Name: ALAFCS Annual Conference April 17, 2026
Start: 2026-04-16T16:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-04-17T16:00:00-05:00
Location: Jacksonville State University College of Education and Professional Studies

Join us April 17, 2026, for the ALAFCS Annual Conference—fun, food, and fab ideas all in person!
About this Event

Family and Consumer Sciences Conference

Hosted by Jacksonville State University’s Department of Career and Technical Education & Professional Studies
Pre‑Conference: April 16 | Conference: April 17
Theme: FCS is Life

Join us at Jacksonville State University’s College of Education & Professional Studies for an inspiring and engaging celebration of Family and Consumer Sciences. With sessions spanning Fashion Merchandising, Child Development, Hospitality & Culinary Science, Early Childhood Education, FCS Education, and Human Sciences, this event offers hands‑on learning, informative speakers, and classroom‑ready ideas. The day will be a fun learning experience for all as we highlight this year’s theme: FCS is Life.

Pre‑Conference – April 16 (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Spend the afternoon exploring innovative tools and technologies used in FCS‑Ed classrooms, including the Glowforge laser cutter, embroidery machine, Silhouette cutter, and more. Participants will create a custom take‑home item and learn how JSU integrates these devices into coursework and student experiences.

Attendees will also learn about Cocky Couture, JSU’s student‑operated apparel and merchandise store run collaboratively by FCS Education and Fashion Merchandising students. This initiative provides real‑world retail, design, and management experience while supporting campus and community engagement.

From 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., the ALAFCS Board will host a Welcome Reception for all attendees. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, reconnect with colleagues, and explore student poster sessions featured throughout the reception.

Conference Day – April 17

The conference officially begins at 9:00 a.m., with a light breakfast available at 8:30 a.m. The day features a variety of breakout sessions, demonstrations, and content applicable to classroom practice across multiple FCS pathways.

In addition to sessions in Fashion Merchandising, Culinary and Hospitality, Human Sciences, and FCS‑Ed, attendees will have unique opportunities to explore Early Childhood Education. This includes:

A guided tour of JSU’s Child Development Center,
A deep dive into the center’s transformation into a Reggio Emilia–inspired learning environment, and
Discussions on classroom design and emergent curriculum.

Lunch will be prepared by JSU’s Hospitality and Culinary Management students, offering a delicious example of applied learning in action.

The afternoon will continue with engaging sessions that celebrate the depth and impact of FCS as a profession. Attendees will leave with new ideas, practical resources, and renewed energy as we affirm our theme: FCS is Life.