View Original HTML Email
Today's the Day: Early Bird Ends Tonight
This is your last chance to save on registration, apply to volunteer, and apply for the AECT Foundation Lottery — all three close today.
Early Bird Registration Ends Today
This is it — today is the last day to lock in the lowest rate for AECT26. Join colleagues from around the world at the Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago, but register before midnight tonight to save.
| Category |
Rate |
CC Fee (3.5%) |
Total Online |
| Student / Retired Member |
$325 |
$11 |
$336 |
| Regular & International Member |
$490 |
$17 |
$507 |
| Bundle: Registration + Regular Membership |
$715 |
$25 |
$740 |
| Non-Member Registration |
$850 |
$29 |
$879 |
Final reminder: Early Bird pricing ends tonight, August 17, 2026. Rates increase starting tomorrow — this is your last chance at the lowest price.
Not yet a member? Join AECT to access member rates. Verification requests for student, retired, or international memberships must be submitted today by 5:00 PM PST.
Don't Forget Your Hotel
While you're registering, reserve your room at the Palmer House Hilton — two blocks from Millennium Park in the heart of downtown Chicago. Book early to secure the AECT group rate before rooms sell out.
Booking deadline: Reserve your room at the AECT group rate by October 2, 2026.
Check Your Membership Status
Member rates offer meaningful savings on AECT26 registration — but they're only available to members in good standing. Before you register, take a moment to confirm your membership is active, and renew if needed so you don't miss out on the member rate.
Last Call: Volunteer at AECT26
Today is the final day to apply to volunteer at AECT26. Be part of the team that makes the convention unforgettable — this opportunity is open to AECT student members and recent graduates, and seats are limited.
Applications close tonight. Don't wait — submit your volunteer application before the day is out.
Last Call: AECT Foundation Lottery
Today is also the final day to apply for the AECT Foundation Lottery. International AECT members who are citizens living and working in a low-income nation — and eligible enrolled students — may apply for a $250 reimbursement toward convention registration.
Applications close tonight, August 17. Get yours in before the day ends.
Options for International Attendees
Need more time to arrange your visa or travel? Reserve the Early Bird rate of $490 now with a $90 non-refundable deposit, then pay the $400 balance by October 19, 2026. Available to current International AECT members only.
Deposit deadline is today, August 17 — the same date as the Early Bird cutoff. Get your deposit in before the day ends.
Explore the Full AECT26 Program Schedule
Have you browsed the searchable program schedule yet? Explore sessions, workshops, Presidential Sessions, and more, and start planning your days in Chicago. Filter by division, session type, or day to build your personal itinerary.
Spread the Word
Presenter Toolkit
Presenting at AECT26? Let your network know! Our Presenter Toolkit makes it easy to share your session on social media — choose the editable template to add your headshot, or grab the ready-to-go general graphic.
Attendee Toolkit
Coming to AECT26? Help us build the buzz! Download our Attendee Toolkit graphic and share on your favorite social platforms to let your network know you'll be in Chicago this November.
Missed Convention Countdown Live? Catch the Encore
If you couldn't make our first live session, you have another chance to get the inside scoop on everything AECT26 — live, from the team planning it. Bring your questions; we'll leave plenty of time for Q&A.
Encore Session: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 — 12:00 PM (Noon) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Pre-Conference Workshops
Kick off the convention early with a hands-on pre-conference workshop on Tuesday, November 3. Seats are limited and workshop fees are separate from convention registration.
Professional Development
Apply for the 2026 Early Career Symposium
AECT's Research and Theory Division is hosting the 2026 Early Career Symposium, sponsored by AECT, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. CST in Chicago. The symposium engages participants in career building, mentoring, and networking, pairing early-career scholars with a mentor — a mid-career or senior faculty member with a strong scholarly record — for feedback and guidance on developing a technology-oriented research agenda.
The Symposium welcomes two groups of applicants: early career faculty (within five years of their terminal degree, or postdocs within two years of graduation who are actively seeking faculty positions) and advanced doctoral students in the final stages of completing their degree. Five to ten applicants will be selected in each category through a competitive process. Preference is given to early career faculty outside research-intensive institutions, and special consideration is given to members of underrepresented groups. Applicants must be AECT members in good standing and may not have participated in a previous year's symposium.
Participants are expected to attend a pre- and post-symposium webinar, attend the Symposium and AECT26 convention in Chicago, and submit a proposal for the 2027 AECT Convention connected to research developed with their mentor's support.
To apply: Faculty and postdoc applicants submit a cover letter (career and research statement, one single-spaced page, 10 pt. font minimum) and an updated CV. Student applicants submit a cover letter, an updated CV, and a statement of support from their dissertation advisor.
Deadline: Sunday, September 13, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
Questions about the Early Career Symposium? Contact Dr. Tiffany Roman at troman5@kennesaw.edu.
Sponsor AECT26
Put your brand in front of hundreds of engaged educators and researchers. The University Reception Sponsorship is $1,200 (up to 20 spots). View the full prospectus for all tiers, including Plenary Sponsor, International Lounge Sponsor, and Exhibitor. Contact operations@aect.org to discuss the best fit.