Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Schools of the Future Conference 2026 will be held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu. This annual event is the largest of its kind in Hawai'i, bringing together educators from public, private, and charter schools to explore best practices and emerging trends in education.
Attendees can expect a rich program featuring keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Schools of the Future Conference 2026 takes place in Honolulu, United States.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Schools of the Future Conference 2026 takes place on October 21-22 at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu.
- 2Scale and Focus: This is the largest education conference in Hawai'i, focusing on best practices in education.
- 3Organiser: The conference is produced in partnership with the Hawai'i State Department of Education and other educational organizations.
- 4Keynote Speakers: Four keynote speakers will present, with two each day.
- 5Registration: Early bird registration is available until May 31, 2026, with various ticket options.
Why visit
SOTF is Hawaii's annual professional-learning gathering for K-12 and higher-education practitioners, school leaders, counselors, and student-support staff.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of educators and administrators, enhancing visibility and engagement within the educational community. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Educational technology companies, Publishing houses specializing in educational materials, Organizations providing professional development for educators. Position your offer across educational technology solutions for classrooms,.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Teachers from public, private, and charter schools
School administrators and leaders
Educational technology professionals
Curriculum developers and instructional coaches
Policy makers in education
Students presenting their proposals
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Educational technology companies
Publishing houses specializing in educational materials
Organizations providing professional development for educators
Non-profits focused on educational reform
Consultants in educational practices
Companies offering classroom supplies and resources
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Educational technology solutions for classrooms
Professional development programs for educators
Curriculum resources and instructional materials
Assessment tools and educational software
Student engagement platforms
Innovative classroom furniture and design
Location & Facilities
Venue
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
2005 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Facilities
Parking
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu 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: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu 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 Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
:8:15 AM – 4:10 PM daily
1-Day Ticket (Early Bird)
2752-Day Ticket (Early Bird)
5501-Day Ticket (Standard)
3002-Day Ticket (Standard)
6001-Day Ticket (Late)
3502-Day Ticket (Late)
700
Who runs the show
Organisers
the Samuel N
Organiser
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Honolulu, United States
Why it matters
On 2026-10-21 to 2026-10-22, Schools of the Future Conference 2026 in Honolulu covering Educational technology solutions for classrooms, Professional development programs for educators, Curriculum resources a gives technology 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.
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
Oahu's primary commercial airport and the main gateway for mainland US, Japan, and other international arrivals. Confirm terminal, baggage, and transfer details before travel
TBA
to venue
20-35 minutes to Waikiki depending on traffic
by car
Kalaeloa Airport
General aviation and charter airport west of Honolulu; most commercial conference attendees use HNL instead
TBA
to venue
30-45 minutes to Waikiki depending on traffic
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Holiday Inn Express Waikiki by IHG
3-star
Waikiki, approximately 710 m from Hilton Hawaiian VillageAbout a 10-minute walk to the venue. Confirm resort fee and parking charges when booking.
Aqua Palms Waikiki
3-star
Waikiki, approximately 290 m from Hilton Hawaiian VillageClosest of the listed hotels to the venue, roughly a 4-minute walk. Confirm Wi-Fi and breakfast charges.
Hotel La Croix - Honolulu, HI
4-star
Waikiki, approximately 690 m from Hilton Hawaiian VillageMid-tier option with a pool and fitness center, about a 9-minute walk to the venue. Confirm resort fee.
Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu
4-star
Waikiki, near Hilton Hawaiian VillageLarger Waikiki property with more on-site amenities; confirm room type, resort fee, and walking route to the venue.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Public bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 3.00 adult single ride with exact change or HOLO card
Best forDaniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) to Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
TheBus connects HNL with Waikiki and Ala Moana. Buses have luggage limits and are slower with bags; confirm current routes and fares before travel.
Shared airport shuttle
Estimated costApprox. USD 18-30 one way per person
Best forHNL to Waikiki hotels and Hilton Hawaiian Village
Shared shuttles stop at multiple Waikiki hotels and can be cheaper than a taxi for solo travelers. Book ahead or check the airport shuttle desk; confirm luggage and wait times.
Taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 45-65 metered fare
Best forHNL to Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Taxis are available at the airport curbside. Fare varies with traffic and luggage; confirm the meter is running and ask for a receipt.
Rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 35-60 depending on surge and traffic
Best forHNL to Waikiki and the venue
Uber and Lyft operate on Oahu. Follow airport signs to the designated rideshare pickup area and confirm the app estimate before requesting.
