NCTE Annual Convention 2026

The 2026 convention is at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The organizer names teachers, leaders, researchers, authors, and illustrators as attendees.

The organizer describes the convention as attracting thousands of attendees.

It is worth it for English and literacy teachers, researchers and literacy leaders who want a large set of professional development sessions and a look at new books and teaching materials in the exhibit hall, with authors such as Margaret Atwood and Tomi Adeyemi on the speaker list. Its scale, at a convention center over four days, means it rewards attendees with a plan for which sessions to attend; educators outside English language arts, or those wanting a small intimate meeting, would get less.

Educators at literacy and teaching conventions usually dress in relaxed business casual, with cardigans, slacks or jeans and often a book-themed accessory. Comfortable shoes matter for long days across a large convention center and exhibit hall in Philadelphia in November.