Before the ILA 2017 Conference & Exhibits kicks off on July 15 in Orlando, many attendees choose to warm up their brains at the interactive Preconference Institutes: focused, full-day sessions that unpack research, techniques, and strategies to apply in the classroom. If you will be in the Orlando area on July 14 and are looking to hone a new skill, check out the complete list of institutes and consider these seven perks:

• Intensive and immersive learning experiences: The 10 Preconference Institutes each concentrate on a hot topic in literacy, including equity in early literacy, supporting English learners, digital storytelling, accommodations for learning disabilities, and more. This offers you an opportunity to focus on a specific challenge or area of interest.
• Face-to-face connections: The intimate setting and extended time allows for more opportunities to form new professional relationships and strengthen existing ones. Preconference Institutes offer an ideal environment to exchange relevant ideas, insights, and experiences with literacy leaders from around the world.
• Lay the foundation: Preconference Institutes offer an in-depth look at topics explored at conference sessions and events. This provides the basis for a stronger conference learning experience.
• Interactive learning formats: Several of the institutes incorporate videos, discussion, paired exercises, digital demonstrations, and more.  
• Meet experts: You will have the opportunity to speak with and learn from respected literacy scholars and practitioners as they highlight critical insights from their research, present the practical applications of their findings, and lead breakout and informal discussions. 
• One-day registration: If you don’t have the time or resources to commit to the full ILA Conference & Exhibits, you can register for one all-day institute at a lower cost.  See conference registration for the complete range of prices.
• Get ramped-up: Former attendees have said that the Preconference Institutes jumpstart their learning and set the enthusiastic tone of the entire conference.

Register now and receive Standard rates through July 12.

Alina O’Donnell is the editor of Literacy Daily.