Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The FHSA Annual Conference & Expo is set for October 27-29, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando. This year's theme, 'Head Start: Stronger Together - Building Brighter Futures for Florida's Families,' emphasizes collaboration and commitment to improving services for children and families.
Attendees will engage in educational sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions on best practices in early childhood education. FHSA Annual Conference & Expo takes.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The FHSA Annual Conference & Expo takes place from October 27-29, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Orlando, Florida.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event focuses on enhancing education, health, and social services for families served by Head Start programs.
- 3Organiser: The conference is organised by the Florida Head Start Association, a key advocate for early childhood education.
- 4Entry: Registration is required, with member rates starting at $525 and non-member rates at $675.
Why visit
For Florida Head Start and Early Head Start teams, this Orlando conference is a working week of compliance updates, classroom practice, and family engagement strategy rather than a general early childhood expo.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of Head Start professionals, gaining visibility and establishing connections within the early childhood education community. Attendees include Head Start professionals, educators, and community leaders involved in early childhood education. The FHSA Annual Conference & Expo is set for October 27-29, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Head Start and Early Head Start program directors
Education managers, coaches, and classroom teachers
Family and community partnership coordinators
Health, nutrition, mental health, and disability specialists
ERSEA and enrollment managers
Fiscal, human resources, and governance staff
Parent policy council and parent committee leaders
State and local early childhood policy and advocacy staff
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Curriculum and assessment publishers aligned to the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework
Developmental screening, social-emotional learning, and CLASS observation tool providers
Classroom furniture, playground, and inclusive play equipment suppliers
Health, dental, nutrition, and mental health service vendors
Family engagement and PFCE software platforms
ERSEA, PIR, and child data management systems for grantees
Professional development, coaching, and TTA providers
Translation, interpretation, and family communication services
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework-aligned curricula
Developmental screening, assessment, and CLASS observation tools
Social-emotional learning and trauma-informed classroom programmes
Family engagement, PFCE, and parent leadership resources
ERSEA, PIR, and child data management systems
Health, dental, nutrition, and mental health services
Inclusive classroom materials and adaptive play equipment
Playground, classroom furniture, and safety supplies
Staff coaching, TTA, and practice-based professional development
Translation and family communication tools
Location & Facilities
Venue
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
5780 Major Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819
Facilities
Parking
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando in Orlando typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando in Orlando typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Member Rate
525Non-Member Rate
675
Who runs the show
Organisers
Florida Head Start Association Inc.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Orlando, USA
Why it matters
On 2026-10-27 to 2026-10-29, FHSA Annual Conference & Expo in Orlando covering Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework-aligned curricula, Developmental screening, assessment, and CLASS observati gives construction buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Orlando International
Primary commercial gateway for Orlando and the closest major airport to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando; public transport and rideshare both available
to venue
Approx. 25-35 min by road to the Universal Orlando / International Drive area (confirm live traffic)
by car
Orlando Sanford International
Secondary Orlando airport north of the city, used mainly by leisure and some international carriers; allow extra time for the longer road transfer to the venue hotel
to venue
Approx. 45-60 min by road to the Universal Orlando area (confirm live traffic)
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Staybridge Suites Orlando Universal Blvd by IHG
3-star
Universal Boulevard, Orlando4.4
All-suite extended-stay property with pool, pet-friendly; suited to multi-night conference stays. Approximate conversion from captured INR rates.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Orlando Southeast, an IHG Hotel
3-star
Orlando Southeast4.4
3-star with free cancellation and pool. Approximate conversion from captured INR rates.
Holiday Inn Orlando-International Airport by IHG
3-star
Orlando International Airport (MCO)4.3
Airport-area 3-star with free cancellation and pool; practical for early departures. Approximate conversion from captured INR rates.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando at Millenia
3-star
Millenia / International Drive south4.5
Highest guest rating in the captured set; pool and pet-friendly suites. Approximate conversion from captured INR rates.
Element by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld
3-star
SeaWorld / International Drive south4.2
Lower-cost 3-star with pool and pet-friendly policy. Approximate conversion from captured INR rates.
Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Airport
3-star
Orlando International Airport (MCO)4.1
Airport 3-star with pool and parking. Approximate conversion from captured INR rates.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando - International Drive by IHG
3-star
International Drive4.2
Lowest captured rate among International Drive properties; free cancellation and hot tub. Approximate conversion from captured INR rates.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from MCO to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forOrlando International (MCO) to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
MCO is the primary commercial gateway for the Universal Orlando and International Drive area. Allow 25-35 minutes by road depending on traffic, and confirm the pickup zone for rideshare before exiting the terminal.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from SFB to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forOrlando Sanford International (SFB) to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
SFB is north of Orlando and used mainly by leisure and some international carriers. Allow 45-60 minutes by road to the Universal Orlando area and budget for the longer transfer.
bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 2 per one-way local bus ride (confirm current LYNX fare)
Best forLYNX local bus from International Drive to the Universal Orlando area
LYNX serves International Drive and connects with parts of the Universal area, but routes and schedules vary by stop. Use the LYNX trip planner and allow extra time for walking from the nearest stop.
trolley
Estimated costApprox. USD 2 per single trolley ride; day passes sold separately (confirm current I-Ride fare)
Best forI-Ride Trolley along International Drive near Universal Orlando hotels
The I-Ride Trolley runs along International Drive and is useful for hotel-to-restaurant and hotel-to-shopping trips. It is not a direct airport transfer; check the route map for the closest stop to your hotel.
shared shuttle
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forOrlando International (MCO) to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
Shared-ride shuttles can be cheaper than a private taxi for solo travellers but may include multiple hotel stops. Confirm the operator, meeting point, and luggage policy before booking.
rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forInternational Drive or Universal Boulevard hotel to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
For hotels along International Drive, a short rideshare or taxi is often simpler than a bus transfer, especially with materials or evening events. Walking may be possible from nearby properties; check the hotel-to-venue distance.
parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 15-25 per day for hotel self-parking (confirm property rate)
Best forSelf-parking at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
On-site parking is available at the venue hotel. Confirm the current daily rate, in-and-out privileges, and any event-specific parking arrangements before driving.
Weather
Orlando in late October: warm and humid, highs near 29 C and lows around 17 C; the Atlantic hurricane season runs to 30 November, so short heavy showers or storm systems are possible. Pack breathable business-casual clothing and a compact umbrella.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Conference dress
Business casual is typical for Florida early childhood conferences. Bring a light layer for heavily air-conditioned session rooms and comfortable shoes for walking between sessions and the exhibit hall.
Arrival and badge pickup
Plan to arrive the evening before sessions begin and allow time at the registration desk for badge pickup. Keep a photo ID and your registration confirmation handy, and check the official schedule for any changed opening times.
Tipping
Plan for 15-20 percent on sit-down restaurant bills and a few dollars for hotel housekeeping. Taxis and rideshares commonly use in-app tipping, so confirm the payment method before you ride.
Accessibility and inclusion
Head Start audiences include family leaders, people with disabilities, and attendees with caregiving responsibilities. Ask the organiser about captioning, seating, quiet spaces, or other accommodations before you travel.
Weather and storm season
Late October in Orlando is warm and humid, with highs near 29 C and lows around 17 C. The Atlantic hurricane season runs through 30 November, so monitor forecasts and keep travel plans flexible.
Local transit payment
LYNX buses and the I-Ride Trolley may require exact change or a reloadable card. Check current payment options and route maps before boarding, and confirm the last service time if you are returning after evening events.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: MCO
Book flights to MCO when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare SFB only if fares are materially lower.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Orlando International (MCO): Approx. 25-35 min by road to the Universal Orlando / International Drive area (confirm live traffic); Orlando Sanford International (SFB): Approx. 45-60 min by road to the Universal Orlando area (confirm live traffic). Allow road or rail time to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando: Universal Boulevard, Orlando: Staybridge Suites Orlando Universal Blvd by IHG; Orlando Southeast: Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Orlando Southeast, an IHG Hotel; Orlando International Airport (MCO): Holiday Inn Orlando-International Airport by IHG.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft are widely available around Orlando International Airport, International Drive, and the convention center.
Public transit: LYNX bus service covers International Drive; the I-Ride Trolley runs along I-Drive near many hotels.
Parking: On-site parking is available at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Approx. 17 C to 29 C in late October (Orlando, FL); daytime highs near 29 C with warm, humid evenings around 17-20 C. Confirm with a live forecast closer to travel.
