Two Conversations. One Landmark Moment in Literacy.

For years, two of the most important conversations in education have shaped how we think about literacy and learning. Now, for the first time, they’re coming together under one roof.

Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning® and the Plain Talk About Dyslexia Summit are uniting to create the premier, all-inclusive literacy conference.

Join us for the nation’s premier literacy institute, where evidence-based reading research meets real-world practice—designed for educators ready to turn insight into immediate impact.

2027 Information

What are the Topics?

Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning® attendees can expect to leave more informed about numerous subjects affecting education, including:

  • Adolescent Literacy  
  • Assessment and Data  
  • Coaching  
  • Comprehension   
  • Dyslexia  
  • English Language Learners  
  • Equity & Inclusion   
  • Fluency  
  • Learning Differences    
  • Leadership  
  • Parent, Family & Community Engagement
  • Phonics 
  • Phonological Awareness  
  • Policy  
  • Research 
  • RTI  
  • Spelling  
  • Trauma/Social Emotional Learning 
  • Vocabulary 
  • Writing
Who Should Attend?

Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning® is one of the nation’s premier literacy conferences, attracting education industry professionals from all levels, including:

  • PreK–12 teachers
  • Special education teachers
  • Interventionists
  • Literacy coaches
  • Dyslexia therapists and specialists
  • School and district leaders
  • Curriculum and instructional leaders
  • Teacher leaders
  • Speech-language professionals
  • School psychologists
  • Higher education faculty
  • Literacy advocates and policymakers
Hotel Accommodations
Plain Talk 2027 will be held at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. The hotel reservation link will be provided to you on the confirmation page after you complete your registration for Plain Talk. 
  • $245 per night plus tax and fees. Taxes and fees are currently 16.2% and a $3.00 occupancy fee per night for single/double occupancy. 
  • Check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM. 
  • Complimentary in-room basic internet for attendees.
  • Complimentary health club use for all attendees registered in the hotel (excludes classes and court fees).
  • Overnight parking in the Hilton’s self-parking garage is discounted to $20 per night (plus tax) for guests staying in the Hilton. Valet parking is available for approximately $50 per night plus tax.
  • A daily parking rate of $15 per day in the Hilton’s self-parking garage is available for those who drive in each day. This rate is valid for 12 hours after the time stamp on the ticket you pull when you enter the parking garage.
Registration Details
The registration fee for Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning® includes registration materials, access to sessions and the exhibitor hall, lunch and afternoon refreshments on Wednesday and Thursday, and a Jazz Brunch on Friday.   
Registration Fees
  • $699 on or before June 30, 2026
  • $799 after June 30, 2026 through October 28, 2026
  • $899 after October 28, 2026

Group Discount: A $30 per person discount for registering 5 or more educators at the same time will be applied automatically after the 5th person is entered.

Payment Details
  1. Registrations may be paid via credit card, check or purchase order. 
  2. We will only accept a purchase order as a method of payment until January 11, 2027. You will have the opportunity to upload your purchase order during the registration process. If you do not have your purchase order at the time of registration, please look for specific instructions during the registration process on how to send it via email. 
  3. Payment in any form (credit card, check, or purchase order) must be received within 30 days of registration. If payment is not received within 30 days, your registration will be canceled, and you will be required to re-register at the current rate.
Future Plain Talk Dates

Jan 26-28, 2028
Jan 31- Feb 2, 2029
February  20 - 22, 2030
February 12 - 14, 2031
February 25 - 27, 2032
_________________

Prior Plain Talk Programs
2026 Plain Talk
2025 Plain Talk
2024 Plain Talk
2023 Plain Talk
2022 Plain Talk
2021 Plain Talk

Additional Questions?

Email or call The Center for Literacy and Learning at plaintalk@mycll.org or (833) 792-1874 for additional information about the conference.
Do you need a copy of The Center for Literacy & Learning's W-9 form?
You can click the link here to download a PDF of The Center for Literacy & Learning's W-9.

Frequently Asked Questions PDF

Alice P. Thomas Memorial Scholarship

Established to honor the legacy of a passionate literacy advocate, the Alice P. Thomas Scholarship helps remove financial barriers so more educators can access the transformative learning, collaboration, and networking opportunities offered at Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning®.

Each year, the scholarship recognizes an educator who demonstrates a strong commitment to literacy instruction, student success, and professional growth.

The scholarship includes:
  • Complimentary registration to Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning® 2027
  • Hotel accommodations for three nights at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside (room and tax only)
  • Up to $500 in travel reimbursement

Through this scholarship, The Center for Literacy & Learning continues Alice P. Thomas's vision of ensuring educators have access to the knowledge, resources, and support needed to help every learner succeed.

Applications close on September 15, 2026. Winner(s) will be selected by October 8, 2026.

What Attendees have said about Plain Talk

This was the best conference I've attended! The sessions were amazing and the sense of collective efficacy from the presenters and attendees recharged my battery to bring a strong finish to my school for our last quarter!
Amazing conference that brought together top speakers focused on best practices for getting children reading… The conversations, research, and practical ideas all centered around one powerful question: What can I do to have a meaningful impact on a child’s life and help them become a reader?
I loved the diversity of topics covered at Plain Talk. There truly is something for everybody to gain from the conference. I also LOVED the app. It was so well organized and easy to access information about sessions.
The range of speakers — so many highly respected and knowledgeable experts. The care given to all attendees — I felt really welcome, even though I was a solo attendee. From checking in to conference end, it was a really great experience all around!
Every session had strong topics — none of them were fluff. All of the experts were there.
This was my first time to Plain Talk. I loved how excited the presenters were to share with everyone. Every keynote and session was valuable and something that I needed to hear.

Thank You to the 2026 Plain Talk Sponsors & Exhibitors

Want to Attend Plain Talk?

Download this letter explaining why attending Plain Talk will benefit your organization. This form letter can be shared with your management team.