Conference

WELCOME TO SOPHIA’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE – 2026!

We are excited to announce that our 2026 Conference will be on April 24-25 in the beautiful city of Clearwater on Florida’s Gulf Coast! St. Petersburg College will host us on its Clearwater campus.

April 24 and 25, St. Petersburg College Clearwater, FL

Who May Attend?

Any conference registrant may attend the Saturday sessions. The Friday evening reception and Saturday dinner are for SOPHIA members and invited guests.

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Accomodations

Holiday Inn Express 2580 Gulf to Bay Blvd | Clearwater, FL 33765

Special SOPHIA Conference Rates

Reservation Link—> Select your room

OR

For Call-in Reservations: 727-797-6300 ext. 1

Block Name: SPC – SOPHIA

Block Code: HIA

Last Day to Reserve / Cut-off: March 26, 2026

(Numerous other hotels, motels, and private homes (Airbnb, etc.) are available in Clearwater and the surrounding areas.

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Schedule

Friday, April 24

• 5:30-7:30 PM: Registration and Welcome Reception

Saturday, April 25

• 10-10:30 AM: Registration, coffee, light breakfast items
• 10:30AM-12:30 PM: Morning sessions
• 12:30-1:45 PM: Lunch
• 1:45-3:15 PM: Afternoon Sessions
• 3:30-4:15 PM: Board Meeting
• 5:30-7:30 PM: Banquet Dinner and Keynote Address

PRESENTATIONS: 

Presentations will take place during the morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday, April 25. They will be approximately 15 to 20 minutes long. If you are interested in presenting, whether in person or online, please send a written request to info@sophiascholars.com and include CONFERENCE PRESENTATION in the email’s title, as well as a description of what you would like to present, and whether it will be in person or online. 

ATTIRE: The weather in Florida in April is suitable for the beach, not for wearing business suits! So, please dress comfortably and casually!

ABOUT CLEARWATER: Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Clearwater is the seat of Pinellas County, home to the spring training of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team, and locale of Clearwater Beach, known for its glorious blue waters and powder white sand, and a multiple winner of “Best Beach in America” awards. There are many scenic and lively towns nearby, including Dunedin, St. Petersburg, and Tarpon Springs, which is one of the most unique cities in the United States. Its historic Sponge Docks – with an array of sponge fishing boats along the Anclote River, and rows of restaurants and gift shops – much resemble a Greek island.

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Registration

By purchasing a conference admission, you understand that SOPHIA and the venue are two separate, independent entities, and you agree that you will hold SOPHIA harmless if you violate the law or any venue policy, and/or any damages you may incur as a result of the venue’s acts or omissions.