Walk
Estimated costUSD 0
Best forWaikiki hotels to Hilton Hawaiian Village
Aqua Palms Waikiki is about 290 m (4 minutes), Hotel La Croix about 690 m (9 minutes), and Holiday Inn Express Waikiki about 710 m (10 minutes) from the venue. Use marked sidewalks and beachwalk paths.
Parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 45-60 per day self-park; valet higher
Best forHilton Hawaiian Village self-park and valet
Resort-area parking rates apply. Confirm current rates and whether conference attendees receive validation before driving to the venue.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from JRF to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forKalaeloa Airport (JRF) to Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
30-45 minutes to Waikiki depending on traffic; General aviation and charter airport west of Honolulu; most commercial conference attendees use HNL instead.
Weather
October in Honolulu is warm and generally sunny, with daytime highs around 29-31 C (84-88 F) and overnight lows around 23-24 C (73-75 F). Trade winds bring brief passing showers rather than all-day rain. October sits at the end of Hawaii's drier season, but hurricane season runs June-November, so check the forecast in the week before travel. UV exposure is strong even when cloudy; plan for sun protection and hydration between sessions.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile coverage on Oahu is strong on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, with 5G in Waikiki and central Honolulu. Hawaii Standard Time is UTC-10 year-round with no daylight saving, so check call times with mainland colleagues. The venue provides Wi-Fi in meeting areas; confirm access details with the organiser. US power is 110-120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B plugs, so UK, EU, and Australian devices need an adapter. An eSIM or local prepaid SIM is useful for rideshare and transit apps.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Aloha and mahalo
Aloha is both a greeting and a values word in Hawaii; mahalo means thank you. Using both in sessions and with hotel staff is appreciated.
Business dress
Business casual is standard, and aloha shirts are common in Hawaii professional settings. A light layer helps in air-conditioned meeting rooms.
Tipping
Restaurant tipping is typically 18-20 percent. Housekeeping tips of a few dollars per day are customary in Waikiki hotels.
Land and ocean care
Do not remove sand, rocks, or coral from beaches. Hawaii law prohibits sunscreen containing oxybenzone or octinoxate; choose reef-safe products.
Island pace
Waikiki can feel relaxed, but conference sessions start on time. Build in walking and traffic buffers rather than relying on island time for appointments.
Sun and hydration
UV exposure is strong year-round. Carry water, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and plan shade breaks between sessions.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: HNL
Sample Google Flights searches benchmarked 21-25 October 2026 departures and returns. JFK-HNL showed fares unlikely to drop below USD 805; LHR-HNL prices were flagged as currently high; NRT-HNL prices were flagged as currently low and about USD 122 cheaper than usual; SYD-HNL guidance says the cheapest time to book is usually up to five months before takeoff. HNL is the primary gateway for Oahu, and October is shoulder season, so compare one-stop routings and set fare alerts. Fares include required taxes and fees for one adult; optional charges and bag fees may apply.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL): 20-35 minutes to Waikiki depending on traffic; Kalaeloa Airport (JRF): 30-45 minutes to Waikiki depending on traffic. Allow road or rail time to Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort: Waikiki, approximately 710 m from Hilton Hawaiian Village: Holiday Inn Express Waikiki by IHG; Waikiki, approximately 290 m from Hilton Hawaiian Village: Aqua Palms Waikiki; Waikiki, approximately 690 m from Hilton Hawaiian Village: Hotel La Croix - Honolulu, HI.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate on Oahu, including Waikiki and HNL. At the airport, follow signs to the designated rideshare pickup area rather than the taxi curb. Fares to Waikiki vary with surge and traffic, typically higher during commute hours; confirm the app estimate before requesting a ride.
Public transit: TheBus is Oahu's public bus system. Adult single rides are USD 3.00 with exact change or a HOLO card; day and weekly passes are available. Routes connect HNL with Waikiki and Ala Moana, but buses have luggage limits and are slower with bags. The Waikiki Trolley serves resort-area routes. Confirm current routes, fares, and luggage rules before travel.
Parking: Hilton Hawaiian Village has self-parking and valet. Expect resort-area rates, roughly USD 45-60 per day for self-parking with valet higher. Confirm current rates and whether SOTF attendees receive validation. Alternatives include walking from nearby Waikiki hotels, rideshare, or TheBus.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Daytime highs 29-31 C (84-88 F); overnight lows 23-24 C (73-75 F).
Seasonality: October is at the end of Hawaii's drier season, with brief trade-wind showers rather than all-day rain. Hurricane season runs June-November, so monitor forecasts in the week before travel.
