2026 FL Department of Education Just Read, Florida! Summer Literacy Institutes

The North East Florida Educational Consortium (NEFEC) is seeking proposals from qualified hotel and conference properties to host the 2026 Just Read, Florida! Summer Literacy Institutes. The event will bring together approximately 1,600 educators from across the state for professional literacy development in June 2026. The selected venue must have the capacity to accommodate large-scale general sessions and breakout workshops, with specific requirements for guestroom blocks, meeting spaces, and audio-visual equipment. The proposal should include itemized pricing, concessions, and value-added services. The contract will be awarded based on the best overall value to the District School Board of Putnam County, considering both pricing and evaluation criteria. Key points to consider: • Event format: Two separate conferences within the same week, managed under one contract • Estimated attendance: ~1,600 educators total • Preferred dates: June 8-12, 2026, June 15-19, 2026, or June 22-26, 2026 • Venue and meeting space requirements: General session rooms, breakout rooms, and additional space needs • Guestroom requirements: Room block and schedule, rate requirement, and booking procedures • Concessions and value-added services: Complimentary Wi-Fi, discounted self-parking, and other benefits • Location and accessibility: Convenience for statewide attendees and accessibility for all participants • Flexibility and policies: Cancellation, attrition, and room release policies to minimize financial risk