March 25, 2026 – Why Should I Attend a Convention?

Mercy Every Minute

Deborah Wuehler, TOS Senior Editor

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Convention Season!

It’s beginning to look a lot like my favorite time of year: convention season! So much knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration all in one place! Perhaps you have heard of homeschool conventions for years, but have never bothered to attend one. So, you may be wondering why you should go to all the time, trouble, and expense of attending a convention. Here are a few reasons:

The Encouragement Factor

Fearful new homeschoolers as well as veterans near the end of their journey are both in desperate need of encouragement. A homeschool convention with powerful and motivating speakers provides enough encouragement for both. New homeschoolers come away feeling like they can now get a good start, and veterans are given the precious fuel they need to continue the journey.

The Camaraderie Factor 

No one likes the feeling of being alone in our convictions. The homeschool convention provides an atmosphere of camaraderie by sharing with large numbers of families the same strong conviction to homeschool. It is revitalizing to see so many out there doing the same. 

The Convenience & Economic Factors

There are always so many homeschool vendors represented at conventions. The ability to review their products and services in person is a great advantage. Vendors are more than willing to answer any questions. In addition, many vendors offer special discounts for convention attendees.

The Spiritual Factor 

Often our hearts are convicted of a certain road to travel with our families but our minds (or spouses!) are not totally convinced. Conventions can bring the confirmation needed that we are on the right path for the right reasons. 

Homeschooling families rarely get time off to think through what they would like to see happen in their homeschool. Time spent at a convention allows them the time and resources to process and plan for each child.

If you are in a slump or need new ideas, your local homeschool convention could be just the source of inspiration and encouragement that you need. I encourage you to, “Just go!”

~ Deborah

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GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

Andrew Pudewa

Institute for Excellence in Writing, www.IEW.com

Why Should I Attend a Convention?

Money can be tight. Time is precious. You can find online nearly all the information you will ever need. So, is going to a convention really worth it?

A friend once articulated something we all instinctively know: “Teaching is the overflow of the soul of the teacher to the soul of the student.”  To do that, of course, the teacher’s soul must be full. Yes, we can read. We can watch videos. We can pray. For so many of us, the busyness of life makes the things we can and should do to fill ourselves up somewhat less important than the crisis of the moment.

In reality, a convention is a retreat—a place to gather with like-minded people, see and hear new ideas, ask questions, and contemplate. Even if the talks aren’t life-changing, ideas worthy of contemplation are everywhere. One small idea from an unexpected source can improve your life. Sometimes those ideas don’t come from speakers but from one-on-one conversations with other homeschooling parents.

Taking the time to attend a convention is a bit like exercising or practicing music: You may not want to do it before you do it, but after you do it, you are happier for having done it. So step out, get yourself to a convention this year, fill yourself with inspiration and ideas, and make some new friends.

Stacy Farrell

HomeschoolAdventure.com

Say Yes!

If you’ve never attended a homeschool convention, you’re missing a powerful source of encouragement and practical help. 

The Community

Where else can you surround yourself with hundreds of like-minded moms who understand your passion for giving your children a rich, faith-filled education? 

Picture this: you strike up a conversation in the vendor hall, bond over shared struggles, exchange emails—and suddenly, you have a friend who invites your family for a park day, and texts you with encouragement on tough days.

These aren’t superficial ties; they’re forged in mutual understanding of the challenges you face on this homeschooling journey. 

The Connections

Some connections become lifelong support networks: 

• Co-ops are formed
• Playdates are scheduled
• Accountability partners are discovered.

Speakers inspire, resources equip, but the relationships? They sustain you through seasons of doubt . . .  and celebrate with you through seasons of success.

The Curriculum

Ah, the vendor hall—your hands-on homeschool playground . . .

• Leaf through actual books.
• Test gadgets and games.
• Compare choices right there on the spot.

Talk directly with authors and leave with solid answers, smart savings, and resources chosen with confidence.

The Commitment

Attending a homeschool convention is a powerful act of commitment to the calling God has placed on your family.

Stepping through those doors means saying yes to investing in your children’s hearts, minds, and futures with fresh vision and renewed purpose. 

You’ll step out of those doors with rekindled inspiration, practical wisdom for the year ahead, and relationships to sustain you through tough days. Your homeschool will be blessed! 

