BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
X-WR-CALNAME:hestledcon2026
X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//Sched.com HESTL EdCON26//EN
X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T140000Z
DTEND:20260609T150000Z
SUMMARY:Breakfast with Exhibitors
DESCRIPTION:A Token For Your Thoughts&nbsp\;🪙\nThis year's exhibitor game puts the power of curiosity in your hands — literally! You'll receive a set of paper tokens (one per exhibitor) along with a guide of conversation-starter questions to bring to each exhibitor table. Strike up a conversation\, get your token hole-punched\, and then enter it for a chance to win prizes. \n\nYou can put all your tokens toward one prize or spread your chances across several — the strategy is up to you!\n It's a great way to make the most of your time on the exhibit floor\, discover resources and tools that can support your work\, and maybe walk away with a fun prize.
CATEGORIES:GENERAL SESSION
LOCATION:Liniger Hall\, 10035 S Peoria St\, Parker\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7a5a25ffefde58f4e4e0babdb5c947db
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/7a5a25ffefde58f4e4e0babdb5c947db
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T150000Z
DTEND:20260609T153000Z
SUMMARY:Opening Remarks
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL SESSION
LOCATION:Liniger Hall\, 10035 S Peoria St\, Parker\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5e2adf101638a62bccdb79f5d2f53f5f
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/5e2adf101638a62bccdb79f5d2f53f5f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T153000Z
DTEND:20260609T163000Z
SUMMARY:Brave Instead of Perfect: Smashing Imposter Syndrome in Order to Show Up for Kids (and Ourselves)!
DESCRIPTION:They say comparison is the thief of joy\, but in a connected world\, the urge to compare ourselves\, and our work\, to the "rockstars" in our field can be both impossible to resist and professionally paralyzing. In this keynote\, we explore ways to smash imposter syndrome\, avoid comparison\, and use our networks to pursue bravery instead of perfection so we can be the kind of librarians our kids truly deserve.
CATEGORIES:KEYNOTE
LOCATION:Liniger Hall\, 10035 S Peoria St\, Parker\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:636fc2d72e998c7b42050de48070c058
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/636fc2d72e998c7b42050de48070c058
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T164500Z
DTEND:20260609T174500Z
SUMMARY:Fuel for the Journey: Centering Reading Identity in a Phonics-Driven World
DESCRIPTION:The work of reading requires fuel. In classrooms where phonics\, fluency\, and foundational skills take center stage\, we sometimes forget that motivation is the fuel that keeps readers moving forward. In this session\, we’ll &nbsp\;explore how identity\, joy\, and community work in concert to power literacy growth. Most importantly\, we’ll explore how librarians can nurture reading identities that thrive alongside explicit skill instruction. Participants will leave with strategies to help every learner see themselves as a reader!
CATEGORIES:DEEP DIVE
LOCATION:Liniger Hall\, 10035 S Peoria St\, Parker\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:df26232864f8590f14c2479bfebc475e
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/df26232864f8590f14c2479bfebc475e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T164500Z
DTEND:20260609T174500Z
SUMMARY:Read It\, Make It: Quick STEAM Activities That Bring Books Alive
DESCRIPTION:Bring stories to life by bridging literacy\, curiosity\, and inquiry. This session shares real-world examples of pairing books with quick\, accessible STEAM activities that work in both whole-group and small-group settings. We'll move beyond the read-aloud to show how books can serve as a launchpad for curiosity\, exploration\, and authentic engagement — supporting cross-curricular integration along the way.\n\nParticipants will:\nIdentify books that set the stage for authentic\, hands-on investigationWalk away with a curated list of resources for idea generation and implementationExplore strategies for supporting student choice and scaffolding diverse abilitiesLearn practical implementation tips that allow for flexibilityExperience some of the hands-on activities\n
CATEGORIES:DEEP DIVE
LOCATION:Rooms 245 & 247 (upstairs)\, DCSD Legacy Campus\, 10035 S. Peoria St. Lone Tree\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bc9af340f90a173c680c48cb89afe413
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/bc9af340f90a173c680c48cb89afe413
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T164500Z
DTEND:20260609T174500Z
SUMMARY:Reading Co-Pilots: Partnering to Help Every Student Grow
DESCRIPTION:Forget flying solo — literacy is a team sport. This session explores how librarians and teachers can co-navigate the shift from passive reading to genuine student agency\, using Berthoud High School (~750 students\, Northern Colorado) as a case study.\n\nParticipants will learn how Berthoud's library partners with ELA and cross-curricular teachers to build reading skills through independent choice books tied to required themes\; how student reading surveys generate data that– with AI support– &nbsp\;drives personalized book talks and "love notes from the library" tailored to individual classes\; and how a schoolwide reading continuum gives students varied\, scaffolded experiences across all four years of high school.\nThe session also spotlights a standout partnership model featuring ongoing reading conferences and close librarian-student interactions — moving the librarian from "one-and-done classroom visitor" to a consistent\, meaningful presence in students' academic lives.\n\nAll strategies are practical\, repeatable\, and scalable for a range of school sizes and populations.
