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"Empowering Science: Strategies for Cultivating Joy, Creating Space, and Driving Innovation"
HASTI State Conference
February 20th - 22nd, 2026
HASTI Conference Chair: Dawn Bick
Featuring sessions spanning two days and an exhibit area featuring leaders in the STEM industry, the HASTI conference is the premier professional development in Indiana with networking opportunities for Hoosier science teachers.
Why attend the conference?
- Over 80 presentations and workshops.
- Over 50 commercial and non-profit organizations vendors
- Teacher give-away room for new and beginning teachers
- NETWORKING, NETWORKING, NETWORKING
Strands:
Cultivating joy in education- Strategies for helping teachers stay positive, present and engaged in teaching
Creating space for science- Presentations will include ideas for how elementary and preschool teachers can incorporate science in their busy schedules, how Middle and High School teachers can fit in needed content
Driving Innovation in STEM- Presentations in this strand will address the future of technology and how it fits into science education
Fostering Sustainability in science- Proposals will include ideas about how science can be used to sustain our environment, ecology and future
Plenary Speaker:
Ryan Murray and Tanika Kinartail from CIESC
"Thinking Forward: How AI Empowers Critical and Creative Minds"
Artificial intelligence isn't a threat to the way we teach; it's a profound opportunity to redefine it. This keynote will inspire us to move past anxieties and embrace AI as a powerful partner in fostering deep thinking and unlocking incredible creativity in our students. We'll explore a hopeful vision for the future, where AI empowers us as educators and creates a more joyful and innovative learning environment for all.
Returning this year:
Purdue Outreach Program
These two hour workshops will focus on:
These sessions are being scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, both am and pm.
--Cost to register is $10 per session, which will be added to the conference registration fee or all 4 for $35.
--Teachers MUST pre-register for these sessions during registration and will not be able to register on site.
--Each workshop is limited to 20 participants at a time, to serve a total of 80 participants throughout the conference
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Guidebook is back
The HASTI program will be available through an online mobile app - Guidebook. This format is available to those who register for the conference. Features include providing evaluations to presentations, PGP credentials, networking with presenters, attendees, and vendors. With the usage of Guidebook there will be NO printed program.
Program Sessions
Coming Soon
HASTI Meals
Included with conference registration is a lunch for both Saturday and Sunday. The planning committee recognized that there are special needs for our attendees. If you require a special lunch that is not listed on the registration form please contact the Registration Manager with your request. We will do our best about accommodating special meals. Pre-registration guarantees meals for the conference. Onsite registration does not include meals.
FREE Social Events
Friday Evening: 6-9 pm
Join us at Noblesville High School for an evening of relaxation, games, fun, and shopping!!
Agenda - Sessions
Friday
Relaxation activities to bring you JOY - 6-9 pm
Noblesville High School
Saturday
Registration - 8:00 am
Keynote Speaker/Awards Ceremony 8:30 - 9:30
Break-out Sessions - 9:45 - 4:00 pm
Lunch/Shopping 11:30 - 1:00
Sunday
Registration - 8:00 am
Break-out Sessions - 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Exhibit Hall Open - 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Lunch/Shopping 11:30 - 1:00
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READY TO ATTEND?
Pre-registration Fees
Deadline for ONLINE registration - February 1st, 2026
Early Bird Rate (September 1st, 2025 -January 16th, 2026)
Full Conference - $100.00
Saturday only - $70.00
Sunday only - $70.00
Later Bird Rate (January 17th- February 1st, 2026 )
Full Conference - $130
Saturday only - $90
Sunday only - $90
Latest Bird Rate (February 1st - February 22nd; onsite registration)
Full Conference - $160
Saturday only - $110
Sunday only - $110
Lunch will NOT be included in registrations after February 10th
Pre-service/First Year Teacher
Full Conference - $30.00
Saturday only $10.00
Sunday only - $10.00
Refund Policy
Conference registration is non-refundable after February 8, 2026
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College Student and Beginning Teachers Conference Scholarship
Application for the College Student and Beginning Teacher Conference Scholarship to attend the 2026 HASTI conference is now open. Those receiving scholarships will submit sessions attended and report their learnings. Go to the following link to apply for a scholarship.
https://form.jotform.com/220058178167054
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Payment
Payment is expected once registration is completed online. Payment completes registration. Payment is made either through credit card, check or an approved purchase order.
Mail checks to:
Greg McCurdy
PO Box 383
New Albany, IN 47150-2367
Purchase Orders
Purchase orders will be accepted. A copy of the signed purchase order including the correct amount approved and the list of teachers attending the conference can be either mailed or emailed into the Registration Manager. Payment is expected prior to the conference.
Mail or email these forms to:
Registration Manager, Jane Hunn
601 North Wayne Street
North Manchester, IN 46962
Email: Registrationmanager@hasti.org
** If using a purchase order for onsite registration a copy of the completed and signed purchase order must be included at the time of registration.
Want to stay at the hotel during the conference?
We have secured a block of rooms at the Fairfield Inn and Suites (a Marriott property) in Noblesville at a group rate of $119.00 per night plus applicable taxes. The room rate includes breakfast at the hotel. Click on the link provided. Please consider making your reservation at the Marriott. Deadline for the group rate is February 6th , 2026 at 5 pm
https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1758745613950&key=GRP&app=resvlink
MORE ROOMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FAIRFIELD INN! Reserve yours by February 6th to get our group rate.
There are other hotels nearby if you choose to stay at a different location. Those are listed below:
If you have any questions or concerns regarding registration, please contact the Registration Manager at RegistrationManager@hasti.org
