2026 Smart Start Conference
Organized by North Carolina Partnership for Children (Smart Start)
The Smart Start Conference is an annual statewide in-person gathering for nonprofit staff and board members, and professionals supporting early education systems.
- Dates
- May 4-7, 2026
- Location
- Greensboro, NC
- Deadline
- Mar 15, 2026
- Attendees
- 1,000
- Vendors
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About this conference
The Smart Start Conference is an annual statewide in-person gathering for nonprofit staff and board members, and professionals supporting early education systems. It provides advanced professional development for early childhood leaders committed to improving the quality of and access to early childhood services for all children ages birth to five. The conference features a full day of preconference sessions followed by three days of workshops, keynotes, special breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Workshop focus areas include Early Care and Education, Child, Family, & Community Health, Family Support and Engagement, Data, Learning, and Evaluation, Systems Building and Leadership, and Public Engagement and Fundraising/Advocacy.
Sponsorship options
Conference sponsorship helps offset event costs, keeping registration affordable and expanding access for nonprofit leaders across North Carolina. Sponsors gain meaningful visibility with an engaged audience to more than 1,000 Smart Start Conference attendees.
Attendee roles and functions
Roles and teams represented at 2026 Smart Start Conference
Conference verticals
Public-sector and commercial markets covered by this event
Vendors at this conference
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