What is School Marketing?
In this episode, we explore the tools and strategies that are being used in the private sector and the actionable steps you can use to take your schools to the next level.
SchoolCEO Conference
What Parents Want: Breaking Through the Noise in an Era of Choice
Join education leaders at SchoolCEO to discover how strategic parent communication drives enrollment and community trust. Learn proven approaches to reach modern families, differentiate your district, and build lasting connections through effective digital engagement.
September 24th - September 25th, 2025
Little Rock, Arkansas
Statehouse Convention Center
Statehouse Convention Center
Register for SchoolCEO Conference!
This year’s SchoolCEO Conference brings together K-12 leaders to master the art of parent communication in an increasingly competitive education landscape. You’ll learn how to address a core challenge facing districts today: standing out and building lasting trust with families.
Through expert-led sessions, school leaders will learn proven strategies to articulate their district's unique value, effectively reach modern parents (especially moms who drive school choice decisions), and leverage digital communications to strengthen community bonds. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable frameworks for crafting compelling district narratives, implementing strategic parent outreach programs, and utilizing technology to maintain meaningful two-way engagement that drives enrollment and retention.
“Hands down the best conference
I’ve ever been to.”
Past attendees
SchoolCEO Conference is designed for:
Superintendents
As the visionary leader of your district, SchoolCEO Conference will not only equip you with practical ways to grow your community but also challenge the way you think about marketing and workplace culture.
I learned more in one day of the SchoolCEO Conference than any conference I've attended.
Communications & Public Relations Directors
As a communications leader, SchoolCEO Conference will inspire you to think differently about how you reach both internal and external audiences. You’ll learn out-of-the-box ways to get people to talk about your schools.
If you're not at this conference, you're not doing it right. This is exactly what educators need right now.
Human Resources & Recruiting Directors
As someone that sets the tone for culture in your schools, SchoolCEO Conference will challenge what you know about recruitment and culture. You’ll learn how to motivate your team and recruit the best people to your district.
SchoolCEO Conference is a great opportunity for school and school district leaders to think differently about their culture and brand, and listening to speakers and being surrounded by others that will push and challenge your thinking.
Family Engagement & Retention Directors
Families are at the heart of what makes your district special. But how do you engage them to take part in the great things that are happening in your schools? That’s a question we’ll dive into at SchoolCEO Conference.
We just feel empowered and excited to go back and implement what we learned.
Past speakers
All of our speakers are experts in their fields from storytelling to strategic framing to branding and marketing.
Michael Bonner
Michael Bonner is a renowned leader, innovator, and performance booster, who is a trailblazer in leadership development and organizational culture. He is a dynamic keynote speaker as seen on The Ellen Show, NBC Nightly News, and Time for Kids and a recent recipient of Atlanta's 40 under 40 awards. He is the CEO of Bonnerville, a business that promotes the value of self-care and a highly respected team member at the famed Ron Clark Academy.
Karen Eber
Karen Eber is a global leadership consultant and keynote speaker. Her book, The Perfect Story, teaches you how to turn a merely good story into a great one. As the CEO and Chief Storyteller of Eber Leadership Group, Karen helps companies build leaders, teams, and culture, one story at a time.
Neal Foard
Neal Foard is an award-winning marketing and creative professional with leadership experience in advertising, experiential marketing, and brand development. Today, he is a popular storyteller on YouTube and Instagram. He has consulted on creative messaging for Fortune 500 companies and universities and has been a featured speaker at TEDx conferences.
Schedule
Day 1 - Pre-Conference
Wednesday, September 24th, 2024
Registration
10:30 AM - 5:30 PM Conference check-in
Pre-Conference Sessions at Apptegy HQ
11:30am to 5:00pm
Ideas & Resources at 9:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am
Tools & Tips at 12:30, 2:00, and 3:30pm
Lunch at Apptegy
11:30am to 12:30pm
Welcome Dinner and Drinks
6:00pm—9:00pm
Day 2 - Conference
Thursday, September 25th, 2025
08:00 AM
Breakfast at the Statehouse Convention Center
08:30 AM
Opening Session
11:45 AM
Lunch
04:50 PM
Closing Session
06:00 PM
Dinner & live band karaoke
Register now
“We attend lots of conferences, we have never felt more welcome.”
This conference is different from others you've attended. Why?
Get a head start.
Read a few of our Apptegy and SchoolCEO resources on topics about school marketing, how to navigate tough conversations, and our latest research on what parents want from school communication.
About SchoolCEO
SchoolCEO is a research and perspectives magazine for superintendents and other K12 leaders. Published quarterly in print and online, SchoolCEO is the only magazine focused on marketing in K-12 public education. This publication equips educators with the unique and actionable ideas they need to brand and market their schools in a highly competitive environment. With more than 20,000 readers, SchoolCEO is leading the conversation on communications, recruitment, and branding in public education. For past issues and more information visit schoolceo.com .
Why Little Rock?
Little Rock is where we're from and we'd love to bring you one step closer to our culture and our people!
Plus, you'll get first hand views of the beautiful Arkansas River and enjoy some delicious Southern comfort food in the bustling downtown River Market.
Hotel information
Little Rock Marriott
New hotel and conference center—same amazing experience!
Group rate information coming soon.
3 Statehouse Plaza
Little Rock, AR 72201
Register now!
The best one-day conference school leaders can attend*
*Technically, it’s a day and a half.