• info@aceaz.org

star Early Bird Registration Now Open

ACE 2026

Annual Symposium

WE ARE CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE
POWERED BY TEAM SPIRIT

Join us at Ak-Chin Casino Resort for an inspiring celebration of
excellence in correctional education
calendar_month
June 3–4, 2026
Plus June 2nd Pre-Events
location_on
Ak-Chin Casino Resort
Maricopa, Arizona
groups
250+ Attendees
Expected Champions

Welcome to ACE 2026

We are champions of change powered by Team Spirit

Our 2026 symposium celebrates the champions in correctional education who work tirelessly to transform lives through the power of education and teamwork.

What to Expect
  • Inspiring Keynotes from Champions in the Field
  • Team-building workshops and collaborative sessions
  • Pre-symposium leadership meetings for administrators
  • Champions celebration lunch and awards ceremony
  • Pre-symposium trainings for CTE credits:
  • Albert Pooley – NAFFA Re-Entry: A New Approach 9:00am – 12 noon
  • Tali Sherman – From Survival to Stability: Transforming Student Culture with Integrated Social & Emotional Learning 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Featured Champion Speakers

star Main Keynote Speaker

Lance Thonvold

Former Major League Baseball Pitcher

Lance Thonvold is a leadership speaker and coach known for turning team-sport principles into everyday momentum at work. Drawing on a sports background and years of mentoring leaders, he focuses on trust, communication, and role clarity—the basics that make teams unstoppable. Lance’s practical, high-energy sessions help groups align around shared goals, execute under pressure, and celebrate wins that lift the whole organization.

A champion of innovation who will share how team spirit and collaboration are reshaping the future of correctional education nationwide.

star Day 2 Keynote Speaker

Baron Warren

A national speaker and life coach

Baron Warren serves males in the areas of education, employment, independent living, and grooming standards for daily living. As a national speaker, Baron has traveled the country speaking a message of “LIFE” and hope. Baron’s bold speaking style and his tough love approach will leave your audience challenged and inspired for greatness.

Together, we can work to empower males to become men.

Champions Program Agenda

Pre-Symposium — Tuesday, June 2, 2026
  • schedule 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Pre-Symposium Training - NAFFA Re-entry: A New Approach
    training
  • schedule 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    County Superintendents & Detention Administrators Meetings
    meeting
  • schedule 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Pre-Symposium Training - From Survival to Stability: Transforming Student Culture with Integrated Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

    training
Day 1 — Wednesday, June 3, 2026
  • schedule 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
    Breakfast
    meal
  • schedule 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Registration
    registration
  • schedule 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
    Welcome Session and Native American Blessing

    Keynote Speaker: Lance Thonvold
    session
  • schedule 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
    Session One
    session
  • schedule 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
    Lunch
    meal
  • schedule 1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
    Session Two
    session
  • schedule 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM
    Session Three
    session
Day 2 — Thursday, June 4, 2026
  • schedule 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
    Breakfast
    meal
  • schedule 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Registration / Information Table
    registration
  • schedule 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
    ACE Membership Meeting
    Everyone who is in attendance at the ACE Symposium is considered a member and invited to the membership meeting
    meeting
  • schedule 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
    Session Four
    session
  • schedule 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
    Lunch/Awards/Raffle
    meal

Symposium Registration

Registration Pricing

Make your selection below

Registration Includes:

  • All sessions and workshops
  • Champions celebration lunch
  • Breakfast
  • Symposium materials
  • CEU Credits
  • and more

    • EACH ONE REACH ONE
    - register a friend
    see Danna for introductions at the Symposium for a prize

    $0.00

    Additional Registrant

    $0.00

    One day Registration to the 2026 Arizona Correction Educators Professional Development Symposium June 3, 2026. Lunch will be provided.


    This offer is extended to Full time students only
    Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload
    PDF uploads only.
    Price: $47.00

    Hotel and Accommodations

    home_work Ak Chin Casino Resort

    15406 N Maricopa Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85139

    Group Rate Available
    $119.00 per night

    Important Booking Information:

  • Group Code: S06AZC6
  • Reservation Deadline: May 1, 2026 (11:59 PM)
  • Phone: 1-800-CAESARS
  • Incidentals Deposit: $50/night required at check-in
  • Credit card required upon check-in
  • Note: Reloadable and Green Dot cards not accepted

    • Contact for Reservations:

    Ak-Chin Casino Resort
    call 1-800-CAESARS
    Mention Group Code: S06AZC6
    Click to Book Your Room link
    Resort Amenities

    casino Casino • 1,000+ Slots & Table Games
    pool Lagoon-Style Pool
    local_bar Swim-Up Bar
    hot_tub Hot Tub
    restaurant On-Site Dining (Steakhouse to Café)
    movie UltraStar: Movie Theater
    sports_esports UltraStar: Bowling & Arcade
    fitness_center Fitness Center
    spa Spa Services
    wifi Free Wi-Fi
    meeting_room Meeting & Banquet Facilities
    business_center 24-Hour Business Center

    Why Ak-Chin Casino Resort?

