Encouragement ... Inspiration ... Tools for Success!
keynote Speakers
heidi st. john
Friday Keynote Speaker
Speaker, Author, Homeschool Mom, Entrepreneur
Heidi St. John
Heidi St. John
Friday morning Keynote Address
UNAFRAID: PARENTING WITH CONVICTION
UNAFRAID: PARENTING WITH CONVICTION
Read Heidi's bio
Heidi St. John has been speaking on family, cultural, and political issues for nearly twenty years as a best-selling author, podcast host, speaker, and former Congressional candidate. She is the author of twelve books, including the bestselling Becoming MomStrong: How to Fight with All That's in You for Your Family and Your Faith. Heidi’s passion to see God’s people engage at the “intersection of faith and culture” is the heartbeat behind her popular podcast, which has been downloaded over 25 million times. Heidi has been married to Jay, her college sweetheart, since 1989. They reside just outside beautiful Vancouver, Washington, where their non-profit organization, Firmly Planted Family, and the Homeschool Resource Center are based. The St. Johns have seven children, all of whom have been homeschooled, and an ever-growing number of grandchildren.
Heidi's workshops
- The Heart of the Home: 5 Life-Giving Truths About Homemaking
- Culture Shock: How to Equip Your Kids to Thrive in a Post-Christian Era
- Homeschooling Held Hostage
- plus one session to be announced
William J. federer
Saturday Keynote Speaker
Author, Speaker, Broadcaster, Publisher
Saturday morning Keynote Address
TITLE TO BE ANNOUNCED
TITLE TO BE ANNOUNCED
Read Bill's bio
WILLIAM J. FEDERER is a nationally known speaker, best-selling author, and president of American Minute, Inc., a publishing company dedicated to researching America's noble heritage. Bill has written or contributed to over 30 books, and is a frequent guest on television, radio and podcasts. He produces the "How We Got Here" video series for TurningPointEd.com. His AMERICAN MINUTE feature is broadcast daily on radio and by the Internet. His Faith in History television program airs on the TCT Network.
Bill's workshops
- Session titles to be announced
ZAN TYLER
Special Guest Speaker
Speaker, Author, Homeschool Warrior & Pioneer
zantyler.com
zantyler.com
Read Zan's bio
Zan Tyler speaks to the heart of Christian parents like few others. Zan’s own homeschool journey began in 1984 when she was threatened with jail. For eight years, she and other families battled for homeschool freedom and established landmark homeschool legislation in South Carolina. Zan’s greatest privilege in life was homeschooling their three children through high school. She has spent the past three decades advocating for homeschool freedom, publishing curriculum and resources, and joyfully equipping parents to thrive in their homeschool journey. She is an uplifting speaker, author, and the host of the Zan Tyler Podcast, an encouraging and practical weekly podcast with a new episode each Wednesday.
Zan's workshops
- The Power of Positive Words and Communication
- Six Traits for Homeschool Leadership
- Civics Beyond the Book: Getting Your Kids Involved
Featured Speakers
Deahdra-Lynn Atencio
Deahdra-Lynn's bio
Deahdra-Lynn Atencio is a wife, mom, and author, and has been home-educating for years. She and her husband pulled their oldest out of school after 4th grade. Passionate about helping families at all stages, she has worked in several different roles. She has a degree in Sign Language Studies and worked briefly at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont, as well as a consultant for RightStart Math. She has taught natural childbirth classes, written a unique parenting book, and is active in the family ministries at her church. She looks forward to what the next stages of life have to teach her.
Workshop
Set the Math Worksheets Aside: Let's Play Games
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Jean Burk
Jean's bio
Jean Burk is the author of the award-winning College Prep Genius program and is a frequent Fox News contributor who has been featured on numerous Television networks, radio shows and has been published in various magazines. Both her children were homeschooled and earned, incredible scholarships that included free college, room and board, study-abroad stipends, free grad school and free law school because of their standardized test scores. She has taught students how to ace these tests all over the USA and other countries. She is a sought-after speaker who equips, educates families how to navigate the waters of college prep.
