Travel & Logistics
We are delighted you’re considering joining us for the IMA Global Summit in San Francisco — centered on this year’s theme, MTSS: The Science of Student Success!
This page is designed to help you plan your travel with confidence—even as we finalize a few details—so you can focus on what matters most: an exceptional professional learning experience focused on building bridges to close research-to-practice gaps and strengthen outcomes for all learners.
IMA Global Summit 2026 — Schedule Overview
April–May 2026 | Pre-Summit Webinar Series
Live sessions with leading experts to build shared understanding and clarify implementation priorities. All sessions are recorded and available on demand through the end of 2026.
Wednesday, July 29 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Welcome Reception | The Ritz-Carlton
Connect with Summit Speakers, the IMA Board, and fellow leaders as we kick off this global event!
Thursday–Friday, July 30-31 | 8:30 AM–3:30 PM
Main Summit Sessions
Two days focused on MTSS: The Science of Student Success and building bridges to close research-to-practice gaps. Experience a range of innovative session formats designed to maximize engagement, promote meaningful discussion around real implementation challenges, and leave participants equipped to address the most significant barriers to advancing MTSS in your context.
Thursday, July 30 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Spotlight Poster Reception — “Building Bridges”
An interactive reception where educators and leaders share real-world implementation efforts and engage directly with Featured Speakers and IMA leadership for feedback, insight, and dialogue.
Friday Evening | July 31
MTSS Awards Gala (Add-On Event)
Celebratory program and plated dinner supporting IMA’s mission.
Saturday, August 1 | 8:30-2:30 PM
Extended Learning Workshops (Add-On Events)
Six hours of hands-on, team-based learning to deepen implementation practice.
San Francisco, California —
The Ritz-Carlton | A Global Hybrid Professional Learning Experience
The IMA Global Summit 2026 will take place at the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco and is designed as a fully hybrid experience. Centered on this year’s theme, MTSS: The Science of Student Success, the Summit brings together leaders from across countries and systems to build bridges between research and practice and strengthen outcomes for learners worldwide.
We’ve partnered with EventMobi to ensure seamless connection and collaboration for participants joining us either in person or virtually.
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Join us live at the Ritz-Carlton in the heart of San Francisco. Hotel reservations are now open with exclusive IMA conference rates. Space within our room block is limited, so we encourage you to reserve early to secure your stay and remain fully immersed in the Summit experience.
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Participate through our conference platform with access to live-streamed sessions, interactive engagement features, and post-event recordings — ensuring a dynamic, connected experience from anywhere in the world.
All registered participants will receive invitations by April 1, 2026.
Getting to/from San Francisco
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – Closest and most convenient
Approximately 14 miles from the Ritz-Carlton
25–35 minutes by car (traffic dependent)
30 minutes via BART to downtown, followed by a short taxi/rideshare
Oakland International Airport (OAK) – Accessible and often competitively priced
Approximately 20 miles from the Ritz-Carlton
35–50 minutes by car
40–50 minutes via BART to downtown, then short taxi/rideshare
San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) – Best for travelers from South Bay
Approximately 48 miles from the Ritz-Carlton
60–75 minutes by car (traffic dependent)
90 minutes via Caltrain/BART combination
From all airports, attendees can reach downtown San Francisco via rideshare, taxi, shuttle services, or public transit (BART). Travel times may vary depending on traffic and time of day, so we recommend planning accordingly.
Getting Around San Francisco
San Francisco — especially the Nob Hill/downtown area where the Ritz-Carlton is located — is very easy to navigate without a car.
Transportation options include:
Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft)
Taxis
BART (regional rail from SFO and OAK to downtown)
MUNI buses, trains, and historic streetcars
Walking (many downtown neighborhoods are highly walkable, though Nob Hill is steep)
Car rental is not recommended for most attendees due to traffic and limited parking availability.
Parking Information for Ritz-Carlton, SF
The Ritz-Carlton offers valet parking only, typically exceeding $100 per day (subject to change). Please note, there is no self-parking available on site.
If you plan to drive, we recommend using nearby public garages in the Nob Hill/Union Square area, which often offer lower daily rates. Availability and pricing vary, so we encourage planning ahead.
