8th Annual IAST Sandtray Summit
April 25–26, 2026 · Louisville, KY
Join the leading minds in Sandtray Therapy for two days of connection, learning, and transformation.
What is the Sandtray Summit?
The IAST Sandtray Summit is the premier annual gathering for sandtray therapists, educators, and mental health professionals. Now in its 8th year, this transformative event brings together innovators, teachers, and passionate practitioners from around the world.
Key Note Speaker: Lisa Dion
They Whispered, So I Roared: The Art of Expanding Without Permission and Moving with Resilience
Pre-Conference Day
TBD
TBD
Summit Schedule at a Glance
April 24th
Pre-Conference Day Special Workshop
April 25th - Day 1
Keynote Address, breakout sessions, hands-on workshops
April 26th - Day 2
Advanced sandtray techniques, networking, closing celebration
Join Us in Louisville, KY
The 2026 Sandtray Summit takes place in the heart of historic Louisville, a vibrant city known for its hospitality and charm.
Experience the Summit — and Louisville at its Best!
The 2026 IAST Sandtray Summit brings together sandtray professionals from around the world for a weekend of connection, growth, and inspiration — and this year, we’re meeting in Louisville, Kentucky during its most magical time of year.
That’s right — the Summit happens the weekend before the world-famous Kentucky Derby!
Every spring, Louisville comes alive with the energy of the Kentucky Derby Festival — a two-week citywide celebration full of colorful traditions, live music, and Southern charm.
While you’re here for the Summit, you’ll also get to experience the city at its most festive — and maybe even extend your trip into Derby weekend if you choose!
The 2026 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, and our Summit falls during the height of Derby Festival Week.
Here are common events that happen in the days before the Derby:
Why this is the perfect time to visit:
Whether you stay just for the weekend or decide to extend your trip through Derby Day, this year’s Summit offers you the chance to make memories both inside and outside the conference room.
Plan Your Perfect Weekend
We encourage you to book early — both Summit spots and hotel rooms tend to go fast this time of year! Once you’re registered, we’ll also share our favorite tips and recommendations for Derby-week activities you can enjoy during your stay.
Come for the Sandtray. Stay for the magic of Louisville.
Registration Now Open!
What Past Attendees are Saying
Don’t Miss Out!
Early Bird Registration closes in
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FAQs
Refunds are available within 30 days of purchase, provided it’s at least 7 days before the event. After the 30-day window, we may offer a credit toward a future event at our discretion. No credit or refund will be issued within the 7 day window of the event.
Yes! At the IAST Summit, you can earn continuing education (CE) credits. We offer CEs approved by APT (Association for Play Therapy), NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors), and ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards). Any sessions that do not qualify for CEs will be clearly marked in the program so you can plan accordingly.
We are committed to making the IAST Summit accessible to individuals of all abilities. If you need special accommodations or have specific accessibility requests, please email members@sandtraytherapy.org at least 60 days prior to the Summit so we can best support your participation.
We will do our best to accommodate special dietary needs. To help us coordinate with the chefs at the venue, please complete the Special Dietary Requirements Form. A link to the form will be included in your confirmation email.
The Galt Hotel has extended the following special pricing for attendees of the Summit. West Tower Deluxe Guestrooms - $199 and East Tower Executive Suites - $219. Room rates are based on single or double occupancy and subject to tax. Special pricing reservations are available until April 10, 2026 subject to availability. Please note, the 2026 Summit takes place the weekend before the Kentucky Derby and during Derby Festival Week so please book early as rooms are in high demand. Your special pricing booking link will be sent to you in your confirmation email.
APT Approved Provider #25-767
International Association for Sandtray Therapy (IAST) has been approved by APT as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, #25-767. Programs that do not qualify for APT Credit are clearly identified. IAST is solely responsible for all aspects of this program.
ACEP Provider ID #7348
International Association for Sandtray Therapy (IAST) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7348. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. IAST is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
ACE Provider ID #1982
International Association for Sandtray Therapy (IAST), provider #1982, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 4/5/2024 - 4/5/2025.
Do You Want More? Become a VIP!
We have a couple of VIP spots remaining. Don't miss out, purchase your VIP pass today, we really do only have a couple spots left!
Although we can't be together in person, we can still connect and enjoy the power of sandtray therapy together. The swag box contains a ton of surprises that will enhance your Sandtray Summit Virtual Experience.
We're also going to send you a small sandtray and 30+ miniatures so you have everything you need to do your own sandtrays and process them with your partners during each breakout session.
AND! We've included
4 GOLDEN TICKETS
Across the 200 boxes that will lead to extra experiences and prizes for those lucky enough to get the golden ticket in their box!
With your chance to find one of
FOUR GOLDEN TICKETS
Confirm you're coming and register for your Sandtray Summit swag box before the deadline, and you could find one of FOUR GOLDEN TICKETS in your box!
Yup ... your know that we LOVE surprises. That's why when you register for your swaf box, you have the opportunity to find a golden ticket and win an amazing experience.
If you're lucky enough to find a golden ticker ... put it somewhere safe and hang onto it.
We'll reveal the awesomeness at the Sandtray Summit Virtual Experience.
IMPORTANT! Only the first 200 therapists to register will receive the swag box. If you are number 201+ you'll still get access to many of the surprises in virtual form, but don't delay - you're going to WANT THIS BOX.
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