Workshops
- Hypergraphia Genius: Good Notes = Good Grades
- The 13 Most Important Soft Skills to Teach Your Children
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Sarah Collins
Sarah's bio
Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with a background in pediatrics and home health, and a homeschooling parent. Sarah was first introduced to homeschooling while working as an OT in a client’s home; she was amazed at the learning atmosphere and opportunities within the home. She later began serving parents who wanted to further their own understanding so they could use the homeschool to help their children. She now focuses on helping parents make the match between the homeschool and their children’s current skills while working towards what their children specifically need. She offers consulting, teaches online classes and conference workshops, and has built an online community.
Workshops
- Help! My Child Won't Sit
- The Sensory Balanced Mom
- Embracing Risky Play in Homeschooling: Fostering Growth and Confidence
- What Is This "Function" You Speak of? Executive Functioning Skills!
- The Impact and Development of Prewriting Skills
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Carrie De Francisco
Carrie's bio
Carrie De Francisco is an author, podcaster, homeschool coach, and “retired” home educator who blends faith, simplicity, and joy to guide moms in educating their children. She loves offering moms practical ways to simplify homeschooling one step at a time, one day at a time, and one cup of coffee at a time through her Coffee With Carrie Homeschool Help podcast, TikTok “Cook & Chat” reels, Morning Time Plans, and one-on-one personalized coaching. Carrie is also the author of Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee): Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably, Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education, and her new book, Simple Steps to a Balanced Homeschool Day.
Workshops
- Homeschooling High School
- What’s Next? Preparing Your Heart & Home for the Post-Homeschool Years
- Let's Get Loopy: Morning Time
- Homeschooling With Dyslexia: It’s a Gift!
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Dr. Seann Dikkers
Seann's bio
Dr. Seann Dikkers, husband and father of two homeschool graduates, has over thirty years of experience in education as a teacher, administrator, professor, pastor, and researcher. A passionate advocate for Christian education and playful learning, his latest book, Play More, presents a biblical framework for understanding play as a God-designed tool for learning.
Workshops
- Project-Based Learning
- Pastors Huddle
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Aimee Eucce
Aimee's bio
Aimee Eucce is a second-generation homeschooling Mom. She beat the odds, from being a homeschooled kid who struggled with dyslexia, ADHD, and auditory processing issues to becoming a college grad and successful entrepreneur. She now speaks across the country, inspiring and equipping homeschool families in all different stages of homeschooling. She brings a unique perspective as a pastor's kid who was homeschooled in the dark ages (aka the '80s). You will laugh, cry and walk away inspired to tackle whatever challenges life throws at your homeschooling family. Aimee is the owner of Play ‘n Talk Phonics, Spelling, & Typing curriculum.
Workshops
- Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism & More: Learn To Read & Spell WITH CONFIDENCE!
- New Homeschoolers Wanted: Discover the Roadmap for Homeschooling Success!
- End Overwhelm: Making Homeschooling Simple and Fun
- Science of Reading vs. Sight Word Memorization: Reading & Spelling Can Be Fun!
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Carla Fuller
Carla's bio
Carla Fuller is an HSLDA High School Educational Specialist with 17+ years of experience in the homeschool community as a mom, teacher, and support group administrator. She earned two master’s degrees from the Syracuse University College of Human Development: Marriage and Family Therapy, and Child and Family Studies. Carla specializes in working with children, teens, and their families, and maintains her desire to help those she serves live out God’s intentions for family life. She and her husband, Charles, have two adult sons who graduated from their homeschool and have completed their undergraduate studies. Carla enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, cooking, and watching or reading a good story.
