2026 Kentucky SHAPE Summer Conference

2026 Kentucky SHAPE Summer Conference is organized by Kentucky Society of Health and Physical Educators (KSHAPE) and will be held from Jun 24 - 26, 2026 at Tates Creek High School, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America.

Description:
Now in its sixth year, the Kentucky SHAPE Summer Conference brings together educators, leaders, and advocates from across the Commonwealth and beyond who are committed to strengthening health and physical education in schools. This dynamic three-day experience is designed to inspire, connect, and equip participants with practical strategies they can immediately apply in their classrooms, schools, and districts.

Attendees can expect engaging, hands-on workshops, meaningful networking opportunities, and timely sessions led by respected practitioners and thought leaders—all focused on helping students thrive academically, physically, and emotionally.

The Kentucky SHAPE Summer Conference was born during an unprecedented moment in education.

In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic—when classrooms were disrupted, routines were fractured, and educators were asked to carry more than ever—the #MoveThrive theme emerged as both a response and a reminder. It centered on a simple but powerful truth: when we move, we thrive. Movement supports not only physical health, but also mental, emotional, and social well-being—and wellness is foundational to resilience.

Over the past five summers, the Kentucky SHAPE Summer Conference has become a place of renewal, reconnection, and collective healing for educators from across Kentucky and the nation. In 2021, Kentucky SHAPE proudly hosted one of the first in-person health and physical education conferences in the country, bringing educators together face-to-face at a time when many had not gathered in person for months—or even years. For some, it was their first opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, move together, learn together, and simply be together again.

What began as a response to crisis evolved into a movement—one that reaffirmed the essential role of health and physical education, elevated educator voice, and reminded us that caring for ourselves and our communities is not optional work—it is essential work.

As we enter our sixth year, we carry forward the spirit of Move, Thrive with deep gratitude. That foundation now propels us into the next chapter of our collective journey.

2026 Theme:
Teach with Intention. Lead with Impact.
Rooted in the resilience built over the past five years, the 2026 Kentucky SHAPE Summer Conference challenges educators to be purposeful in their practice and bold in their leadership—continuing the work of strengthening schools, communities, and student well-being for the future.