The mission of the Christian Educators Association is to inspire and support Christian educators and encourage community by providing opportunities for spiritual and professional growth based on God’s Word.
The CEA is joining with MANS, CSI and the Catholic Schools Diocese of GR for the 2026 CEA Convention, The Great Lakes Unity Conference which will be held October 15 and 16 at the Amway Hotel and the DeVos Convention Center in Grand Rapids, MI. We pray that this convention will provide professional stimulation and challenge each one of you!
Theme: Unity. Faith. Learning
Venues:
Amway Grand Plaza (187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)
DeVos Place (303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)
Thursday:
Keynote Speaker: Dr. James K.A. Smith from Calvin University
Opening Worship begins at 8:30 am
Featured Speaker: David I. Smith from Calvin University
Friday:
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Joe Sanfelippo from the Fall Creek School District
Closing Worship begins at 8:30 am
Thursday, October 15, Schedule
7:00 am – 3:30 pm Registration Open
8:30 am – 10:00 am Welcome, Devotions, Keynote Address
10:00 am – 4:30 pm Exhibit Hall Open
10:00 am – 10:45 am Dedicated Exhibit Hall Time
10:15 am – 12:45 pm Excursion Block One
10:45 am – 12:00 pm Breakout Session Block One
12:15 pm – 1:30 pm Breakout Session Block Two
1:45 pm – 3:00 pm Breakout Session Block Three
3:15 pm – 4:30 pm Breakout Session Block Four
Friday, October 16, Schedule
7:00 am – 1:00 pm Registration Open
8:30 am – 10:00 am Welcome, Devotions, Keynote Address
10:00 am – 1:30 pm Exhibit Hall Open
10:00 am – 10:30 am Dedicated Exhibit Hall Time
10:30 am – 11:45 pm Breakout Session Block Five
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm Breakout Session Block Six
1:30 pm – 2:45 pm Breakout Session Block Seven
Lunch
You were automatically signed up for lunch on-site with your registration. On-site lunch includes the sandwich of your choice, chips, an apple and a blonde brownie. If you opted out of the on-site lunch, here is a list of nearby lunch options.
Sessions
The session options for the 2026 G.L.U.C. have been released. You can see the sessions here and you will be able to navigate them more easily in the conference app.
Excursions
There are 4 available excursions that were offered when you registered.
The Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum
The Grand Rapids Art Museum
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Van Andel Institute for Education: Engineering and Animal: Design, Build, and Survive!
Hotels
There are 3 hotels with a negotiated rate for conference members:
Amway Grand Plaza
AC Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott.
You can get more information and the booking link here.