Conferences are a unique opportunity to hear great speakers, get answers to important questions, browse and buy curriculum, and make connections with other families in your area. While not every family can make it to a conference every year, there is great value in attending when you can. Everyone from those brand new to home education to the very experienced benefits from the investment.
While most homeschool conferences right across Canada saw significant growth over 2024, there is even more exciting news: three new developments that bode well for the future.
First, there are a number of new conferences that have sprung up in smaller towns and cities, and some events taking place in the fall, particularly in western Canada. These events make it possible for more families to participate in an event in their area. Find a conference close to you here: hslda.ca/canadian-homeschool-conferences/
Second, a new type of event called a homeschool fair is being pioneered by an innovative mom from Saskatchewan. Starla Klinger’s model has local vendors promoting recreation, sports programming, lessons, services or postsecondary opportunities to attendees. These low cost fairs can take place for just a couple hours on a Saturday morning, but attract large crowds. If you would like to host a fair in your area, you can learn more about how to do it here: hslda.ca/fairplan/
Finally, after a number of years of absence, there is a major homeschool conference returning to the lower mainland of British Columbia, May 15-16, 2026. A group in the Langley area held a private ‘test run’ this past spring, and are now prepared to welcome a large crowd next year!