For guests interested in autonomous transportation options, San Francisco also offers a limited self-driving vehicle program (e.g., Waymo) in certain areas.
You can learn more here: https://waymo.com
International Travel Information
First and foremost, thank you for making the journey to join us. We deeply value the global perspectives that strengthen our Association and truly believe our work is more impactful when diverse voices, systems, and lived experiences come together in shared learning.
As you prepare for travel, we encourage you to review any applicable travel advisories prior to departure. Please know that we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all attendees. IMA maintains a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, or exclusion of any kind. Our goal is to ensure every participant feels respected, valued, and fully able to engage in this global collaborative space.
San Francisco is an international city with a strong global presence, including numerous consulates and international communities. We hope this adds an additional layer of comfort as you plan your visit.
Planning Ahead
International attendees should:
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates
Review U.S. visa requirements based on your country of origin
Request a visa invitation letter (available after registration, if needed)
Allow additional time for customs and immigration upon arrival
If there is anything we can do to support your travel experience — including providing invitation letters or documentation — please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.
For any questions or concerns related to travel, please contact info@mtssassociation.org.
We are honored to gather as a global community and look forward to welcoming you to San Francisco.
Weather & What to Pack
San Francisco’s summer weather is mild and cool, so packing layers is recommended.
Typical temperatures: 55–70°F (13–21°C)
Mornings and evenings can be cool, even in summer
Dress Code (Recommendations)
Conference Sessions (Wed–Fri): Professional or smart casual is recommended
Gala Evening: Formal attire encouraged (black tie optional)
Saturday Workshops: Casual, comfortable attire is recommended
Please remember to pack formal wear for the Gala if you are attending—this will be a highlight of the Global Summit experience.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended throughout the conference.
Accessibility & Special Accommodations
IMA is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible Summit experience.
Conference venues will be ADA-compliant
Requests for accessibility accommodations, dietary needs, or other supports can be submitted during registration
For additional assistance, contact: info@MTSSassociation.org
Make the Most of Your Time in San Francisco
Located in the heart of Nob Hill, the Ritz-Carlton places you steps away from some of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods. Just downhill, you’ll find historic Chinatown, one of the oldest and most vibrant Chinese communities outside of Asia. A short walk also brings you to Union Square, known for shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
Beyond the immediate neighborhood, San Francisco offers unforgettable experiences:
Golden Gate Bridge
Fisherman’s Wharf
Alcatraz Island
Chinatown
Union Square
Dining options range from casual cafés and bakeries to world-renowned restaurants representing cuisines from around the globe.
Whether you extend your stay or explore between sessions, we encourage you to enjoy the beauty, history, and energy of this remarkable city.
Who Should Attend
Teacher Leaders & Interventionists – Learn how to design, deliver, and adjust tiered instruction using data, leaving with classroom-ready intervention plans.
School Psychologists & Specialists – Learn how assessment, progress monitoring, entitlement, and eligibility decisions work within MTSS—and leave with protocols that support both prevention and special education decision-making.
School Leaders (Principals & Coaches) – Learn how to align instruction, intervention, and teaming structures—and leave with a revised, actionable school MTSS implementation plan.
Researchers & Higher Education – Learn how to translate research into usable guidance for practitioners and design partnerships that support implementation at scale.
District & Regional Leaders – Learn how to evaluate system coherence, prioritize initiatives, and create a scalable MTSS rollout plan across schools.
Consultants & Professional Service Providers – Learn how to diagnose implementation barriers, support systems-level change, and refine service models using MTSS implementation science.
State & Policy Leaders – Learn how to align policy, funding, and accountability systems with MTSS—and leave with a roadmap for statewide implementation and sustainability.
Global & International Education Leaders – Learn how to adapt MTSS principles across contexts and leave with a context-specific implementation plan grounded in evidence.
Team participation is strongly encouraged: The greatest progress happens when all voices are present, developing shared understanding and collective clarity to move the needle on student learning—together. Discounts available for groups of 10 or more.
Virtual registration is available for those colleagues unable to travel during this time.
Contact us.
info@MTSSassociation.org
418 Broadway
Chico, CA 95928