Take your EAL programming to new heights at the
2026 EAL Summit™
LEARN SHARE LEAD
November 5-7, 2026
Join us to start the climb or advance your EAL journey at the 2026 EAL Summit™!
Leadership Adventures is thrilled to announce the 2nd biennial Equine-Assisted Learning Summit™ (EAL Summit™), held at Storm Harbor Equestrian Center November 5-7, 2026!
Join us to collaborate, learn, share, innovate and grow with colleagues and friends, and since we're a PATH Intl. Education Partner, earn CEUs by attending.
Real people. Real climbs. Real evidence. Real experiences. Real stories. Real authenticity. Learn from experienced educators, centers, researchers, and practitioners on how to begin or advance EAL & EAS at your Center to broaden or enhance your Center’s mission and services, increase corporate exposure, and add programming and revenue streams to support your Center’s mission and sustainability.
With options for 24 sessions across three tracks, featured speakers, qualified vendors and pre-conference certifications, you’ll walk away with new ideas, resources, tools, colleagues, and friends!
Purchase Your Ticket Today and Save!
Purchase sooner and save! As the event date nears, tickets will gradually increase in price. If you'd like to purchase tickets or see our pricing structure, see our options below.
Community of Practice™ Members receive an even larger discount, become a Member today to enjoy many great benefits!
*Early-Bird pricing structure, price will incrementally increase as the event date nears. See product listing for further pricing details. Per-person discount applied for group registrations. Price displayed is lowest possible price per person. Registration includes Welcome Reception, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner + entertainment.
Track Definitions
TRACK 1:
Equine-Centered
The focus is on supporting the equine partner serving in the practice of EAL, including care, enrichment, training, welfare, wellbeing, longevity and other related topics. Sessions in this Track are held in the arena and involve a live horse.
TRACK 2:
EAL Services & Innovations
The focus is on sharing EAL approaches, strategies and models that serve educational, organizational and personal development needs including businesses & organizations (for-profit/corporate, nonprofit, ministry & faith-based), youth and youth-at-risk, substance use support, military & veterans, and other populations who can benefit from EAL services.
TRACK 3:
EAL Career Growth
The focus is on starting, developing, expanding, growing, and sunsetting an EAL career for staff, volunteers, leadership & management, including attraction & recruitment, developing & credentialing, strategic planning & execution, succession planning, and other related topics for inspiring the next generation of EAL leaders.
Ready to submit an Abstract for consideration to present at the 2026 EAL Summit™?
If you are interested in submitting an abstract to present at the 2026 EAL Summit™, click the button below to access the Abstract Submission Form. The Abstract window will be open from February 1 - March 31, 2026.
Why a Summit™
instead of a Conference?
- At the EAL Summit™, we are building the next generation of leaders in our profession.
- Real people. Real Climbs. Real evidence. Real experiences. Real stories. Real authenticity.
- We are a forward-thinking gathering where heart meets science.
- We honor EAL & EAS research and traditions while helping the next generation of EAL & EAS leaders navigate today and tomorrow.
- We are not just hosting sessions, we are cultivating belonging.
- Differing viewpoints are valued and respected; egos are left at the door.
- We are bringing everyone along on the climb, because there is no "one magic pill" to reach the Summit™.
And that is why we gather at the biennial Summit™.
What's different at this Summit?
- Competitors sit side-by-side and become collaborators.
- Practitioners feel validated in the complexity of their work.
- New professionals find confidence to contribute.
- Seasoned leaders rediscover purpose and connection.
- Scientists share with and grow their understanding from practice.
- Voices from across disciplines come together to shape what’s next.
- All attendees gain tools to build a thriving career.
Schedule At a Glance
Thurs.
NOV 05
AIR TRAVEL
If traveling by air, fly intoPittsburgh International Airport (PIT), located about 45 mins. to 1 hour south of Slippery Rock University. Upon air arrival, it is recommended to
rent a car since Uber/Lyft and Taxis are not available in the Slippery Rock University area. If desired (and if flights to/from your location are available), you can also consider flying into
Cleveland Airport (2-hours drive),
Erie International Airport (1.5-hours drive), or
Palmer Regional Airport (1.5-hours drive).
HOST HOTELS
Plan to arrive in the afternoon on Thursday at one of the Host Hotels (click the links below for pricing and booking at our discounted rates!)
- Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Slippery Rock
Discounted Rate until 10/01/26: $149/night (King) or $169/night (2 Queen Beds), + tax
1000 University Parkway, Slippery Rock, PA 16057
1.5 miles from Storm Harbor Equestrian Center; this is closest branded hotel to Storm Harbor Equestrian Center
Call Direct: (724) 406-0535 or click the Easy Booking Link below.
Easy Booking Link (includes our discount): Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites - Hampton Inn & Suites Grove City or
Holiday Inn Express (next door to each other)
Discounted Rate until 10/01/26: $134/night (2-nights) or $139/night (3-nights) plus tax
4 Holiday Blvd, Mercer, PA 16137
10 miles from Storm Harbor Equestrian Center; Free shuttle services to/from hotel/Storm Harbor provided-must be set up in advance
Call Direct: (724) 748-5514 ask for "2026 EAL Summit Room Block" or
Easy Booking Links (includes our discount): Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express - Applebutter Inn
666 Centreville Pike, Slippery Rock, PA 16057
1.9 miles from Storm Harbor Equestrian Center
(724) 794-1844
WELCOME RECEPTION: 5-10 p.m.
Join us for food and beverages at the EAL Summit™ Welcome Reception at the North Country Brewing Company Production Brewery & Taproom! Sliders, pub pretzels, and 1 drink ticket included with Registration. Arrive early and join the optional Brewery Production Tour from 3-5 p.m. (free!).
FriDAY
NOV 06
Programming 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner and entertainment in the Storm Harbor Mainstage Arena. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included with Summit Registration. Full schedule will be available after Abstract window closes and session selections are finalized.
Sat.
NOV 07
Programming 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. when EAL Summit™ concludes. Breakfast and Lunch included with Summit Registration. Full schedule will be available after Abstract window closes and session selections are finalized.
pre-summit certification
nov 02-04
Join us a few days early and earn your
Fundamentals of EAL for Corporate™ Certification (FoEALC)! Learn to design, develop, deliver, and sell EAL for corporate groups to generate additional program revenue and corporate exposure for Center Sustainability. Full details and pre-register
here.
Note that Pre-Summit FoEALC registration fees are in addition to and not included in EAL Summit™ Registration.
Sponsor or Exhibit at the EAL Summit?
Gain exposure for your business or offerings to hundreds of Summit/Conference in-person attendees and thousands of
Community of Practice™ website visitors all year long by Sponsoring, Exhibiting, or both!
Click the button below to download the Sponsorship and Exhibitor Prospectus, and contact us to discuss the right solution for your needs!
Looking to Volunteer at the 2026 EAL Summit™?
If you are interested in volunteering at the EAL Summit™ and receiving a free EAL Summit™ T-Shirt, enter your email in this form and we will reach out if we still need volunteers! Please keep in mind that volunteers must still purchase an EAL Summit™ Ticket/Registration. Limited volunteer spots available, so we may not be able to accommodate all who enter an email here.