  • State-of-the-art conference facilities
  • Spacious rooms with modern amenities
  • Multiple dining options on-site
  • Entertainment and recreation facilities
  • Easy access from Phoenix (30 Minutes)
  • Dedicated event support team

    • Call for Presenters

    mic

    Share Your Champion Story

    “We are champions of change powered by team spirit”

    Submission Criteria

    • groups_3 Presentation, panel, demonstration, and interactive sessions are appropriate submissions.
    • task_alt All proposals should address the topics listed below.
    • description Presenters are responsible for providing any handouts.

    Presentation Topics We’re Looking For:

    • Evidence-based teaching practices
    • Leadership in correctional education
    • Technology integration in secure settings
    • Trauma-informed teaching approaches
    • Team-building and collaboration
    • Career pathway programs
    • Student success stories
    • Community partnerships
    • Innovative program development
    • Research findings and outcomes
    Presentation Formats Available:
    Workshop Sessions
    75 minutes
    Panel Presentations
    60 minutes
    Innovation Showcase
    30 minutes

    Timeline

    • Apr 25, 2026 Notification if selected
    • Apr 25, 2026 Final presentations due

    Proposal Deadline: April 1, 2026

    2026 Call for Presenters

    2026 Call for Presenters

    Lead Presenter Information

    Will you be staying at the hotel?
    Will you need breakfast?
    Address *
    Address
    Street
    Apt/Suite/Trlr
    City
    State
    Zip Code
    Meal Type *

    Co-Presenter Information

    Will you be staying at the hotel?
    Will you need breakfast?
    Address
    Address
    Street
    Apt/Suite/Trlr
    City
    State
    Zip Code
    Meal Type

    Co-Presenter Information 2

    Will you be staying at the hotel?
    Will you need breakfast?
    Address
    Address
    Street
    Apt/Suite/Trlr
    City
    State
    Zip Code
    Meal Type

    Co-Presenter Information 3

    Will you be staying at the hotel?
    Will you need breakfast?
    Address
    Address
    Street
    Apt/Suite/Trlr
    City
    State
    Zip Code
    Meal Type

    Session Information

    Target Audience (pick one) *
    Topic your presentations is related to (check all that apply) *

    Audio Visual Needs:

    All rooms will have a Computer Windows 10 OS, a presentation clicker, projector, and desktop speakers.

    ***Although the facility has WIFI please download your media into your presentation***

    Please list any other equipment needed for your presentation

    Seating Style

    Proposal Submitted by:

    Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial
    Address *
    Address
    Street
    Apt/Suite/Trlr
    City
    State
    Zip Code
    Maximum upload size: 516MB
    Only upload PowerPoint & PDF files.

    Call for Volunteers

    volunteer_activism

    Lend Your Energy to ACE

    Help us create a welcoming, smooth-running symposium. This section is informational only — please select your day(s) and role(s) in the form on the right.

    event Event Dates
    Pre-Symposium Tue, June 2, 2026
    Day 1 Wed, June 3, 2026
    Day 2 Thu, June 4, 2026

    Where You Can Volunteer

    • Registration Desk
    • Setup (Conference)
    • Conference Breakdown
    • IT Support
    • Room Attendant
    • Raffle
    • Ticket Attendant
    • Where Needed

    Requirements

    • schedule Arrive on time for your assigned slot(s).
    • school Attend a brief volunteer orientation (virtual or on-site).
    • sentiment_satisfied Friendly, helpful, and professional demeanor.

