What is the Florida Homeschool Association?

The Florida Homeschool Association (FLHSA) is a statewide support and information network open to all Florida homeschoolers and their families. There is a website for Florida homeschool resources; a monthly newsletter that keeps Florida families informed of changes and updates; an active, free online community; a membership ID card; plus a paid membership option to receive even greater benefits, including monthly classes and insider information. To learn about the FLHSA, visit: www.floridahsa.org/about

 

Who is this event for? What is it about?

The Homeschool Conference an annual, public event designed to inform and educate about homeschooling, specifically through the lens of Florida home education. Attendees gain all-day access to Florida’s largest secular exhibition of curriculum, books, games, supplies and other educational materials, available for purchase on the premises. Live speaker presentations occur throughout the day, about topics homeschoolers want to know. This event is for new and existing homeschoolers, or those who want to learn about it. Our guests usually include parents, grandparents and group leaders. We also welcome evaluators, teachers, community representatives, members of the public, and anyone seeking to learn or better understand home education. Anyone can purchase a ticket and join us. 

​

What is the 2023 Graduation Ceremony?

​

Graduation 2023 is a separately ticketed event for Seniors and their families. Families may attend the Convention, the Graduation, or they can do both. Homeschooled High School Graduates will participate in a cap & gown processional and receive a ceremonial diploma. Speakers and presentations are designed to celebrate the students and the families who've supported them. Graduation takes place at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, FL on May 17, 2023 from 4-7 pm. Unlike Convention (which is open to the public), the Graduation is for FLHSA members with an active standard annual membership only. Families with a Standard Membership to the Florida Homeschool Association may participate on a first-come, first-served basis. ID card holders will not have access to graduation -- a standard annual membership is required.

 

Do I need a Convention ticket? Where can I buy a ticket?

Yes, tickets are required. Tickets for Convention may be purchased online:

• FLHSA Standard Members: $30 per adult >=18

• Non-Members: $37.50 per adult >= 18

• At the door: $40

Advance tickets are recommended, as they guarantee admission. Venue capacity could limit ticket sales, so online tickets are recommended. Ticket price does not include parking.

​

Do FLHSA members get a discount on convention tickets?

Yes. Standard Members of the FLHSA receive a special discount on tickets (ID-only members do not) and will save $10 per ticket. Members can purchase discounted tickets for themselves, and for other adults >= 18 in the family. Members should pre-order their tickets online, or will be charged full price at the door.

 

Can I join the FLHSA so I can get a discount on my ticket?

Yes. We encourage all Florida homeschoolers to join the FLHSA to receive help, support and information throughout the year. By becoming a member, you not only support Florida homeschooling, but all Standard Members ($45/year level) receive discounts on programs and tickets throughout the year. To make this work, join the FLHSA and become a member first, then await your Member ID number via email. Then, use your new Member ID number when purchasing your discounted tickets to the event.

 

Is the ticket for one person, or an entire family?

A separate ticket is required for every adult 18 and older. Children from 0-17 do not require a ticket. All adults do require a ticket. Example: 2 adults with 3 children <= 17 attending, will purchase 2 [adult] tickets. (Note: one annual membership to the FLHSA is all that is required per family. Every member of the family can purchase tickets under one annual FLHSA membership.)

 

What time is the exhibit hall open (curriculum & book vendors)?

The exhibit area will open at 8:00 am and close at 6:30 pm. All final purchases and interactions should be concluded by 6:15 pm.

 

What times are the live presentations?

Presentations occur every hour in nearby classrooms, starting at 8:00 am. Multiple presentations will run simultaneously, so we suggest reviewing the conference program prior to your arrival, marking the sessions that interest you the most. Workshops & presentations last approximately 1 hour. For your planning, the final presentation should end at approximately 6:00 pm.

 

Is this event child-friendly? May I bring my children?
This conference is designed for adults (and nursing children) to learn, browse and connect. We also provide sessions of interest to teens who may wish to attend with parents, or alone. We love when you come to learn about Florida homeschooling, meet with curriculum providers and other experts, and leisurely explore the hundreds of resources exhibited throughout the day. That said, we’re parents, too, and we understand many parents cannot attend without their young children. To those families, we need you to know we do not provide child care, and we cannot guarantee having enough activities to keep your young child busy. We also remind that children in workshops can distract presenters and occupy seats needed for other guests. There are dozens of educational & fun activities to do in Daytona Beach for parents who want to child swap and help one another.. Check out the Daytona Beach Visitor's Center to learn about tours, museums, theme parks, and many more things to do while you're in town. For those who choose to bring their young children, please plan accordingly.