Workshops
- Fostering a Growth Mindset: Building Cooperation, Motivation, and Resilience in Your Children
- Developing a High School Plan
……………
Brandee Gillham
Brandee's bio
Brandee Gillham taught collegiate anatomy until becoming a full-time mama. The Lord called her to homeschool her four sons (with one of those precious boys already in heaven), and she encourages others by telling them that no time invested in our children will ever be wasted. She and her cowboy enjoy being fourth generation ranchers in northeast Colorado. When she is not homeschooling, she might be working on the ranch, serving at her local homeschool co-op, delivering a baby, speaking, writing, gardening, taking pictures, coordinating a conference, or baking a yummy treat. She believes in Jesus Christ, home discipleship, patriotism, agriculture, hard work,and speaking the truth with love and laughter.
Workshops
- Homeschooling 101
- Raising Warriors
- Designed by God: Anatomy Through a Biblical Worldview
- Homesteading 101
……………
Nicole Haney
Nicole's bio
Nicole Haney is a wife, former homeschool mom, former teacher, and HomeWorks by Precept Senior Consultant. In 2002, the Lord impressed upon Nicole that she needed to be home with her boys, and thus began her homeschooling journey, starting with kindergarten. She homeschooled her boys for 16 years with lots of support from her husband using BJU Press Homeschool curriculum. Both her sons graduated from their homeschool, Building Wisdom Academy. Her older son is a college graduate, and her younger son is an apprentice electrician. Nicole has an associate degree in general studies from Pima Community College in Tucson, a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University Yuma Campus, and a master's degree in multicultural/bilingual education from NAU Yuma. She taught 4th grade for five years in a public school before deciding to homeschool. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and crafting. She has recently taken up a new hobby: quilting.
Workshop
- Nuts and Bolts of High School Record-Keeping
……………
Heather Haupt
Heather's bio
Heather Haupt is a fierce believer in the power and potential of homeschooling to change lives. From her childhood years of homeschooling in Arizona to educating her five with two graduates so far, she’s come full circle in living the adventure. Recognizing the brevity of childhood and the power of a parent’s influence, Heather inspires and equips families toward intentional parenting, pursuing God, and delighting in the adventure of learning through a developmentally appropriate approach to education. She is a sought-after speaker and author of Knights-in-Training: Ten Principles for Raising Honorable, Courageous and Compassionate Boys, The Ultimate Guide to Brain Breaks, and co-author of the GO TOGETHER curriculum. She writes at heatherhaupt.com and cultivatedlearning.com.
Workshops
- Cultivating Curiosity
- Hands-On Tutorial Master the Art of Interactive Learning: Patriotic Edition
(Ticketed Session - Advance Registration Purchase required)
……………
Colene Lewis
Colene's bio
Colene Lewis homeschooled her daughters through high school in a home where learning was a joy and a way of life. Earning scholarships, each girl excelled at college in biology, engineering, English, and law. More importantly, all three women are walking with the Lord and now raising their own families. Alongside her husband, Tom, Colene
served on the board of AFHE for over 13 years. She encourages homeschooling families with speaking, writing, and service. Colene currently helps homeschool her grandchildren and attends Phoenix Seminary. Colene and Heather Haupt are developing the Go Together Curriculum, an easy-to-implement, relationship-building, literature heavy, and movement rich curricula covering history, science, geography, art, and more.
served on the board of AFHE for over 13 years. She encourages homeschooling families with speaking, writing, and service. Colene currently helps homeschool her grandchildren and attends Phoenix Seminary. Colene and Heather Haupt are developing the Go Together Curriculum, an easy-to-implement, relationship-building, literature heavy, and movement rich curricula covering history, science, geography, art, and more.
Workshop
- Learning American History and Civics the Fun Way
……………
Nancy Manos
Nancy's bio
Nancy Manos is a graduated homeschool mom who taught her two daughters from preschool through high school. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping parents in their homeschool journey. Nancy and her husband James live in Gilbert, Arizona, and are happy grandparents to two grandboys. Together they served on the board of Arizona Families for Home Education (AFHE) for 13 years, and Nancy was Executive Director for 3½ years. She currently serves as Conference Director for the National Alliance Leaders Conference and is co-coordinator for the National Homeschool Day of Prayer. Nancy loves seeing homeschool families find joy in the journey.