CATEGORIES:DEEP DIVE
LOCATION:Room 249 (upstairs)\, 10035 S Peoria St\, Parker\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:36217cdde00b97b626f4c31e9d01f598
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/36217cdde00b97b626f4c31e9d01f598
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T174500Z
DTEND:20260609T183000Z
SUMMARY:Collaborative Lunch
DESCRIPTION:Step away from the sessions and connect with fellow school library professionals from across Colorado. Lunch is a great opportunity to share what's working in your library\, swap ideas with colleagues\, and build the kind of professional relationships that sustain us in our work.
CATEGORIES:GENERAL SESSION
LOCATION:Liniger Hall\, 10035 S Peoria St\, Parker\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b0dac50049d3e9e5a623f5f1a03fc024
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/b0dac50049d3e9e5a623f5f1a03fc024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T183000Z
DTEND:20260609T193000Z
SUMMARY:But I Saw It on TikTok: Helping Kids Navigate The Information Spaces They Use Most
DESCRIPTION:With over a billion active users and an algorithm that adapts to our behavior faster than we can double tap\, TikTok has become one of the most powerful sources of information for today’s learners. It is also one of the most persuasive. In this session\, we will explore how short-form video blends entertainment\, emotion\, and perceived authenticity to make even mis-\, dis- and mal-information feel true. Together\, we will unpack how TikTok’s design turns attention into profit and what that means for developing credibility skills in young people.
CATEGORIES:DEEP DIVE
LOCATION:Liniger Hall\, 10035 S Peoria St\, Parker\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d7af6ceb18493bcfcfefca5e3ced7e87
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/d7af6ceb18493bcfcfefca5e3ced7e87
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T183000Z
DTEND:20260609T193000Z
SUMMARY:Empowered Librarian: Supporting AI Use to Boost Creativity
DESCRIPTION:Stop feeling overwhelmed by AI and start feeling empowered! This workshop moves beyond AI gripes to help school librarians navigate AI with confidence. We will first demystify chatbot capabilities by exploring a researcher-developed AI literacy tool. Then\, we'll dive into three recent studies via interactive simulations to explore what researchers have discovered about how AI can both limit and boost creativity depending on the moves of the humans.&nbsp\;\n\nThrough reflection and discussion\, participants will leave with practical tools for fostering effective AI use for themselves\, their students\, and their staff — and the research-based insights to empower all three to use (or not use) AI to support creativity.
CATEGORIES:DEEP DIVE
LOCATION:Room 249 (upstairs)\, 10035 S Peoria St\, Parker\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ea4d1c964f039f4a313d09f8600df66a
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/ea4d1c964f039f4a313d09f8600df66a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T183000Z
DTEND:20260609T193000Z
SUMMARY:From Invisible to Indispensable: Advocating for School Libraries
DESCRIPTION:In an era of shifting budgets and evolving digital landscapes\, the school library is more vital than ever—but does your community know that? This interactive session transforms library professionals into powerful advocates. We will move beyond checking out books to demonstrate how your program drives student achievement\, fosters critical thinking\, and serves as the heartbeat of the school community. \n\nParticipants will learn how to translate library data into compelling stories\, build strategic alliances with stakeholders\, and develop a personalized advocacy toolkit to ensure their program isn't just seen\, but celebrated and sustained.
CATEGORIES:DEEP DIVE
LOCATION:Rooms 245 & 247 (upstairs)\, DCSD Legacy Campus\, 10035 S. Peoria St. Lone Tree\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6a8385c7c521f5559c7e2feab43e8914
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/6a8385c7c521f5559c7e2feab43e8914
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T194000Z
DTEND:20260609T204500Z
SUMMARY:Beyond the School Day: Caregiver Insights on Book Access
DESCRIPTION:Drawing on qualitative interviews with 20 caregivers participating in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library\, this EdTalk explores how families experience book access and shared reading-- and what these insights mean for school librarians. \n\nParticipants will learn how consistent access to high-interest books supports children’s motivation and reading identity\, how caregivers describe children’s engagement\, and how gaps in access outside of school shape students’ relationships with reading. Attendees will gain practical strategies for strengthening home–school literacy connections\, promoting programs available to families during school breaks\, and using caregiver perspectives to support equitable access to literacy resources beyond the school day.\n\nSEATING GUIDANCE:&nbsp\;The EdTalk sessions will be immediately followed by the Reference Roundtable session. Please sit at a table that corresponds to the Reference Roundtable discussion topic you selected at registration. Not sure which topic you selected? Match the colored dot on your nametag to the colored dot on a table sign.
