ARCQE’s National Child Day Conference 2025
SpARCQEing Change In Children’s Best Interest
Welcome 2025 Attendees!
Join ARCQE on November 21 and 22, 2025, for our 16th annual National Child Day Conference! This year’s theme, SpARCQEing Change in Children’s Best Interests, is grounded in Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasizing the importance of placing children at the centre of all decisions that affect them.
This event brings together early childhood educators and sector professionals to explore global childcare perspectives and deepen their understanding of what it means to truly act in children’s best interests. Explore the importance of placing children at the heart every decision that affects them. Take part in keynote and breakout sessions, our vendor mARCQEtplace, Collaborator Commons, Meet the Author sessions, and the Study Tour. Immerse yourself in everything the conference has to offer—and purchase your ticket today!
Edmonton Conference Centre
Our conference has grown! This year, we’ve moved to the Edmonton Conference Centre to serve you better. Located in downtown Edmonton along the scenic river valley, its spacious facilities and commitment to sustainability reflect the core values of this conference. Together, we support growth, encourage responsible stewardship, and inspire meaningful learning.
Parking
We have reserved the entire Grierson Hill surface parking lot, located directly beside the Edmonton Conference Centre. With a parking lot attendant and 110 free parking spots available, attendees will have convenient access just steps away from the venue. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional street parking and paid parking lots are also available in the surrounding area.
Accommodations
DoubleTree by Hilton Edmonton Downtown
9576 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5H 3V3
Stay just blocks from Edmonton’s vibrant Arts District and a 5-minute walk along the scenic river valley to the Edmonton Conference Centre. Unwind and enjoy your conference weekend at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Visit the Gallery Lounge & Bar to enjoy a specialty menu for conference attendees, relax in a pool sized hot tub, move at your own pace in the fitness centre, and limited discounted underground parking!
ARCQE has a reserve block of 100 rooms for conference attendees. Book early before they’re gone! Room options include either a Standard Two Queen Beds Room or Standard King Bed Room.
Check-in: 4:00 PM, Friday, November 21, 2025
Check-out: Noon, Sunday, November 23, 2025
Alberta Study Tour
Engage with our provincial network and join one of three tour options to explore a variety of high quality and unique child care programs in Edmonton and their work with different communities. After the tour, participate in a reflective discussion alongside a panel of representatives from the six child care programs to gain insights and share experiences. Transportation is included! Look out for our Dual Experience ticket, which combines the full Conference and Study Tour tickets to give you an immersive and enriching learning journey. Make the most of your National Child Day Conference by attending the Study Tour, giving you an opportunity to connect with a group of likeminded individuals.
Details coming soon!
In Person Tickets
These include access to keynote speakers, your choice of breakout sessions, the mARCQEtplace, Collaborator Commons, hands-on activities at the Creation Station, Meet the Authors, and the opportunity to make meaningful connections with others in the early learning and care community. It’s perfect for attendees who want to be fully immersed in the conference—engaging with all the unique event opportunities and networking with like-minded individuals, all while enjoying the beautiful setting of the river valley.
Virtual Tickets
Bring the conference to you! The virtual ticket gives you access from wherever you are. With upgraded streaming services, you’ll enjoy high-quality access to keynotes and main room breakout sessions, receive a curated list of digital early learning resources, and be connected online to a community that shares your commitment to National Child Day.
Early Bird Deals
Register early and save! We offer different cost-saving options for the conference available for both in-person and virtual tickets.
- Conference and Study Tour Bundle
- Study Tour
- In-person
- Full Table of 8 (in-person)
- Half Table of 4 (in-person)
- Virtual
- Group of 10 (virtual)
- Group of 5 (virtual)
- PTL Cardholder
Available July.14th!
Early Bird Tickets
Register early and save! Watch out for our Early Bird tickets launching July.14th, 2025, on our site! ARCQE is offering many different cost-saving options for the conference during Early Bird sales, available for both in-person and virtual tickets.
mARCQEtplace
This year features an expanded lineup of vendors with early learning resources, educational tools, wellness products, handmade goods, and everyday items that bring joy to those who care for children.
Local businesses and entrepreneurs will be together in one of our main halls, offering an intentional experience created with early educators in mind. See the growing list of vendors on our Event page at arcqe.ca.
Collaborator Commons
Come meet ARCQE’s collaborators and learn about the important work they’re doing across the early learning sector. With their ongoing support and partnership, ARCQE is proud to offer high-quality professional learning that encourages continuous growth in early learning practices.
Capsule Collection
This is Your National Child Day Call To Action! ARCQE is excited to release a limited edition Capsule Collection designed alongside children, inspired by Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and National Child Day. All proceeds from this meaningful and functional merchandise will be donated to a Canadian organization dedicated to supporting children’s rights. The chosen charity will be announced when the Capsule Collection launches this July. Support National Child Day by wearing an item from the collection on November 20th, at our conference, or anytime throughout the year. Let’s create a Tide of Blue across Canada!
Meet the Authors
Many of our speakers are also authors! This is your opportunity to meet those shaping and influencing the sector through their published work. Included in your conference ticket, join us Friday night with your copies of their work to get them signed and meet the authors.
Appearances by…
- Carol Garboden Murray
- Nick Terrones
- Patrick Makokoro
More to come!
Student Tickets
Be part of powerful conversations on children’s rights and connect with passionate educators who are driving change in early learning. Walk away inspired, informed, and empowered for your future in the field.
Active post-secondary students enrolled in an early learning–related program at an accredited institution are eligible for 40% off registration from September 15 to November 12, 2025. Proof of student status is required.
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