education professionals from across Louisiana.

Register as a Vendor