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EAST CONFERENCE 2026

March 17-19, 2026

Logo by Anna Beth Smith & Tamar Farmer
of Nettleton STEAM Intermediate

Best of Conference Contests

Best of Conference contests are an opportunity for EAST programs to showcase their best in four (4) unique categories. The EAST Facilitator Advisory Board (FAB) and EAST Board of Directors members will choose up to five (5) finalists for each category. Finalists will be announced during the Opening Session on Wednesday, March 18. Details for participation can be found below.

Submission Deadline: All contest submissions must be received by 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 17 to be considered.

Each EAST program will be able to place one (1) vote for their favorite finalist in each category. Voting will be held online from noon - 10 pm on Wednesday, March 18.

Facilitators, vote for your favorite Best of Conference finalists in each category. Voting can be done on the MyPlanner page of the EAST Conference website. One vote per school per category. Look for the floor stickers in the Exhibit Hall to find all finalists.

Judging Process & Conflict of Interest: To ensure a fair competition, FAB members will recuse themselves from judging any category in which their program has an entry.

Dressed to a Tee

Show off your program’s marketing skills by creating a custom tee for your team to wear during EAST Conference 2025. To participate, wear your team tee during booth setup on Day 1 and drop a sample of your custom tee at the Best of Conference/Networking Group Check-In tables on your way to Registration! (Sample tees will be returned to your booth on Day 3.)

EAST in Print

Traditional printed materials (brochures, flyers, postcards, and other standard printed handouts) are designed to communicate information about your program and are great ways to share information with other programs and community partners. Put your hard work on display. To participate, drop a sample of your printed material at the Best of Conference/Networking Group Check-In tables on your way to Registration!

Innovative Giveaways

Creativity doesn’t stop at paper! This category highlights innovative, hands-on ways to share your program’s message — such as keychains, 3D-printed pieces, laser-cut items, small promotional keepsakes, or other creative take-home designs. Show off your imagination and marketing skills. To participate, drop a sample of your promotional item at the Best of Conference/Networking Group Check-In tables on your way to Registration!

Single Booth and Super Booth Signature

Conference booths give programs the chance to showcase their wins for the year. Keep the tradition alive with your physical booth design. All booth guidelines and assessment rubric standards must be followed to be eligible.