Workshops
- Ideas for Hands-On Learning
- AI in Your Homeschool
- Order Promotes Peace: Organization Ideas for Your Homeschool
- Curriculum Approaches
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Adelaide Olguin
Adelaide's bio
Adelaide Olguin is the founder of TalkBox.Mom, a breakthrough foreign language program that helps families actually use another language in everyday life—from snack time to traveling abroad. A homeschooling mom of three boys, Adelaide has spent years living as a digital nomad with her husband, exploring five continents and using the languages they’re learning along the way. Her family doesn’t just study a foreign language. They live it. Adelaide is passionate about helping families break free from check-the-box expectations and turn bold dreams into real-life experiences through foreign language, travel, and unforgettable homeschool experiences.
Workshops
- Teach a Foreign Language—Even If You Don’t Speak One
- Escape Homeschool Burnout for Good
- SPECIAL EXTENDED SESSION:
Leave the Homeschool Room. Travel the World.
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Rhonda Robinson
Rhonda's bio
Rhonda Robinson is an award-winning author, speaker, and the manager of the Parenting and Marriage web content for Focus on the Family. Her new book The Thriving Homeschool: A Christian Parent’s Guide is due out April 2026, published by Focus on the Family. As a legacy homeschool mom of nine, Rhonda brings the wisdom of over 30 years spent juggling lesson plans, laundry piles, and lively debates over long division. Today, she helps guide a new generation of families walking the path of homeschooling she once helped pioneer. Rhonda believes a thriving homeschool begins with faith, grows through rhythms of the home, and leaves a legacy of lifelong learning.
Workshops
- The Greenhouse Effect: Rooting Your Kids in Family and Faith
- Lesson Plans that Fit Real Life: A Simple Framework for Success
- The Brave Yes: When God Whispers, "You're the One They Need"
- The Secret to Sanity: Habits that Shape Hearts and Homes
- The Thriving Homeschool: Laying a Foundation that Lasts
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Gretchen Roe
Gretchen's bio
Gretchen Roe gained 21 years of home education experience with her six children, all of whom have now graduated. Although she considers herself a reluctant homeschooler, she now says it was “the best journey of my life.” Gretchen joined Demme Learning in 2014 and is now their Community Outreach Coordinator. As a dedicated homeschool advocate and with a degree in psychology and child development, she has developed special bonds with families of children who must work harder to learn. She loves the outdoors, all things furry, chicken raising, and beekeeping; serves her local community as a high school swim coach; and is a second-degree Taekwondo Black Belt.
Workshops
- Coaching Your Student Through the High School Journey
- Exceptional Kids – What’s a Parent to Do?
Larry Schweikart
Larry's bio
Larry Schweikart, a native Arizonan, got a BA and Master’s from ASU, then received a PhD from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He taught at Brophy Prep in Phoenix, then at the University of Dayton for 31 years. His more than 25 books include the NYTimes #1 bestseller A Patriot’s History of the United States and his most recent America in the 21st Century. He made a documentary film, “Rockin’ the Wall,” in 2010, which appeared on PBS. Since 2017 he has been the head of The Wild World of History, a history curriculum company.
Workshops
- Teaching the Pillars of American Exceptionalism
- How the Left Hijacked Education in America
Pam Spinker
Pam's bio
Pam Spinker loves Jesus, is wife to her love, Justin, and a homeschooling mom of 6 amazing humans! While attending her first homeschool convention, she was so grateful for the time and wisdom other homeschooling mommas poured into her, that she said, “Lord, I want to give back to the homeschooling community in this way someday.” Pam’s dreams were in alignment with His plans for her, and now here she is, 22 years later, having graduated four kiddos so far, and is loving the opportunity to pour into the hearts and lives of homeschooling mommas like you!
Workshops
- Transitioning from School to Homeschool: 10 Tips from a Seasoned Homeschool Mom
- Keeping Your Marriage Strong
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Nicki Truesdell
Nicki's bio
Nicki Truesdell is a Christian, wife, mother of five, and grandmother. She is the author of Anyone Can Homeschool, a blogger, and a speaker. Nicki is also a second-generation homeschooler. She writes and speaks encouragement to parents about Christian home education in any family dynamic, on any budget, and with any special need. Nicki is also the founder of Knowledge Keepers Bookstore, where she shares her love of history, book lists, and brings old history books back into print. You can find her work at nickitruesdell.com, on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and listen to the Nicki Truesdell Podcast on your favorite platform.