Seasonality: Late October falls at the tail end of Orlando's wet season: expect warm, humid days and a realistic chance of short afternoon thunderstorms; pack a light rain layer and plan indoor backups for outdoor evening plans.
Packing: Approx. 17 C to 29 C in late October (Orlando, FL); daytime highs near 29 C with warm, humid evenings around 17-20 C. Confirm with a live forecast closer to travel. Late October falls at the tail end of Orlando's wet season: expect warm, humid days and a realistic chance of short afternoon thunderst
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at FHSA Annual Conference & Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm whether your programme registers at the member or non-member rate and complete registration.
T-2
Book a room in the Universal Orlando or International Drive area; compare hotel-to-venue walk, shuttle, and rideshare options.
T-3
Reserve an MCO airport transfer or check LYNX and I-Ride Trolley routes if you plan to use public transit.
T-4
Download the official schedule from flheadstart.org and mark sessions on ERSEA, PFCE, CLASS, and comprehensive services.
T-5
List the curricula, screening tools, data systems, and family engagement products your programme is evaluating before visiting exhibitors.
T-6
Bring current HSPPS, ERSEA, or PFCE questions for peer discussion with Florida grantees and delegate agencies.
T-7
Pack business-casual clothing and a compact umbrella for warm, humid late-October weather.
T-8
Confirm the DoubleTree self-parking rate if you are driving to the venue.
T-9
Check accessibility needs for sessions, the exhibit hall, and any off-site networking events.
T-10
Save the official schedule page and organiser contact details for on-site updates.
T-11
Plan time for peer networking with parent policy council members and family services staff.
T-12
Leave room in your luggage for vendor catalogues and classroom samples.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2FHSA Annual Conference & Expo registration concourse
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · Member Rate
USD 525 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · Non-Member Rate
USD 675 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Member Rate | USD 525 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Non-Member Rate | USD 675 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether FHSA Annual Conference & Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For FHSA Annual Conference & Expo, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Educational materials and resources for early childhood solutions and benchmarking suppliers at FHSA Annual Conference & Expo in Orlando.
Min. budget
$1,165.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Educational materials and resources for early childhood products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$5,242.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Orlando show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Head Start
- Federally funded early childhood program for children from birth to age five in low-income families, delivering education, health, nutrition, and family support services.
- Early Head Start
- Head Start program serving pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and their families, usually through home visiting, center-based care, or a mix of both.
- HSPPS
- Head Start Program Performance Standards, the federal regulations that govern program operations, education, health, family services, governance, and fiscal management.
- ERSEA
- Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance, the framework Head Start grantees use to identify families, fill slots, and maintain attendance.
- PFCE
- Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework, a research-based approach to building family well-being, positive parent-child relationships, and school readiness.
- CLASS
- Classroom Assessment Scoring System, an observation tool used to measure the quality of teacher-child interactions in Head Start classrooms.
- PIR
- Program Information Report, the annual federal report that Head Start grantees submit on services, staff, families, and children.
- Grantee and delegate agency
- A grantee holds the federal Head Start award and accountable oversight; a delegate agency delivers Head Start services under the grantee's supervision.
- Comprehensive services
- The health, dental, nutrition, mental health, disability, and family support services Head Start provides alongside early learning.
- TTA
- Training and Technical Assistance, the federal and regional support system that helps Head Start programs improve quality and meet performance standards.
- School readiness
- The skills, knowledge, and behaviors children need for kindergarten, aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
- Family engagement
- Intentional, respectful partnerships with families that support children's learning and families' own goals and stability.
- Inclusive classroom
- A setting where children with disabilities learn alongside peers with individualized accommodations, materials, and teaching support.
- Trauma-informed care
- Practices that recognize how trauma affects children and adults and that build safe, predictable, and supportive environments.
- Practice-based coaching
- Professional development in which a coach observes teaching, gives focused feedback, and supports a teacher's goals in the classroom.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- FHSA Annual Conference & Expo 2026
- FHSA Annual Conference & Expo Orlando 2026
- FHSA Annual Conference 2026
- FHSA Annual Conference Orlando 2026
- FHSA 2026
- FHSA Orlando 2026
- Orlando USA
- Conference Expo Orlando
- Educational materials and resources for early childhood
Trust footer
Sources
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References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
1
Florida Head Start Association
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