The Refire Summit
2026

About the Refire Summit

The Refire Summit 2026

A One-Day Celebration of Purpose, Passion & Possibility

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 
Norwalk Inn & Conference Center Norwalk, CT 
8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

You’ve spent decades giving your best to students, families, and communities. Now it’s your turn.

The ReFire Summit 2026 is a powerful one-day gathering for retired educators and purpose-driven professionals in Fairfield County who are ready to discover what’s next. This is not a conference about slowing down — it’s a celebration of Refirement: living with intention, energy, and joy in your next great chapter.

Join Dr. Cynthia Barnett and a room full of inspiring peers for a day of keynotes, connection, and practical wisdom built around the Five Pillars of Refirement:

Purpose & Passion

Community & Connection

Learning & Growth

Health & Wellness

Legacy & Impact

Your Registration Includes

Full-day Summit experience (8:30 AM – 3:00 PM)

Keynote Address (TBA)

Breakout Sessions across the Five Pillars

Networking lunch with purpose-driven peers

Complimentary copy of “ReFire: A Roadmap for Teachers”— signed by Dr. Barnett

Complimentary ReFire Summit T-shirt

Sponsor exhibit tables & wellness resources

What You'll Gain

A renewed sense of purpose — and a clear vision for your next great chapter

Real connections with a room full of extraordinary people who get where you are

Practical tools and strategies to live with intention, energy, and joy every single day

A community of kindred spirits who remind you that retirement is not an ending — it is a launching pad

The confidence and courage to step boldly into your next season with your head held high

Concrete, actionable next steps you can put to work the very next morning

Wellness insights, financial wisdom, and community resources tailored to where you are right now

The unshakeable knowledge that your best chapter is not behind you — it is just beginning

The deep, soul-level reminder that you still have so much to give — and so much yet to receive

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

You will attend all three

Purpose & Passion

Rediscover what drives you and learn how to build a life that lights you up every morning

Health & Wellness‍ ‍

Practical strategies to protect your energy, strengthen your body, and nourish your whole self in this season of life

AI for You: Practical Ways to Use Artificial Intelligence in Your Daily Life

Simple, hands-on ways to let today's most powerful tools work for you — no tech background required

This Summit Is For You If…

You've spent your career giving to others. Now it's your turn. The Refire Summit was created for professionals who are retiring or recently retired and ready to step into the most purposeful chapter of their lives.

Retired Educators

Nurses & Healthcare Workers

School Administrators

Social Workers

Community Leaders

Anyone Asking "What's Next?"

Reserve Your Seat

All tickets include a T-shirt and the book Refire: A Roadmap for Teachers to Redicover Purpose & Joy in Their Retirement