 

Is this a secular event?

Yes, this is a secular conference. We curate educational materials and we offer informative presentations without any religious content. We do this so that all families will feel welcome regardless of backgrounds, philosophies or belief systems. This does not mean we exclude families of faith, in fact many families of faith attend this event. What it does mean, however, is that we do not make assumptions about who you are, because we know you can decide what is best for your own family.  

 

Is there parking? Is parking free?

The Ocean Center offers parking for $10 per day. Guests of nearby hotels and resorts can also safely walk to the Ocean Center on their own, or use hotel shuttles to reach the Convention. Street parking in this area is very limited, therefore we recommend using the Ocean Center parking lot when coming in by car.

​

Where can I buy lunch? Where can I eat lunch?

Daytona Beach is a bustling oceanside resort area with many restaurants, coffee spots and sources of fast food, so we assume you will grab lunch on your own. Because food is not permitted in the Convention areas (water bottles ok) we ask that snacks and lunches are consumed outside before returning to the venue. Simply take a lunch break when it is convenient for you, then show your conference ticket upon re-entry.

 

Is there a list of speakers and exhibitors, so I can see which companies are going to be there?

The list of speakers and list of exhibitors are available now, but please be aware we are adding to them every day. Please check often to see all of the new sessions and exhibitors as they are added over the next few months. 

​

What are the presentations or workshop topics? Where is the schedule?

​

The list of workshops will be found here. The schedule for workshops will be included in the conference program, which will be available prior to the event.

​

Can I bring a stroller or a rolling cart?

Yes. There is enough room at the Ocean Center for strollers and rolling storage carts. We do ask, however, that should areas become very crowded, or if you attend a presentation that is very full, that you kindly seat yourselves towards the back, or otherwise move these items out of the way, to avoid blocking areas and walkways. We also please ask you to keep an eye on your belongings throughout the day, as we cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items.

 

What is the mask policy? Which covid rules will be followed?

We are required to follow the protocols set forth by Ocean Center as issued by the City of Daytona Beach, Florida. We are not aware of any particular health policies affecting this event, at this time. Should that change, we will let you know. As we have done at previous events, however, for the safety and comfort of everyone around us, we kindly ask participants not to attend while sick or after recent exposure to any highly contagious illness.

 

Will sessions be recorded and available for purchase?

No, we are not offering audio recordings at this time. We do not permit streaming or making audio/video recordings of sessions for personal use or distribution.

 

Do you need volunteers?

We love volunteers! Contact us directly if you or a responsible older teenager is available to lend a hand! (Ask us about community service verification for Florida Bright Futures!)

 

How can I become a speaker? How can I become an exhibitor?

Please visit our website and click on the “Speaker Exhibitor Inquiry” to submit speaking proposal or inquire about tabling opportunities at our events.

​

How can I become a Sponsor?  

For sponsorship opportunities, click HERE.

​

I would like to advertise at your event. Who do I contact?

Please complete the Contact Form on our website to ask about advertising at this or future events.

I would like to donate a free product, literature or swag for your guests. Is this allowed?

Please complete the Contact Form on our website to ask about donations or bag stuffing at this or future events. Note, depending on the event, there could be a fee for bag stuffing or for product giveaways. 

 

I want to donate gently used books or other items to give away at your event. May I bring it?

We are not equipped to accept and distribute donations on event day. We suggest contacting a local homeschool or parenting group in your area, or donating to a local thrift or other organization. Thank you for your desire to help other families.

 

Where is the list of speakers? Where is the list of vendors?

Keep checking our event page for details as they emerge.

 

Can I come and go throughout the day?

Yes. Kindly remember stop by the front desk to show your ticket upon re-entering.

 

Where is this located? I need driving directions.

Please visit the Ocean Center Convention Center page to view  the address, parking and full driving directions.