Program / Schedule

Chicago, Illinois is the perfect backdrop to Celebrate Teaching. Start planning now for IRA’s 57th Annual Convention. Gather with educators from across the country to learn the latest issues in the field and network for solutions. Come for dynamic general session speakers, knowledge-packed (and practical) Teaching Edge sessions, and cutting edge products from the exhibit hall. All educational sessions for the 2012 Convention will be held in the McCormick Place Convention Center West building and the Hyatt Regency McCormick.

Still deciding about attending the IRA's 57th Annual Convention in Chicago? Click here to view the entire program and see the exciting sessions available to you to once you register! Click here to view the new online convention preview.

Convention Highlights

Don't forget to use the iplanner event grid to see what is scheduled.

Research Events (Sunday, April 29th-Wednesday, May 2nd)

All research sessions and events are held at McCormick Place West and are eligible for IRA clock hours (CEU credits). Click here to see the Research schedule!

First Timers Sessions (Monday, April 30th: two sessions — 11-12 p.m. and 1-2 p.m.)

These sessions are sponsored by the IRA Division of Council and Affiliates. Valuable information and helpful tips on sessions, exhibits, and social activities from IRA staff members. These sessions will help you get the most from your first IRA Convention. Two sessions will be offered.

Council Awards & Reception (Sunday, April 29th — 6-8 p.m.)

This ceremony honors state and provincial association leaders, as well as representatives from Honor Councils. Honor Council, Award of Excellence, Advocacy Award, Local Council Community Service Award, Exemplary Reading Program Award, Horizon Award, and President's Cup are presented. A photography session for awardees is held during the Council Awards Ceremony.

IRA Annual Business Meeting (Tuesday, May 1st — 1:30-3.00p.m.)

The IRA Annual Business Meeting is open to all IRA members. Members will have the opportunity to participate in round table discussions with IRA Board members prior to the start of the business meeting.

Autograph Schedule

Autographing sessions will take place in the exhibit hall at various times throughout the week. Please refer to the "Guide to the Stars" booklet for times, dates, and other specifics. The guide will be available in the registration area as well as near the entrance to the exhibit hall.

Special Events

Join us at one of the many IRA special events offered at the convention. While you explore these different events and the exhibit hall, be sure to say hello to the IRA leadership, the Board of Directors. They will be on hand to answer questions or simply sit and chat about the latest trends in teaching reading. It's a perfect opportunity to give your input and learn what's new at IRA and all the exciting things to come!

Program/Schedule Info:

ICW Form
Need to schedule a private meeting or event? Please fill out the 'In Conjunction With' form by 3/2/12.

Schedule-at-a-Glance
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Saturday, April 28, 2012

12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Exhibitor Registration

2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Attendee Registration & Speaker Ready Room

Sunday, April 29, 2012

7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Attendee Registration & Speaker Ready Room

7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Exhibitor Registration

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Institutes

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Council Awards and Reception

Monday, April 30, 2012

7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Attendee Registration, Exhibitor Registration, & Speaker Ready Room

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Opening General Session

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Open

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

First Timers Session

11:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Sessions, Workshops, Symposia

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Primary Literature Luncheon (ticketed event)

4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Research Address & Awards

5.15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Research Reception

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Attendee Registration, Exhibitor Registration, & Speaker Ready Room

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

General Session

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Open

9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Sessions, Workshops, Symposia

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Young Adult Literature Luncheon (ticketed event)

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

IRA Annual Business Meeting

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Attendee Registration, Exhibitor Registration, & Speaker Ready Room

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Sessions, Workshops, Symposia

9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Open

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Book and Author Luncheon (ticketed event)

2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Closing General Session