    Timeline

    • May 15, 2026 Volunteer applications due
    • May 20, 2026 Confirmation emails sent
    • May 29, 2026 Volunteer orientation (virtual)
    2026 Call for Volunteers

    2026 Call for Volunteers

    Our volunteers help us make the symposiums more successful. if you would like to volunteer, please fill out the form below.
    Did you register as a student?
    Do you have a preference of where you want to volunteer?
    Mark area below:
    Dates *
    Address *
    Address
    Street
    Apt #/Suite
    City
    State
    Zip
    Meal type:

    Exhibitor Information

    Exhibit Space & Registration

    Exhibit space is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Each exhibitor registration includes lunches and snacks as detailed below. Additional tickets for vendor attendees are available for purchase.

    workspace_premium Platinum Level Exhibitor Fee: $850 Early Bird: $750

    Includes

    • table_bar Two 6’ tables
    • confirmation_number Two symposium registrations
    • restaurant Meals during the symposium
    • menu_book Company name in the symposium program

    Additional Benefits

    • image Logo placement throughout the symposium
    • description Full-page ad in the symposium program
    • language Link & ad placement on the ACE website
    • mic Product presentation during reception
    • room Prime table placement near registration
    • campaign Speaking opportunity (up to 3 minutes) at reception
    • school Host a workshop session relevant to your expertise
    • share_reviews Multiple social media features
    • public Featured content on event website for one year
    • movie 3-minute company video played during a luncheon
    • view_carousel Rotating banner ad on the ACE website
    • verified Acknowledgment in the commemorative program
    • mail Recognition in the post-event newsletter
    Artwork Deadline: Camera-ready logo & website link due by Apr 15, 2026.
    workspace_premium Gold Level Exhibitor Fee: $750 Early Bird: $650

    Includes

    • table_bar One 6’ table
    • confirmation_number Two symposium registrations
    • restaurant Meals during the symposium
    • menu_book Company name in the symposium program

    Additional Benefits

    • campaign Speaking opportunity (up to 3 minutes) at reception
    • verified Acknowledgment in the commemorative program
    • meeting_room Breakout room sponsorship signage
    • view_carousel Rotating banner ad on the ACE website
    • mail Recognition in the post-event newsletter
    Artwork Deadline: Camera-ready logo & website link due by Apr 15, 2026.
    workspace_premium Silver Level Exhibitor Fee: $450 Early Bird: $350

    Includes

    • table_bar One 6’ table
    • confirmation_number One symposium registration
    • restaurant Meals during the symposium
    • menu_book Company name in the symposium program

    Additional Benefits

    • campaign Speaking opportunity (up to 3 minutes) at reception
    • verified Acknowledgment in the commemorative program
    • mail Recognition in the post-event newsletter
    Artwork Deadline: Camera-ready logo & website link due by Apr 15, 2026.
    group_add Additional Vendor Attendee Ticket
    Fee: $50 per additional representative

    event Exhibit Schedule

    • Tue, June 2, 2026 — Exhibit Setup: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    • Tue, June 2, 2026 — Registration: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    • Wed, June 3, 2026 — Exhibit Viewing: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Thu, June 4, 2026 — Exhibit Viewing: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Thu, June 4, 2026 — Dismantling: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

    local_shipping Shipping Packages

    Address: Danna Rivera, ACE Symposium, Harrah’s AK-Chin, 15406 Maricopa Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85139

    Note: Package handling and storage fees are the responsibility of the exhibitor.

    contact_phone Contact for Questions

    Name: Darlene Thompson

    Phone: (928) 777-7611

    Email: Deborah.Thompson@yavapaiaz.gov

    event
    Dates: June 2–4, 2026
    location_on
    Location: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino & Hotel, Maricopa, AZ
    Early Bird pricing ends March 31, 2026
    Name

    If you would like to sponsor, please click here: Sponsorship Opportunities

    $0.00

    Sponsorship Opportunities

    Support the ACE Symposium and gain meaningful visibility with attendees. Choose the tier that fits your goals—each includes valuable recognition opportunities.

    local_fire_department Phoenix Sponsorship $15,000

    Title Sponsorship: Sole “Official Title Sponsor” for ACE Symposium 2026. Includes all benefits from the Eagle Sponsorship.

    Premier Branding & Exposure

    • image Prominent logo placement across event materials, website, and communications
    • record_voice_over Keynote speaking slot at the awards ceremony and a dedicated symposium session
    • chrome_reader_mode Inside front cover ad in the program
    • table_restaurant Large exhibit space
    • redeem Host drawings, prizes, and giveaways
    • confirmation_number 6 tickets to the symposium

    Additional Premium Benefits

    • workspace_premium VIP experiences; customized branding on badges
    • lunch_dining Highlight during luncheon; post-event webinar sponsorship
    • card_membership$5,000 discount on next symposium’s sponsorship
    • meeting_room Exclusive meeting area
    • campaign Recognition during opening and closing sessions
    flight Eagle Sponsorship $7,500

    Includes all benefits from the Roadrunner Sponsorship.