With His love,

Stacy 

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About the author

Surprised by Jesus, Stacy went from an unmarried, childless, thirty-something career woman to a Christ-following wife of more than thirty years with two sons she homeschooled K-12.

Author of more than twenty books—including the award-winning Philosophy Adventure and Food Prep Guide: A Plan for Money-Saving, Self-Sustaining Abundance in Hard Times—she loves to equip and encourage homeschool families. Visit her at HomeschoolAdventure.com and at FoodPrepGuide.com.

American School offers affordable, accredited, print and online courses in grades 6-12, with full-year programs and individual subjects available. Visit www.americanschool.org to learn more.

Adam and Dianne Riveiro

Hey Dad, Get to a Homeschool Convention!

Ladies, forward this to your husband!

Hey, fellow dad! I don’t know you, your wife, or your situation. But despite all this, I’ll throw caution to the wind and speak for a moment on behalf of your wife (a dangerous thought, I know!).

She wants you to go with her to the next homeschool convention.

I know what you’re thinking. I was there too once. “It’s her job, not mine.” “I can’t take the day off work.” “Will it just be a bunch of women there and nobody for me to talk to?” “Will I spend a bunch of money?”

To answer briefly: No, it’s not; Yes, you can; No, it won’t; and . . . possibly!

I understand it may be a sacrifice for you to accompany your wife to the next convention. You may feel like a fish out of water. I’d just like you to put those thoughts aside for a moment and consider how much your wife would likely love your presence, your feedback, and your encouragement at the conference. And for you, sir, it would help you understand the complexities of homeschooling and how your wife is basically a superhero for doing what she does day in and day out.

Every situation is different, and this advice isn’t one-size-fits-all. But if you’ve never attended a conference before with your wife, would you at least ask her what her thoughts are and commit them to prayer before you send her alone (with the kids, likely) for another year?

-Adam

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About the author

Pastor Adam and Dianne Riveiro live in Easton, Massachusetts, where Adam serves as the pastor of Liberty Baptist Church. Together, they’ve authored several books, including their newest book Ministering to YOUR Children with Special Needs, published by Ready Scribe Publications. Parents to four amazing kids—Bethany, Kaylee, AJ, and Peyton—the Riveiros are deeply committed to helping special needs families discover joy and contentment through Christ.

Brandi Wade

Gather and Grow

Speaker bios are popping up in your inboxes along with the sweet savings of early-bird specials and the anticipation of reconnecting with the homeschool community at large . . . it’s homeschool convention time! 

Annual homeschool conventions give us the opportunity to gather and grow. I always look forward to being surrounded by others who have chosen to exercise their freedom in educating their families in this way. It truly is a calling—and one that requires a village. That is where conventions come in. Families from near and far: some just starting out, some a few good years in, some preparing to launch their teenagers into the world—and others who have traveled the road and are empty-nesters who understand the importance of encouragement in this choice of education. 

The first year I attended the Home Educators Association of Virginia’s (HEAV) annual convention, I felt a bit overwhelmed, as it is one of the largest in the country. I attended alone that year, but that was the first and last time I went alone. My family has been going together ever since. 

I believe convention time is a sought-after event in the lives of many homeschool families. The chance to gather with others, celebrate what has taken place over the last year, and look forward to the next is invaluable. I believe we need the yearly refresh for the connections and the encouragement. This homeschool journey is not without its ups and downs, and having a milestone event like a convention truly helps. 

Have fun and safe travels!

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About the author

A former public school teacher, Brandi has transitioned to freelance editing, writing, and graphic design work and is a content writer for Home Educators Association of Virginia. She is currently raising the next generation of Kingdom Warriors through homeschooling her three boys and serving alongside her husband, a pastor of families. Brandi loves to warm hearts through her devotionals, warm bellies through her cooking and baking, and warm bodies with her crochet and knit creations.

Homeschool connections offer encouragement, clarity, and connection all in one place. From discovering and sharing new resources, to meeting other homeschooling families, homeschool connections like Schoolhouses remind parents they’re not alone on this journey. Attending a Schoolhouse can refresh your vision, answer lingering questions, and reignite your confidence for the road ahead. See if there is a Schoolhouse near you!