Packing: Pack light, breathable clothing, a light rain shell, a layer for air-conditioned meeting rooms, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a refillable water bottle, and high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii law prohibits sunscreen containing oxybenzone or octinoxate. Business casual is appropriate for sessions.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Schools of the Future Conference 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
14 days out: Confirm your SOTF registration tier and the exact 2026 dates on sotfconf.org before booking non-refundable travel.
T-2
12 days out: Book a Waikiki hotel within walking distance of Hilton Hawaiian Village and ask about resort fees, parking, and cancellation terms.
T-3
10 days out: If traveling from outside the US, check ESTA or B-1 business visitor visa status and carry your registration confirmation for immigration.
T-4
7 days out: Review the schedule page, choose one-day or two-day attendance, and shortlist sessions on leadership, instruction, and student support.
T-5
5 days out: Arrange airport transfer from HNL: TheBus at USD 3.00, shared shuttle around USD 18-30, taxi around USD 45-65, or rideshare around USD 35-60.
T-6
3 days out: Pack business casual clothing, a light rain layer, reef-safe sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes for Waikiki blocks.
T-7
2 days out: Download the transit app or buy a HOLO card if you plan to use TheBus, and confirm rideshare pickup zones at HNL.
T-8
1 day out: Check in for your flight, confirm hotel check-in time, and save the venue address: 2005 Kalia Road, Honolulu.
T-9
Arrival day: Pick up your badge early if the organiser opens registration the day before, and walk the route from your hotel to the venue.
T-10
Each conference day: Carry a refillable water bottle, charge devices overnight, and leave extra time for Waikiki traffic and parking.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Schools of the Future Conference 2026 registration concourse
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
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 · 1-Day Ticket (Early Bird)
USD 275 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · 2-Day Ticket (Early Bird)
USD 550 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · 1-Day Ticket (Standard)
USD 300 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · 2-Day Ticket (Standard)
USD 600 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · 1-Day Ticket (Late)
USD 350 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · 2-Day Ticket (Late)
USD 700 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | 1-Day Ticket (Early Bird) | USD 275 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | 2-Day Ticket (Early Bird) | USD 550 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | 1-Day Ticket (Standard) | USD 300 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | 2-Day Ticket (Standard) | USD 600 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | 1-Day Ticket (Late) | USD 350 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | 2-Day Ticket (Late) | USD 700 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Schools of the Future Conference 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Schools of the Future Conference 2026, 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 technology solutions for classrooms and Professional development pro solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Schools of the Future Conference 2026 in Honolulu.
Min. budget
$1,200.00
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 technology solutions for classrooms and Professional development pro products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$5,400.00
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 Honolulu show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- SOTF
- Schools of the Future Conference, the Hawaii education conference held at Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki; the 2026 edition runs in October 2026 with one-day and two-day registration options.
- HIDOE
- Hawaii Department of Education, the statewide public school system that serves students across the Hawaiian Islands. Many SOTF attendees work in HIDOE schools or offices.
- Complex Area
- An HIDOE administrative grouping of schools and offices within a region. Complex Area teams often attend SOTF together to align professional learning across schools.
- PD
- Professional development, the continuing education that educators complete to maintain licensure and improve practice. SOTF sessions are commonly used toward PD goals; confirm credit eligibility with your school or complex area.
- PLC
- Professional learning community, a team of educators who meet regularly to review student data, plan instruction, and improve outcomes. SOTF sessions often model PLC routines that teams can take back to campus.
- PBL
- Project-based learning, an instructional approach in which students investigate a real question or problem over multiple lessons and produce a public product. SOTF sessions may cover PBL design, assessment, and community partnerships.
- MTSS
- Multi-tiered system of supports, a framework that organizes academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports by intensity. School teams use MTSS language when planning interventions for students.
- SEL
- Social-emotional learning, the skills students and adults use to manage emotions, build relationships, and make decisions. SOTF programming frequently connects SEL to classroom climate and student well-being.
- Aina-based education
- Place-based learning rooted in Hawaiian land, culture, and community. Aina-based lessons connect students to local ecosystems, history, and stewardship responsibilities.
- Edtech
- Educational technology, including learning-management systems, assessment platforms, classroom devices, and digital content. SOTF gives school leaders a chance to compare tools against Hawaii classroom realities.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Schools of the Future Conference 2026 Honolulu
- Schools 2026
- Schools Honolulu 2026
- Future Conference Honolulu 2026
- Honolulu United States
- Education Conference Honolulu 2026
- Education Conference Conference Honolulu
- Educational technology solutions for classrooms
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.