    Visibility & Placement

    • restaurant Prominent logo placement during luncheons
    • description Full-page ad in the commemorative program
    • confirmation_number 4 tickets to the symposium

    Engagement

    • campaign Speaking opportunity (up to 3 minutes) at the reception event
    • group Interactive session sponsorship
    • alternate_email Dedicated email blast
    • verified Special recognition during the symposium
    sprint Roadrunner Sponsorship $5,000

    Includes all benefits from the Cardinal Sponsorship.

    Advertisement & Speaking

    • newsmode Half-page color ad in the program
    • campaign 5-minute speaking opportunity at the reception event
    • confirmation_number 3 tickets to the symposium

    Recognition

    • group Interactive session sponsorship
    • alternate_email Dedicated email blast
    • campaign Recognition in opening/closing remarks
    • emoji_events Opportunity to sponsor an award
    raven Cardinal Sponsorship $2,500

    Includes all benefits from the Cactus Wren Sponsorship.

    Branding & Leadership

    • slideshow Logo projected during a specific workshop
    • supervisor_account Introduce presenters and moderate a workshop
    • description Half-page black & white ad in the program
    • confirmation_number 2 tickets to the symposium

    Extras

    • card_giftcard Sponsorship of speaker gifts
    • smart_display Profile feature displayed intermittently at the event
    • record_voice_over Introduction speech during a networking event
    potted_plant Cactus Wren Sponsorship $1,000

    Includes all benefits from the Hummingbird Sponsorship.

    Acknowledgment & Profile

    • format_list_bulleted Enhanced listing in the program
    • confirmation_number 2 tickets to the symposium
    • smart_display Profile feature displayed at the event
    • record_voice_over Introduction speech at a networking event
    flutter_dash Hummingbird Sponsorship $500

    Recognition

    • format_list_bulleted Acknowledged in the commemorative program
    • confirmation_number 1 ticket to the symposium
    • record_voice_over Opportunity to give an introduction speech during a networking event

    volunteer_activism Professional Development & Donations

    • $325 Sponsor professional development for members
    • $325 Donation to ACE
    • $100 Sponsor raffle items for members
    event
    Event Dates: June 2–4, 2026
    location_on
    Location: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino & Hotel, Maricopa, AZ

    Award Nominations

    Award Nominations

    Nominate a standout educator, program, or leader in correctional education. Each award has two pathways: Juvenile & Adult.

    workspace_premium President’s Award Juvenile & Adult

    Purpose

    Awarded for outstanding contribution and service to the field of Correctional Education.

    Criteria

    • schedule Minimum of five (5) years of service
    • verified Positive impact on the field of Correctional Education as supported by evidence
    lightbulb Innovative Program of the Year Juvenile & Adult

    Purpose

    Recognizing an outstanding program/project that has had or continues to have a positive impact on the field of Correctional Education.

    Criteria

    • school Any educational, vocational, or training program/project
    • calendar_today Established for at least one year
    • diversity_3 Positive impact on students, institution, and community
    military_tech Outstanding Correctional Educator / Professional of the Year Juvenile & Adult

    Purpose

    To recognize an individual’s outstanding service and contribution to correctional students.

    Criteria

    • schedule Minimum one year of service in correctional education
    • thumb_up Positive impact on students

    gavel Selection Process

    Nominations reviewed & selections made by the ACE Board.

    tune Scoring Rubric (100 pts)

    • 30 pts Direct Impact
    • 30 pts Internal Documentation
    • 20 pts Related External Documentation (limit 5: press releases, awards, recognitions, etc.)
    • 20 pts Indirect Impact
    2026 Award Nomination
    Nominee Information
    This section may be completed by the nominee or the nominator

    Please include a one or two-page typed narrative statement that describes the nominee/program, not to exceed 100 words.

    1. Number of years of service or years of program/project implementation
    2. Reason for nomination: Direct and Indirect impact on correctional students, programming, etc. and/or outstanding service to the field.
    3. Any internal documentation and external supporting documentation (newspaper articles, awards, recognitions, etc. Limit of 5)

    File Upload

    Maximum upload size: 10MB
    only upload pdf files
    Maximum upload size: 10MB
    only upload pdf files
    Maximum upload size: 10MB
    only upload pdf files
    All application packets should include completed nomination form and supporting documents, and two letters of recommendation.
    Nominator Information
    Supervisor's Endorsement

    I fully endorse and support the nomination of...for the 2026 ACE Award as indicated above.