2026 PACTA State Advocacy Day & Career and Technical Education Day
April 21-22, 2026
PACTA is pleased to announce the 2026 State Advocacy Day and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Day, taking place Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg.
As part of Advocacy Day, PACTA will host a Legislative Reception on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg. Advocacy Day activities will continue on Wednesday morning with a breakfast meeting from 7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg.
Following breakfast, CTE Day will take place from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. in the East Wing of the State Capitol, hosted by Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver, Chair of the Senate Education Committee.
SCHEDULE
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PACTA Legislative Reception | Hilton Harrisburg Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. PACTA State Advocacy Breakfast | Hilton Harrisburg
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CTE Day | East Wing, State Capitol Building
ACCOMMODATIONS
A block of rooms is available for the night of April 21, 2026. Individuals are responsible for making their own reservations.
Hilton Harrisburg –$199/night
One North 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Reserve online or call (800) HILTONS (445-8667)
group code 9B6
Cutoff Date: March 31, 2026
Crowne Plaza – $159/night
23 South 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Reserve online or call (866) 283-3096
group code PAC
Cutoff Date: April 2, 2026
PACTA STATE ADVOCACY DAY
Tuesday, April 21
PACTA Legislative Reception
PACTA will host a Legislative Reception at 6:00 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg. Join us for an evening of networking and collaboration with elected Senators and Representatives on the eve of CTE Day at the Capitol. This reception provides an opportunity to connect with legislators, share our legislative priorities, and advocate for the continued support and growth of career and technical education. The focus of the evening will be building relationships and setting the stage for a student-centered Capitol event on Wednesday. Guests will enjoy music, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere designed to foster meaningful conversation and partnership.
Wednesday, April 22
2026 PACTA State Advocacy Breakfast
PACTA will begin the day with a breakfast meeting at 7:00 a.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg, where legislative packets will be distributed. Attendees may then proceed to legislative visits. CTCs and schools will also exhibit in the Capitol rotunda. PACTA encourages members to invite Advisory Committee members, JOC members, students, and CTE supporters. Legislative talking points will be provided in advance.
Registration: The registration fee is $100 and covers Tuesday’s reception and Wednesday’s breakfast. The registration deadline is Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Click here to register online.
CTE DAY
Wednesday, April 22
Career and Technical Education Day
Students are invited to showcase their programs and highlight the impact of CTE to Pennsylvania legislators. CTE Day will take place from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. in the East Wing of the State Capitol. At 9:00 a.m., Senator Culver will open CTE Day with remarks in the East Wing of the Capitol.
For questions, contact Chris Yniguez (Caucus Services) at cyniguez@pasen.gov or (717) 772-0500.
Registration: Register schools and students at https://senatorculver.com/tsed-reg/ by Wednesday, April 1, 2026. If student names are not yet finalized, you may submit names later.
If you need further information, please contact info@pacareertech.org or (717) 761-3381.
