Billings Heights Will be Extra Busy Thursday and Friday. Here’s Why

Billings Skyview will host over 2,100 educators on 10/19 and 10/20.

Teachers and educators from around the Big Sky will converge in Billings on Thursday and Friday for the 2023 MFPE Educator Conference. As a parent, you might refer to them as teacher conferences or PIR days. While I knew my kids didn't have school, I didn't realize the conference was taking place in Billings.

A year in the planning.

According to a press release from MFPE (Montana Federation of Public Employees), the annual October conference - required by state statute - is planned a year in advance. Teachers have an opportunity to select from hundreds of classes on various education and curriculum topics over the two-day event. Next year it will be in Bozeman.

“The MFPE Educator Conference is our union’s commitment to excellence and innovation in Montana’s public schools,” said MFPE President Amanda Curtis. “By collaborating with our colleagues, learning from each other, and interacting with experts, Montana’s educators will leave this conference re-energized with fresh perspectives to bring to their classrooms."

The Heights will be bustling.

An extra 2,100+ people in Billings on a Thursday and Friday is always impactful for the local economy, helping fill hotels and restaurants. If you're a Heights person, you can expect some of your favorite restaurants to be a little busier than usual and perhaps some extra traffic around Skyview. We can assume many of the attendees might also end up downtown for food and lodging.

Got kids? How are they spending their extra days off?

My spouse is putting together a little Hocus Pocus party for my two kids and a few of their little friends. We're hoping to hit the pumpkin patch on Friday. And I'm sure the long weekend will involve plenty of spooky movies and some late nights.