With the cancellation of numerous in-person events, online conferences are popping up all over the internet. Are you excited at the opportunities or weary of the options?
Online homeschool conferences are an excellent way to enhance your family’s homeschool. Just be cautious of the potential information overload and pursue them with a restful approach.
1. Focus on your purpose
As you enter the world of an online conference, becoming overwhelmed is a real risk. It’s just like walking through an exhibit hall at an in-person event. There are so many choices! With so many good options, it’s easy to be distracted from your purpose. Be sure to focus on your family’s reasons for home education. Explore the various options, but say “no thank you” to ones that don’t align with your purpose.
Why do you homeschool?
2. Consider your current needs
Every season of homeschooling is different. Sometimes, your heart is weary and you need encouragement and inspiration to keep going. At other times, you need to explore new options for your curriculum or methods. Maybe you need logistical help with schedules, record keeping, meal planning. It could be you need ideas for parenting or your marriage. If you’re ready to buy curriculum, discounts are always welcome! As you consider which conference to attend, keep in mind what your family currenly needs.
What do you need right now?
3. Compare the specific benefits
Once you’ve reminded yourself why you homeschool and considered what you currently need, you’re ready to compare conferences. Again, the options are numerous! You’ll see below I recommend several, but I do not recommend joining all of them. Workshops can encourage your heart, give practical advice, or explain various topics. Vendor halls provide a glimpse into curriculum and other resources. Some conferences even provide community connection in some form of an online group where you can talk with other parents, speakers, and vendors. Many offer a swag bag filled with free resources and discounts. Need some help selecting a conference? Request my Conference Comparison Planner below.
What benefits does each conference offer?
4. Know who you are supporting
Yes, online conferences are a business. Did you know most of the homeschool conferences are supporting homeschool families? They are! The organizers, speakers, and vendors are often families quite similar to your own. Even many of the big curriculum companies are family-owned. This includes me! As a speaker and affiliate, I receive commission when you purchase through one of my links. Of course, I also benefit financially from purchases of my book or downloadable resources. Right now, this is a large part of how we’re fundraising for our upcoming adoption.
Who are the people behind the conference?
5. Plan your conference time
Again, a real danger exists. You could get sucked in to the conference so much you neglect time with your family. It’s also possible to forget you purchased access and waste your money. Neither is helpful, so spend a little time planning. There will be many more workshops than you need, so choose wisely. Plan when you will watch workshops and engage in any conference groups. A little time planning will protect your time and maximize the benefit you receive. See my FREE BONUS offer below to help with planning.
When, where, what, and how will you participate?
Conference Suggestions
Below are some conferences I am personally participating in. If you purchase through one of these links, you will be partnering with my family to bring home Katie Ruth through adoption!
To say thank you, I would love to send you a gift for joining any of these conferences using a link below. A screenshot of your receipt is fine as proof of purchase.
2020 Homeschool Mom Conference
April 6-10, 2020. $12 early bird through April 5. $17 regular price. Includes lifetime access, highly engaged conference community group, swag bag with more than $900 of resources, and more!
I’m speaking, offering a resource in the swag bag, and offering giveaways of my book.
- In Pursuit of Restful Homeschooling, yes it is possible!
- 3 Strategies to Productively Homeschool with Chronic Illness, I know the struggle!
- Maintaining Sanity While Homeschooling with Littles, You will survive!
How to Homeschool Conference
Ongoing dates. $12 through the Covid-19 crisis season. Help for the beginning homeschooler or anyone wanting a refresher on the basics. Includes lifetime access, swag bag, and community support group.
I’m speaking and offering a resource in the swag bag.
- Pursuing Excellence in Your Homeschool Without Sacrificing Relationship
Grounded 2020: Faith Conference
April 6-8, 2020. $10 early bird through April 4. $25 regular price. Includes lifetime access, swag bag and community group. Not homeschool-specific. Stories of staying grounded in faith through hard times.
I’m speaking and offering a resource in the swag bag.
- “Waiting Well: A Ten Year Adoption Story” My personal story of hoping in God’s promise of another child after nearly fatal complications in my last childbirth.
Teach Them Diligently At Home
April 1 – May. $20. Includes workshops, vendor hall, swag bag, and an amazing online platform! You’ll be able to “sit down” and chat with vendors on video chat. It’s as close as possible to a real event vendor hall!
I’m speaking…Maybe? I am offering free giveaways!
- I’m scheduled to speak at the Mobile, AL, and Athens, GA, events, in May and June of 2020. As I write this, these live events are still on. If they’re cancelled, I’ll be in the At Home event online!
- If you choose the TTD 365 option, look for my interview with Leslie Nunnery!
Homegrown Generation Family Expo
$20 for lifetime access. Another conference with many of your favorite speakers! Proceeds support the Schoolhouse Rocked movie documentary project.
- I’m speaking! Look for my interview with Yvette for the Schoolhouse Rocked PODCAST!
- Kirk Cameron is one of the featured speakers!