As we scramble to prepare for the holiday shut down, it can be hard to think about the busy 2017 edtech conference season ahead. But if you’re planning to attend conferences like Educon (January 27-29), the Future of Education Technology Conference (January 24-27), Bett (January 25-28), Tech & Learning Live Chicago (May 5) or Boston (May 12), iPadpalooza (June 5-8), or ISTE (June 25-28), T&L advisor Terry Freedman says the time to plan is now. In his recent post, "7 Reasons to Plan a Long Time Ahead for Conferences", Terry writes: "There's an unwritten rule that teachers who ask for time out to go on a training day or a conference later than everyone else are more likely to have their request refused, or permission rescinded, if the school decides that too many teachers will be out that day." CoSN offers this handy tips list for gaining approval for time off that can be customized for any conference. What conference is on your holiday wish list? – Christine Weiser, Executive Editor