Workshops
- High School is Actually the Best Part of Homeschooling
- It Doesn't Take Twelve Years to Educate a Child
- "At Least They're Reading" Isn't Enough
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Elizabeth Urbanowicz
Elizabeth's bio
Elizabeth Urbanowicz is the founder of Foundation Worldview and a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. With a background in education and Christian apologetics, she creates resources that help kids think critically and follow Jesus in a secular culture. Elizabeth previously taught elementary students in Christian schools and now works full-time equipping Christian parents to help their children think biblically and live faithfully.
Workshops
- Five Lies Your Homeschooled Kids Will Believe Unless You Do Something
- Are You Making These Mistakes In Your Bible Instruction?
- Teaching Kids to Trust God When Life Gets Hard
- Who’s Discipling Your Kids About Sexuality? How to Teach God’s Design Before the World Teaches Its Lies
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Alicia Wood
Alicia's bio
Alicia Wood is a dedicated homeschooling mom of four, entering her 15th year of home education. She has been married for 20 years to her high school sweetheart, Josh. A passionate traveler, Alicia has Italy at the top of her bucket list. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Biology. Alicia volunteers as the West Region Director for the American Speech and Debate Association, where she enjoys mentoring new families and club leaders as they get started in the league. In her local community, she leads the Inspire Gilbert Speech and Debate Club.
Workshop
- Speak Up, Stand Out: Speech and Debate Skills for Lifelong Success
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Hal & Melanie Young
Hal & Melanie's bio
Hal & Melanie Young are the award-winning, best-selling authors of Raising Real Men, No Longer Little, and Love, Honor, and Virtue and the hosts of the Making Biblical Family Life Practical podcast. They are publishers, writers, bloggers, and popular conference speakers internationally known for their Christ-centered focus and practical, real-life stories. They are the parents of six real boys (all grown!) and two real girls and live in noisy, messy happiness in North Carolina.
Workshops
- Answers to What Worries You About Homeschooling
- Relax Your Homeschool for Academic Success
- No Longer Little
- Homeschooling a Houseful
- Teaching Boys to Love Reading and Writing
- Gettting Kids to Work
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Presented by Worldview Academy
Faculty from worldview academy will present two full days of sessions equipping teens to live as faithful christians with discernment in our culture.
details about the TEEN PROGRAM CAN BE found
on our teens & kids page!
Coming in April: Workshop Schedule
Coming in June: Workshop Handouts & Convention Program
Are you a pastor attending the AFHE Convention?
Please join Dr. Seann Dikkers for a "Pastors Huddle" at the AFHE Convention dedicated to a discussion of how to be a supportive church for home education and other Christian options.
Pastors Huddles
Are you in leadership at your church? What is your church doing to raise and protect families from a schooling culture that is seeking to undermine basic Christian values? How can church leadership support home education and other options within the same congregation? Can and should the Church be motivating and supporting parents to pull kids out of government schools? Dr. Dikkers (also Pastor Seann) comes from a unique background as an education researcher, church lead pastor, and a homeschooling parent of two. He'll be leading this session with a few thoughts, easy tools and resources for churches, and an open conversation for church leaders to discuss how to be a supportive church for home education and other Christian options.
The session will be held Friday afternoon during the lunch break in room 150. You must be registered for the AFHE Convention to attend this session; seating is limited.
Pastors Huddles
Are you in leadership at your church? What is your church doing to raise and protect families from a schooling culture that is seeking to undermine basic Christian values? How can church leadership support home education and other options within the same congregation? Can and should the Church be motivating and supporting parents to pull kids out of government schools? Dr. Dikkers (also Pastor Seann) comes from a unique background as an education researcher, church lead pastor, and a homeschooling parent of two. He'll be leading this session with a few thoughts, easy tools and resources for churches, and an open conversation for church leaders to discuss how to be a supportive church for home education and other Christian options.
