Welcome to The Quad: A New Experience at Thrive 2025

Step into The Quad (formerly the Expo)—a dynamic and reimagined space designed to foster connection, learning, and innovation at Thrive 2025. Much like a campus quad, this gathering place will serve as the heart of the conference, where attendees can gather, recharge, and immerse themselves in unique programming that drives educational excellence.


Plan Your Visit to The Quad

  • Thursday, February 27: 10:30 AM-4:30 PM CT 

  • Friday, February 28: 10:30 AM-3:00 PM CT


Programming in The Quad 

The Quad has three centers: the Career Center, the Innovation & Technology Center, and the Teaching & Learning Center. Some offerings will require pre-registration due to limited capacity. 

Career Center

Find personalized career support, build your skills, get hands-on practice, and draw inspiration from other schools.

Sign up for free 45-minute sessions with educator-focused coaches and others who are trained to listen, ask powerful questions, and create a space for reflection. Whether you have a school-based dilemma or are facing a personal or professional crossroads, take advantage of the opportunity to use a fully trained and certified coach as a sounding board.

Skills Studio 

This new workspace is designed to develop skills through doing. Whether practicing critical leadership skills like holding difficult conversations, building your resume, or developing your storytelling muscles, the Skills Studio will help you get hands-on experience.

Innovation & Technology Center

Join interactive sessions where you’ll engage with the latest education technologies and hear from peers who are using these tools to drive innovation in their classrooms.

Teach With Tech 

Visit this space to interact with equipment, experts, and peers who are leveraging these technologies to support student and adult learning in their schools.

Teaching & Learning Center

From interactive workshops to innovative hands-on demonstrations, join sessions designed to inspire new teaching methods and explore education best practices.

Learn from educators as they pitch prototyped innovations around disruptive technology and student wellness, while getting real-time feedback from industry mentors.

Idea Exchange

Innovation on display! These interactive poster sessions connect practitioners around original teaching ideas. Explore new methods and find inspiration to enhance your classroom and your school. Take a gallery walk through the space or meet with the practitioners themselves in one of two sessions on Friday, February 28 (Session 1: 10:30-11:15 AM; Session 2: 12:30-1:15 PM).


Activities in The Quad 

In addition to programming, The Quad offers a variety of informal activities designed to help you relax, recharge, and network. 

  • Book Signings in the NAIS Central Bookstore 
  • AI Mini-Sessions 
  • Complimentary Headshots: Start the next step of your leadership journey by stopping by and getting a professional headshot taken. 
 

Relax and Recharge

  • Wellness Zone:
    • Complimentary Massages: Take a break from the hustle and bustle to get a brief chair massage. Let your cares melt away! (Sponsored by Blackbaud)
    • Healthy Snack Demo: Visit the Wellness Zone during the afternoon refreshment break to sample some nutritious snacks with us! During this demo you’ll learn how to create delicious treats that will satisfy your cravings while keeping you energized. 
  • Lounge Space: Pop into one of our lounges to connect with colleagues, meet new friends, enjoy some of the fun games, or to simply recharge before your next session! (Sponsored by CalWest Educators Placement and WAMHI)
  • Meeting Nook: Use a private meeting nook to meet with a colleague, make calls, charge your devices, or catch up on work. (Sponsored by Nook)

Meals and Networking  

  • Opening Ceremony (Thursday: 10:30-11:15 AM): Celebrate the opening of The Quad with a 45-minute open house. Enjoy coffee, snacks, and entertainment while exploring this dynamic, reimagined space.
  • Complimentary Lunch
    • Thursday: 12:30-1:30 PM (Sponsored by Veracross)
    • Friday: 12:30-1:30 PM
  • Morning and Afternoon Breaks: Grab a coffee or snack, chat with exhibitors, and connect with fellow attendees.


With a blend of structured programming, engaging activities, and relaxation spaces, The Quad offers everything you need to make the most of your Thrive 2025 experience. Be sure to visit often to connect, learn, and recharge!