2027 Annual Conference FAQs

When is the Conference?

Friday, March 12, 2027

8:00 am-4:00 pm


Where is the Conference?

Cobb Convention Center (Formerly Cobb Galleria Centre)

Two Galleria Parkway
Atlanta, Georgia 30339

(770) 955-8000


How much does the Conference cost?

Registration before February 26, 2027

GPA Members: $80
Non-Members: $105
Full Time Students: $45

**Service fees are added to online payments.


I’m from out of town. Where can I stay?

We have secured the special rates shown below at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel. 2450 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

ROOM RATES: 2 Queen Beds— $155.00 1 King Bed— $155.00

Breakfast can be purchased for an additional price.

Current parking fees are $12.00 per day. The hotel is attached to the Cobb Convention Center by a convenient weather-protected walkway so there will be no need to move your car during the Conference.

Please be advised of additional taxes and fees, as is normal with any hotel stay.

Reservation deadline: February 11, 2027 Please designate ONE person for each room to call for reservations: 1-833-942-2619 or register online by clicking the button below.


How many hours of training will I receive?

There will be 4 one and a half hour sessions of training for a total of 6 hours. Our Conference has been APPROVED by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning for up to 6 hours of training credit.


How do I get credit for attending?

There will be a Certificate of Attendance included in your Conference Booklet. At the conclusion of each session you will receive a sticker to place on the back of the Certificate indicating the session you attended. This Certificate can be uploaded to your GAPDS account or submitted to your Director/Admin.


Do I need to be there for Registration?

If you need to pick up nametags you will need to arrive at 7:30 am to ensure enough time to pick up all Conference supplies.

If you register early and receive your nametags in the mail prior to the conference, you need to arrive early enough to pick up your Conference supplies and get to the first session by 8:00 am.

Be sure to allot time for parking and making your way into the CCC.

Arriving early will also allow you an opportunity to view some of our vendors before the first session starts!


Is there an Early Check-in option this year?

Yes, you may pick up your Conference items early if you are local or staying at the hotel. We will have everything available for Early Check-in Thursday night from 8:00 pm-9:00 pm at the Registration Table in the Cobb Convention Center. The hotel has a convenient weather-protected walkway connecting it to the Convention Center. Please bring your name tag with you. If your name tags were not mailed to you in advance, you may also pick them up Thursday night.


Is lunch provided?

Yes, a Chick-Fil-A boxed lunch is included in your registration fee. Due to the large number of attendees, we are unable to guarantee dietary restriction needs. Vegetarian and gluten free options will be available on a first come, first served basis.


What is the Exhibit Hall?

The Exhibit Hall is a place to view various vendors and service providers to support you in both your personal and professional life.

The Exhibit Hall will be open from 7:30 am until 2:30 pm.


What is the Silent Auction?

The Silent Auction is a fun way to interact with others for chances to win baskets full of items for classroom and personal use as well as gift cards and event tickets.

The Silent Auction will be located in Hall G connected to the Exhibit Hall. It will be open from 7:30 am until 1:15 pm.


Will there be handouts for the sessions?

Handouts and other resources from our presenters will be available on our website for you to print and view ahead of time and bring with you to the Conference. We will also keep them available online for one month following the Conference.

They will be password protected and the password will be provided two weeks prior to the Conference and after registration is completed.


Will there be an opening session?

Yes, Jackie Kops from Pocket of Preschool will be our speaker for the opening session.


Do I need to pre-register for the sessions I wish to attend?

No, all sessions are on a first come, first served basis. Since we are only using Ballrooms at the Cobb Convention Center, finding a seat in any of our sessions should not be a problem.


What do I do when I arrive?

You will park in the Blue parking deck on the left when you turn onto Galleria Drive. Once parked, you will take the elevator down to the 2nd level to access the pedestrian tunnel under Galleria Drive. Then take the next elevator up to the ground level which will put out right outside of the main entrance. Additional parking can be found in the Green Deck.

Please keep in mind that the Convention Center is still undergoing construction.


What should I bring with me?

We suggest you bring handouts for the sessions you wish to attend, something to take notes with, a sweater or light jacket as rooms may vary in temperature, water, and an open mind to learn and better your classroom!


What does it mean to “Host” a session and how do I sign up?

Each session we have someone assigned to assist the Presenter with any needs, help pass out stickers at the end of the session, count how many attendees there are and fill out a brief evaluation on the session. This is very helpful to insure a smooth session experience for all attendees and Presenters.

As our appreciation for helping us, you will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 gift card. Each session you host gives you another entry into the drawing. The more sessions you host the more chances you have to win. Simply choose a workshop you would like to attend, click the button below and sign up to enter.


What can I do around town?

Located just across from Cumberland Mall and The Battery, there are plenty of places to eat, shop, and have fun! The Braves’ home opener isn’t until April 2, 2027 so you will not have to contend for space.