The session will be held Friday afternoon during the lunch break in room 150. You must be registered for the AFHE Convention to attend this session; seating is limited.
Hands-On Tutorials
These special ticketed sessions offer an interactive experience of an instructional method, activity, or practice for your homeschooling—plus take-home supplies to get you started!
(Separate ticket purchase required; select tutorial and pay through the convention registration form. Limited seating available.)
(Separate ticket purchase required; select tutorial and pay through the convention registration form. Limited seating available.)
- Master the Art of Interactive Learning: Patriotic Edition - presented by Heather Haupt - (description and ticket price coming soon)
- (Charlotte Mason Handicrafts - title TBD) - presented by Cara Williams - (description and ticket price coming soon)
Please thank these sponsors who are supporting
specific programming areas during the 2026 AFHE Convention!
Recordings
RESOUNDING VOICE - WORKSHOP RECORDINGS
NEW OPTION FOR 2026: Information about pre-ordering convention recordings will be posted here when it is available.
NEW OPTION FOR 2026: Information about pre-ordering convention recordings will be posted here when it is available.
ONSITE CONVENTION SPECIAL: $69 FULL SET MP3
Enjoy the AFHE Convention all year long! Purchase a full-set MP3 of the workshop recordings on-site July 17-18.
THREE DAY POST-CONVENTION SPECIAL ONLINE: $75 FULL SET MP3
Sunday, July 19 – Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Purchase the full-set MP3 recordings at this special price.
store.resoundingvoice.com
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOPS: The full-set MP3 recording includes the exhibitor workshops presented in the Exhibit Hall pavilions.
Note: A few of the featured workshops will be available for purchase only in the onsite purchase option and three-day post-convention sale.
Enjoy the AFHE Convention all year long! Purchase a full-set MP3 of the workshop recordings on-site July 17-18.
THREE DAY POST-CONVENTION SPECIAL ONLINE: $75 FULL SET MP3
Sunday, July 19 – Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Purchase the full-set MP3 recordings at this special price.
store.resoundingvoice.com
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOPS: The full-set MP3 recording includes the exhibitor workshops presented in the Exhibit Hall pavilions.
Note: A few of the featured workshops will be available for purchase only in the onsite purchase option and three-day post-convention sale.
DAILY SCHEDULES
check back soon for the complete daily schedule information.
information coming soon about our free introductory sessions on thursday, july 16!
Speaker Inquiries
All speakers for the 2026 Convention have been selected. Speaking at the AFHE Convention is by invitation. We seek to engage speakers whose content and message fit AFHE’s philosophy, vision, and mission, and do not conflict with the AFHE's Statement of Faith, Philosophy, and a biblical worldview.
As part of our careful speaker selection process, we will review speaker packets that are sent to us. Speaker packets are reviewed in August/ September for the following year’s AFHE Convention and selections are finalized before the end of the year. If we are interested in having you speak, we would contact you most likely in October or November.
Speaker packets should include biographical information, workshop titles and descriptions, and a recording or two of the speaker teaching for our review. Due to the high number of inquiries we receive, we are only able to follow up with those whom we invite to speak.
AFHE Convention
Attn: Speaker Coordinator
P.O. Box 2035
Chandler, AZ 85244
Email: speakercare@afhe.org
As part of our careful speaker selection process, we will review speaker packets that are sent to us. Speaker packets are reviewed in August/ September for the following year’s AFHE Convention and selections are finalized before the end of the year. If we are interested in having you speak, we would contact you most likely in October or November.
Speaker packets should include biographical information, workshop titles and descriptions, and a recording or two of the speaker teaching for our review. Due to the high number of inquiries we receive, we are only able to follow up with those whom we invite to speak.
AFHE Convention
Attn: Speaker Coordinator
P.O. Box 2035
Chandler, AZ 85244
Email: speakercare@afhe.org