2026 Executive Roundtable for Independent School Heads
Partner Event
Join EAB’s annual roundtable for heads of school, where you’ll have the opportunity to network and discuss shared challenges with peers and EAB experts in a focused, uninterrupted setting. During this in-person gathering, comprised of two half-days, attendees will discuss recent research on key strategic topics facing the sector. Agenda details are forthcoming.
2025 attendees emphasized the roundtable’s balance of forward-looking insights and practical tools, describing it as both energizing and immediately applicable to their work.
- “This roundtable balanced thought-provoking research with practical tools—leaving me energized and equipped to bring these ideas back to my team and board.”
- “A high-quality experience that pushed my thinking about the future while offering tangible frameworks I can apply in real school settings.”
Event Details
We are excited to offer two date options in 2026: one in Washington, D.C., and one cohosted with Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, CA.
Audience: This event is limited to heads of school. Registration is limited to one attendee per institution.
For travel planning: The event will begin at 12:00 p.m. on the first day and adjourn at 12:00 p.m. on the second day. EAB will host a dinner for attendees following the first day of presentations in both locations.
Expand each session below for information about meeting location, hotel accommodations, and reservations.
November 4-5, 2026 – Washington, D.C.
Meeting Location
EAB
2445 M Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
202-747-1000
Hotel Accommodations
Park Hyatt Washington, D.C.
1201 24th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
202-789-1234
Reservations
$369/Room
Call 877-803-7534 or book online
Mention Executive Roundtable for Independent School Heads to access our preferred rate
Please reserve by October 13, 2026
Please make your reservation at your earliest convenience as space and rates are subject to availability. For alternative hotel information, contact us at [email protected].
December 15-16, 2026 – San Jose, CA
Meeting Location
Bellarmine College Preparatory, Lokey Academic Center (Building #15)
960 West Hedding Street
San Jose, CA 95126
408-294-9224
There is no formal room block for this session, but we have compiled a list of suggested area hotels to reference when booking your accommodations.
Agenda
Day One
12:00 p.m.
Guest Arrival and Registration
Lunch Provided
1:00 p.m.
Welcome and Introductions
1:30 p.m.
Strengthening the Future Donor Pipeline: Supporting the Rising Costs of High-Touch Education
This session examines how rising costs and changing family finances are increasing the importance of philanthropy to independent schools’ long-term sustainability. Drawing on higher education research, heads will explore ways to cultivate overlooked donors and build clearer routes into major and planned giving. Through discussion and reflection, attendees will identify tactics to redirect advancement effort toward relationships with greater long-term potential.
3:00 p.m.
Emerging Flexible Education Markets: Competitive Intel for a Dynamic Value Proposition
From sports academies to entrepreneurship programs and alternative academic models, new providers are changing how families pursue opportunities for their children. Heads will examine which offerings may remain specialized options or become broader expectations for current and prospective independent school families. Through hands-on analysis and peer discussion, attendees will apply a framework for deciding when to adapt existing offerings, partner with external providers, or strengthen their school’s distinctive value—and identify a priority to explore further with their teams.
5:00 p.m.
Adjournment
5:30 p.m.
Dinner
Day Two
8:00 a.m.
Breakfast
9:00 a.m.
Technology Backlash Amidst AI Acceleration: What the Research Supports
This session examines the growing public debate about digital technology’s effects on learning and wellbeing, separating broad claims from the conditions under which particular digital technology uses help or hinder students. Through hands-on evidence review and discussion, heads will consider what justifies expanding, limiting, or reconsidering a digital tool. Attendees will leave with a framework for making decisions and explaining them to the broader school community.
10:45 a.m.
Setting School Priorities for an AI-Driven Future
This session explores how AI could reshape students’ lives and focuses on two school priorities: developing students’ judgment about when, why, and how to use AI, and returning staff time to the human work families value. Interactive scenarios and peer discussion will help heads test assumptions, consider appropriate student use, and identify operational opportunities. Attendees will leave with guiding questions and priorities to explore with their leadership teams.
12:00 p.m.
Adjournment