Find HOPE in homeschooling at the 42nd Annual Virginia Homeschool Convention, June 5–7, 2025!
Be inspired by keynote speakers Bethany Hamilton and Matt Hammitt—and don’t miss our first-ever Friday night keynote concert featuring the Petersen Family Band!
Whether you’re just getting started, transitioning from public school, or homeschooling through high school, you’ll find encouragement, practical how-to's, and renewed vision. With topics for every stage of the journey, this is an experience like no other!
Enjoy STEM and media tracks, a College & Career Fair, interactive camps and labs, and an all-day Special Needs Conference designed to support families of children who need extra help.
First-time parents of preschoolers attend free! Plus, FREE How-to-Begin-Homeschooling Workshops on Thursday.
It’s more than a convention—it’s a weekend of refreshment, equipping, and connection with the Virginia homeschool community.
Learn more and register at heav.org/convention.
What to Expect
- FREE! attendance for first-time parents of just preschoolers
- FREE! attendance for non-homeschooling grandparents
- FREE! attendance for non-homeschooling pastors
- FREE! “How-to-Begin-Homeschooling” workshops
- Special Needs Conference on Thursday
- Huge used curriculum & supply sale
- Children’s Program (additional fee) available all three days for kids ages 5 to 12.
- Visit the exhibitor hall to
- meet vendors personally and ask questions
- purchase homeschool supplies and lifestyle items
- share a prayer need
- enjoy the social rest area
- Bring a friend with you
- Experience three life-changing days
- Be empowered to take the next steps
- You don’t have to go it alone – HEAV is here!
My Personal Experience Attending the HEAV Convention
This marks my 10th year attending this conference, having participated since 2014, and every year has been an incredible experience. The sessions are always so helpful and relevant to our homeschool journey. This conference truly has something for everyone in the family, from sessions for kids and teens to those focused on marriage and special needs. There are also sessions for homeschool leaders, musical competitions, and even homeschool graduations.
As a veteran HEAV convention attendee, here's some of my tips that I've found useful over the years:
- Be one of the first to enter into the Used Book Sale (USC) by registering early or become a volunteer. Volunteers who contribute at least two hours at the HEAV Convention are allowed early access to the UCS from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday morning. Preregistered attendees may enter the Used Book Sale beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, with admittance times allocated based on the date of pre-registration. Those who register at the door, shopping-only registrants, and parents of preschoolers attending for free will not be permitted entry until 3 p.m.
- Free shopping is only open on Saturday, from 3 to 5 p.m. No online registration or fees are required; however, you will be asked to sign in at the Registration Lobby before proceeding to the Exhibit Hall.
- Outside food is not allowed in the convention center unless needed for health reasons. There are several concession stands on-site, open Thursday through Saturday during convention hours. The Cyber Cafe and Food Court at the Greater Richmond Convention Center will also be open at various times during convention hours. Additionally, there are plenty of dining options within walking distance of the center.
- For nursing moms, the VCU Health Lactation Lounge is located in the GRCC’s Ballroom Pavilion on the 1st Floor near Meeting Room B15c. It features comfortable seating, a table, power supply for pumping, nursing pads and easy access to restrooms. When the lounge door is closed, it can be locked from the inside and displays an “occupied” message on the outside.
- The GRCC recently completed an upgrade of its internet system and now offers free Wi-Fi in all public spaces throughout the facility. The network name is ""GRCC_PUBLIC_FREE" and requires a valid email address for access. I personally use my hotspot and VPN for protection.
- Bring a notebook and pen to take notes. You also can get a recording of all sessions. Get all the featured workshops from the 42nd Annual Virginia Homeschool Convention on MP3 for just $69. Session recordings are also available for individual purchase. Catch up on the workshops you missed and stay inspired all year with the complete convention MP3 set! If your young child becomes distressed during a session, you can receive a coupon to get the recording of that session for free.
- There are plenty of parking garages near the convention center. Prices vary, with prices ranging from $8 to $10 in my experience. If you're planning to park in the Greater Richmond Convention Center parking deck, make sure to arrive early, as the lots tend to fill up quickly, especially on Fridays. Download the Parkopedia for many other options. It includes prices, hours, and other information.
Local Businesses and Events to Support
If you're attending the convention this week, make sure you check out some of these local businesses and events:
- Kumon (Richmond - Libbie) will be one of the exhibitors at the HEAV Convention. They are doing amazing work in the community through their Kumon's Math and Reading program.
- Little Wish Toys located on Brook Road is one of my new favorite stores. There's a ton of sensory toys available for purchase and the atmosphere is perfect for those that need a little stimulation break.
- The Richmond Arts District will be hosting First Fridays. Check out sidewalk sales, vendor markers, opening exhibits, live performances, community celebrations & more throughout the Arts District’s galleries, restaurants, and shops.
- Virginia Museum of History of History & Culture will be hosting their monthly First Friday event from 5:00pm - 8:00pm. Free after-hour admission to the galleries. There's access to food trucks, live music and youth activities.
The HEAV Convention hours are:
Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