CATEGORIES:EDTALK
LOCATION:Liniger Hall\, 10035 S Peoria St\, Parker\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b1d6e6dec8ea649457631d54a0c593b4
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/b1d6e6dec8ea649457631d54a0c593b4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T194000Z
DTEND:20260609T204500Z
SUMMARY:Find Your Vibe: Feature Walls & Micro-Genre Displays
DESCRIPTION:Does your library feel like a curated bookstore — or a daunting warehouse? For many students\, a wall of alphabetized spines is more intimidating than inviting. This session explores how to transform your space into a browse-first destination using high-impact genre feature walls and rotating micro-genre displays\, without rearranging your entire collection.\n\nDrawing on visual merchandising techniques\, you'll learn how to group books in ways that mirror the "shopping" experience students already love:&nbsp\;identifying trending sub-genres (think Cozy Fantasy\, Fast-Paced Thrillers)\, designing eye-catching focal points\, and using displays to spark independent discovery. Carin will also share a DIY plan for creating B&N-style tables even when you only have one copy of most books.&nbsp\;Whether you're working with a big budget or just spare shelf space and a printer\, these strategies are practical\, scalable\, and ready to implement. \n\nParticipants will learn how to:\nApply retail-inspired wayfinding to make collections more navigable and enticingDesign a genre feature wall that simplifies browsing for reluctant readersCurate rotating micro-genre displays responsive to student interests and trendsHelp students independently find their next read (no staff intervention required)\nSEATING GUIDANCE:&nbsp\;The EdTalk sessions will be immediately followed by the Reference Roundtable session.&nbsp\;Please sit at a table that corresponds to the Reference Roundtable discussion topic you selected at registration. Not sure which topic you selected? Match the colored dot on your nametag to the colored dot on a table sign.
CATEGORIES:EDTALK
LOCATION:Liniger Hall\, 10035 S Peoria St\, Parker\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:314a54d3c46d16740c7e920dc569105e
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/314a54d3c46d16740c7e920dc569105e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T194000Z
DTEND:20260609T204500Z
SUMMARY:Teen Clubs: In Person\, Digital\, and Beyond!
DESCRIPTION:Teens need opportunities outside the classroom to connect\, build friendships\, and fuel a love of reading\, and school and public librarians are uniquely positioned to create them. Through our experiences with the Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award and Douglas County Library's Teen Library Connection\, we'll share what we've learned about launching and sustaining book clubs and beyond\, both in person and online. \n\nYou'll hear our stories\, pick up practical strategies for recruiting members\, structuring meetings\, and choosing the right format for your community\, and yes\, we'll even show you how to run a digital murder mystery together!\n\nSEATING GUIDANCE:&nbsp\;The EdTalk sessions will be immediately followed by the Reference Roundtable session.&nbsp\;Please sit at a table that corresponds to the Reference Roundtable discussion topic you selected at registration. Not sure which topic you selected? Match the colored dot on your nametag to the colored dot on a table sign.
CATEGORIES:EDTALK
LOCATION:Liniger Hall\, 10035 S Peoria St\, Parker\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:73f140811f65a066c87fc1abd0a6ec21
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/73f140811f65a066c87fc1abd0a6ec21
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T194000Z
DTEND:20260609T195500Z
SUMMARY:Whose Library Is It Anyway? How Student Leaders Drive New Ideas
DESCRIPTION:What happens when you give elementary students a seat at the table? In this fast-paced session\, discover how forming a Student Library Leadership Team transformed our library from a place students visit into a space they truly own.\n\nLearn how handing over the reins to a dedicated group of young leaders sparked innovative programming\, boosted peer-to-peer engagement\, and brought fresh\, kid-approved ideas to the stacks. We’ll cover the logistics of starting a team\, the surprising initiatives they’ve led\, and why student voice is the secret ingredient to a thriving library culture.\n\nIn just 15 minutes\, you’ll walk away with:\nA simple framework for recruiting and organizing a student leadership team.Real-world examples of student-led projects that increased circulation and engagement.Strategies for balancing student autonomy with your library’s learning goals.\nSEATING GUIDANCE: The EdTalk sessions will be immediately followed by the Reference Roundtable session. Please sit at a table that corresponds to the Reference Roundtable discussion topic you selected at registration.&nbsp\;Not sure which topic you selected? Match the colored dot on your nametag to the colored dot on a table sign.
