4th Annual Voices United Conference
Framing the Future Through Multilingualism
Join us on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, in Albany, New York for the Fourth Annual Voices United Conference, hosted by the 91社区鈥檚 Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages.
This year鈥檚 theme, 鈥淔raming the Future Through Multilingualism,鈥 celebrates multilingualism as a powerful asset in preparing students for success in a global society. Guided by the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, we will explore how language, culture, and identity contribute to students鈥 development as effective communicators, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners. Together, we will examine how educators can build on students鈥 linguistic and cultural assets to strengthen literacy, language development, and academic achievement while preparing all students to thrive in college, careers, and beyond.
Voices United brings together educators, administrators, and educational leaders from across New York State to share knowledge, strengthen practice, and advance high-quality, academically rigorous instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) and Multilingual Learners (MLs). This one-day professional learning opportunity will deepen participants鈥 theoretical understanding and provide practical strategies to support multilingual learners鈥 academic success and language development.
Conference Details
Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2026
Location: Empire State Convention Center
Address: 100 South Mall Arterial, Albany, NY 12242
Cost: No cost to New York State educators and administrators
CTLE Credit: 5 hours of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) credit
Pre-registration closes on November 16, 2026. We encourage you to register early and join colleagues from across the state for a day of learning, collaboration, and shared commitment to the future of multilingual education.
For questions, please contact OBEWLconference@nysed.gov.
Parking and Transportation
Driving and Parking
GPS and mapping applications may not reliably locate the Empire State Plaza鈥檚 visitor parking entrance using the venue鈥檚 street address. To navigate to the Visitor Parking Lot, use the following GPS coordinates:
N 42.650674, W 73.7600
For additional information, and other parking options, visit the
Public Transportation
Parking in downtown Albany can be limited. Attendees are encouraged to consider public transportation. Many bus routes serve the Empire State Plaza.