Save the Date for the 2024 PAEA Education Forum & Fall Workshops
PAEA is thrilled to announce the 2024 PAEA Education Forum and Fall Workshops will be held in the vibrant and historic city of Washington, DC. The conference, scheduled from October 6-10, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of PAEA’s year, offering an invaluable opportunity for members to convene and exchange best practices and insights in the field of PA education.
I am looking forward to hosting a world-class event in a world-class city. Next year’s conference promises to be an exceptional gathering, providing a stage for faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to share their innovative work, discuss emerging trends, and collaborate with fellow educators.
PAEA President Elect Nicole Burwell, PhD, MSHS, PA-C
As we gather in the nation’s capital, attendees will once again have an opportunity to participate in the popular Forum Hill Day, during which our members can mount a large-scale advocacy effort on Capitol Hill to advance the interests of PA education. As attendees of the 2019 Education Forum may remember, PAEA’s Government Relations Team secures meetings on Capitol Hill and provides training to help participants effectively engage in grassroots advocacy on behalf of the profession.
To Welcome All, We Made a Change
Until the summer of 2023, the Association planned to hold the 2024 Education Forum in Orlando, Florida. In order to welcome hundreds of members to the Education Forum, PAEA must select and reserve conference locations several years in advance. However, in the years since that location was selected, the state has adopted policies that have prompted groups like the NAACP, Equality Florida, and the League of United Latin American Citizens to issue travel advisories.
In July 2023, the PAEA Board of Directions approved a motion to move the 2024 Education Forum to Washington, DC:
Move to cancel PAEA’s contract with the Swan & Dolphin for the 2024 Education Forum in Orlando, Florida, and pay the liquidated damages due to a significant conflict between the laws of the State of Florida and the Association’s mission and values, as well as the imminent threat to the physical and psychological safety of our members, and explore options for other locations.”
It is important for PAEA to live its mission and values; what made this decision so compelling was the concern that some members would feel unsafe or unwelcome in Florida. For PAEA members, the attraction of an in-person conference lies in the ability to relish in community and camaraderie that leaves attendees feeling invigorated and inspired. While no location can guarantee total safety, the Board determined Florida would not be able to offer the sense of security and welcoming environment needed to create the engaging conference experience that our members expect and deserve.
PAEA is committed to welcoming all members who may be interested in attending the Education Forum and Fall Workshops.
Mark Your Calendar
We hope you will save the date and join us from October 6 to 10, 2024, in Washington, DC. The 2024 Education Forum and Fall Workshops promises to be an unforgettable experience. Additional details, including a Call for Proposals, registration, and the full schedule, will be available on our website in the coming months.
