ALTA 2027 National Conference — Literacy in Flight

April 29 – May 1, 2027 · Charlotte, NC & Virtual

Literacy in Flight

Language and literacy open doors to every other kind of learning. This year's theme celebrates the moment a struggling reader takes off, and the Certified Academic Language Practitioners and Therapists who help make that happen through Multisensory Structured Language intervention. Join researchers, practitioners, and advocates in Charlotte or online for the latest in interdisciplinary research and practical strategies to help every learner soar.

December 31, 2026Early bird pricing ends
February 15, 2027Sponsor & exhibitor deadline
April 7, 2027Hotel group rate deadline

Register

2-day in person

The full conference experience in Charlotte, with every session, networking, and the exhibit hall.

Register for 2 days

1-day in person

Can't make both days? Join us in Charlotte for a single day of sessions.

Register for 1 day

Virtual

Attend the conference online from wherever you are.

Register virtually

Group discounts of 10–15% are available for 5 or more in-person registrants. No cancellations or refunds after December 31, 2026, but in-person registrations can be converted to virtual until April 15, 2027.

Schedule

Select a day to see its schedule. Sessions are still being finalized, so check back for breakout details and additional speakers.

Thursday, April 29
4:00 – 6:00 PM
Registration desk opens

Friday, April 30

5.5 CE hours available
7:00 – 8:00 AM
Registration & breakfast
8:00 – 8:15 AM
Opening remarksPatricia Elkins, ALTA President
8:15 – 9:30 AM
Keynote$1.5 Million Contract with a Fourth-Grade Reading LevelDeon Butler, Former NFL
9:30 – 9:45 AM
Break
9:45 – 10:45 AM
Next Steps in Elementary Literacy Instruction: The Importance of Bridging, Connections, and Integration for Better ReadingDr. Kelly Cartwright
10:45 – 11:30 AM
Break with exhibitors
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
The Integration of Written Expression and Reading ComprehensionNancy Coffman
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Lunch
1:30 – 2:30 PM
Business meeting and awards
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Breakout sessionsDetails coming soon
3:30 – 4:15 PM
PanelThe History and Influence of ALTAALTA Past Presidents, moderated by Patricia Elkins
4:15 – 4:30 PM
Closing remarksPatricia Elkins, ALTA President

Saturday, May 1

5.5 CE hours available
7:00 – 8:00 AM
Registration & breakfast
8:00 – 8:15 AM
Opening remarksPatricia Elkins, ALTA President
8:15 – 9:45 AM
KeynoteResearch-Informed Interventions for Individuals with DyslexiaDr. Margie Gillis
9:45 – 10:00 AM
Break
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Leveling the Literacy Playing Field: A Balanced Approach to Assistive TechnologyNanci Shepardson
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
General sessionDetails coming soon
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Break with exhibitors & poster presentations
2:00 – 4:45 PM
Breakout sessionsDetails coming soon
5:00 PM
Closing remarksPatricia Elkins, ALTA President

Host hotel

Charlotte Marriott City Center

Group rate: $229/night

Book by: April 7, 2027

Book your room
Charlotte Marriott City Center
Attendees networking at the 2026 ALTA conference A full session room at the 2026 ALTA conference

Sponsors & exhibitors

Put your name in front of the people shaping literacy.

ALTA's conference draws certified Academic Language Therapists and Practitioners from across the country. Sponsorship and exhibit tables put your organization in the room with them.

Become a sponsor Reserve an exhibit table
ALTA sponsor at the 2026 conference ALTA sponsor booth at the 2026 conference
Questions? Contact office@altaread.org or (512) 488-9897.