CATEGORIES:EDTALK
LOCATION:Liniger Hall\, 10035 S Peoria St\, Parker\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ca2b58665f9b0f214063782b84efbd01
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/ca2b58665f9b0f214063782b84efbd01
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T204500Z
DTEND:20260609T212000Z
SUMMARY:Reference Roundtable
DESCRIPTION:The Reference Roundtable is a peer discussion where small groups of conference participants come together to share experiences\, brainstorm solutions\, and connect with colleagues around a shared topic. Guided by discussion questions designed to surface what's working\, explore common challenges\, and spark new ideas\, these conversations put the expertise in the room to work.\n\nAt registration\, each attendee selected one of the following topics:\nAI literacyEquity and inclusionInstructional role and collaborationIntellectual freedomLibrary advocacyReading culture and engagement&nbsp\;\nPlease sit at a table that corresponds to the discussion topic you selected at registration. Not sure which topic you selected? Match the colored dot on your nametag to the colored dot on a table sign.\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL SESSION
LOCATION:Liniger Hall\, 10035 S Peoria St\, Parker\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b4f867cd3821976566ee2c5d85f816f2
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/b4f867cd3821976566ee2c5d85f816f2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T213000Z
DTEND:20260609T223000Z
SUMMARY:Cartoons\, Comics\, and Graphic Novels...By Students?!
DESCRIPTION:What happens when students' love of graphic novels becomes the engine for a STEAM project? The Art of Storytelling (Denver Public Schools) is a first-year initiative where student work culminates in a public showcase and an interactive cartoon panel. Leave with concrete takeaways and activities for engaging students and teachers in creative storytelling.
CATEGORIES:DEEP DIVE
LOCATION:Rooms 245 & 247 (upstairs)\, DCSD Legacy Campus\, 10035 S. Peoria St. Lone Tree\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:58618e3306a472515cc10dff13ef7ec1
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/58618e3306a472515cc10dff13ef7ec1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T213000Z
DTEND:20260609T223000Z
SUMMARY:The Great Book Breakout
DESCRIPTION:No matter the age of the student\, book escape rooms are your ticket to increasing student engagement with reading and other positive social and cognitive learning goals. Attend this session to see how escape rooms can be modified for all ages\, all time frames\, and all learning modalities to create an inclusive environment for book studies to flourish.\n \nParticipants will:\n Understand the research for PK–12 students that supports interactive escape rooms and critical thinking stations Identify the benefits of this learning strategy and its role in improving student engagement and positive reading outcomes Discover the basic steps to set up a book-based escape room Gain practical tools and strategies to implement programs based on their comfort level and age range/target audience Create a collaborative collection of ideas and contacts to strengthen their professional learning network
CATEGORIES:DEEP DIVE
LOCATION:Liniger Hall\, 10035 S Peoria St\, Parker\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d03fa2a136a2fb427999fcdb52e85911
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/d03fa2a136a2fb427999fcdb52e85911
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T213000Z
DTEND:20260609T223000Z
SUMMARY:The Snowball Effect: Turning Small Library Wins Into Big Schoolwide Impact
DESCRIPTION:It's not only the $5\,000 author visits or schoolwide literacy nights. Sometimes the small\, low-stakes things are what grow your library's presence as the true center of your school. Join two veteran librarians to explore how everyday "low-stakes" wins create a snowball effect that builds momentum\, drives building-wide engagement\, and positions your library as indispensable.\n\nIn this interactive session\, you'll walk away with practical strategies in three key areas:\nScalable Success: Leverage competitions\, book clubs\, and simple programming to build an undeniable library presence — without burning out or breaking the budget.Tell the Story: Use data and community impact to connect your library's "why" to the values your administrators already care about.Grow the Presence: Transform small-scale events and activities into meaningful family and community partnerships that extend your reach beyond the building.\nLibraries die as silent rooms — they thrive as buzzing hallways. Learn to articulate your impact\, track what matters\, and grow your presence from the shelf all the way to the front office.
CATEGORIES:DEEP DIVE
LOCATION:Room 249 (upstairs)\, 10035 S Peoria St\, Parker\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e1bcb14cde6c167b9d38945c48db3cb3
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/e1bcb14cde6c167b9d38945c48db3cb3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260519T203110Z
DTSTART:20260609T223500Z
DTEND:20260609T230000Z
SUMMARY:Closing Remarks & Prize Drawings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL SESSION
LOCATION:Liniger Hall\, 10035 S Peoria St\, Parker\, CO 80134
SEQUENCE:0
UID:82f8ad8c086120b6344e1cee75d238f7
URL:http://hestledcon2026.sched.com/event/82f8ad8c086120b6344e1cee75d238f7
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR