NAIS Gather

Gather 2026 Program

This schedule is subject to change and will be updated with additional programming. All times listed are Eastern Time.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

7:30 AMRegistration Opens
1:00–3:30 PMGather Open HouseJoin us for a lively open house with activities, food, and music as we welcome the community to Gather.
1:45–3:15 PMCommunity Dialogues, Part 1
(Pre-registration required)		Small-group dialogue sessions bring participants together to explore important issues, guided by skilled facilitators who help build the awareness and tools needed to navigate complex conversations with confidence and care.
2:00–3:15 PMFoundation CoursesAttendees can choose one foundational session from any of the three pathways: Renewing and Growing, Sustaining School Belonging, or Engaging Across Community
3:30–5:00 PMGeneral Session: Priya ParkerPriya Parker offers a fresh perspective on how we can approach disagreement with greater intention, clarity, and purpose.
5:15–7:00 PMThe GatheringKick off the first night with a festive gathering full of energy, connection, and celebration.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3

7:30–9:30 AMAffinity CirclesAffinity Circles provide a space to connect, reflect, and build community in a more intentional space. Breakfast is included.
9:45–10:45 AMMorning Renewal General SessionAll participants gather each morning to begin with grounding and shared presence, engaging in arts-based practices that inspire clarity, creativity, and intentional focus.
10:45–11:15 AMCommunity Connection BreakParticipants are invited to grab coffee and a light bite while checking in with community partners and organizations.
11:15 AM–12:30 PMGuided Engagements
  • Community Dialogues, Part 2 (11:15 AM–12:45 PM)
  • Coaches’ Corner 
  • Mentor Match 
  • Featured Seminars 
  • And more
The Guided Engagements block offers participants the option to explore a range of thoughtfully curated sessions and interactive experiences tailored to their interests and goals. 
  • Community Dialogues: Small-group dialogue sessions bring participants together to explore important issues, guided by skilled facilitators who help build the awareness and tools needed to navigate complex conversations with confidence and care. 
  • Coaches’ Corner: Participants can engage in complimentary one-on-one conversations with experienced coaches who provide personalized guidance, practical insights, and real-time support on pressing leadership challenges.  
  • Mentor Match: A relaxed space where participants can connect across roles and experiences, fostering meaningful relationships between mentors and mentees through informal conversation. 
  • Featured Seminars: These expert-led sessions deepen understanding and provide practical strategies on key issues shaping independent school leadership.
12:30–1:45 PMLunch
1:45–3:00 PMWorkshopsThis workshop block features member-led sessions—offered in 75- and 30-minute formats—designed to share practical insights, strategies, and innovations from across the independent school community. 
3:15–4:30 PMGeneral Session: Kenji YoshinoKenji Yoshino shares insights to help leaders understand how belonging is created, how trust is strengthened, and how institutions can respond thoughtfully to today's evolving challenges. 
5:00 PMOptional Evening Activities

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

7:30–9:30 AMAffinity CirclesAffinity Circles provide a space to connect, reflect, and build community in a more intentional space. Breakfast is included.
9:45–10:45 AMMorning Renewal General SessionAll participants gather each morning to begin with grounding and shared presence, engaging in arts-based practices that inspire clarity, creativity, and intentional focus.
10:45–11:15 AMCommunity Connection BreakParticipants are invited to grab coffee and a light bite while checking in with community partners and organizations.
11:15 AM–12:30 PMGuided Engagements
  • Community Dialogues, Part 3 (11:15 AM–12:45 PM)
  • Coaches’ Corner 
  • Mentor Match 
  • Featured Seminars 
  • And more
The Guided Engagements block offers participants the option to explore a range of thoughtfully curated sessions and interactive experiences tailored to their interests and goals. 
  • Community Dialogues: Small-group dialogue sessions bring participants together to explore important issues, guided by skilled facilitators who help build the awareness and tools needed to navigate complex conversations with confidence and care. 
  • Coaches’ Corner: Participants can engage in complimentary one-on-one conversations with experienced coaches who provide personalized guidance, practical insights, and real-time support on pressing leadership challenges.  
  • Mentor Match: A relaxed space where participants can connect across roles and experiences, fostering meaningful relationships between mentors and mentees through informal conversation. 
  • Featured Seminars: These expert-led sessions deepen understanding and provide practical strategies on key issues shaping independent school leadership.
12:30–1:45 PMLunch
1:45–3:00 PMWorkshopsThis workshop block features member-led sessions—offered in 75- and 30-minute formats—designed to share practical insights, strategies, and innovations from across the independent school community. 
3:15–4:30 PMGeneral Session
Speaker TBD
5:00 PMGather to CelebrateGather to Celebrate is a lively, end-of-conference celebration where participants come together to celebrate the learning and relationships built throughout Gather.