Opening Reception & Dinner

Relax, meet new friends, and reconnect with colleagues at the opening Summit dinner at Sixty Four Wine Bar & Kitchen.

Located at 123 Water Street, Suite 105A, Naperville, Illinois 60540.

Registration & Breakfast

Attendees arrive to register, network, and enjoy breakfast, as well as get their “Passport to Prizes” pass. Throughout the day, attendees will complete their Passport by visiting with our partners either in scheduled meetings or during lunch if they do not have scheduled meetings.

Welcome & Introductions

Edtech luminary and international keynote speaker Carl Hooker brings his enthusiasm and passion for education to the Summit as our host and MC for the day.

Keynote: Uncertainty is the New Normal: Future-proofing Innovation in Schools

In an era of rapid technological change, shifting policies, and unpredictable global events, uncertainty is no longer an occasional disruption—it’s the new normal. For EdTech leaders, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. How can we build systems, strategies, and mindsets that sustain innovation in schools, even when the future is unclear? This keynote will explore how education leaders can cultivate adaptability, leverage emerging technologies like AI, and design resilient innovation ecosystems that thrive amid disruption.

Problem-Solving Table Discussions or Partner Meetings
During this breakout, attendees either participate in a problem-solving table discussion or meet with industry partners. Table discussions will include:

• Leveraging AI to Enhance Student Learning Experiences - Frank Devereaux
• Physical Security in Schools - John Connolly
• Using VR Headsets for Immersive Learning Experiences - Felicia Lee
• Upgrading Classroom & Infrastructure - Alex Mayszak
• The Screen Time Debate: Myths vs. Facts - Carl Hooker

Problem-Solving Table Discussions or Partner Meetings
During this breakout, attendees either participate in a problem-solving table discussion or meet with industry partners. Table discussions will include:

• Long-Term Visioning and Planning - Maria Stavropoulos
• Cybersecurity Challenges in K-12 - Michael Marassa
• Administration Made Easy with AI - Micah Miner
• Online Professional Development Modules - Julie Powell
• AI: The Next Digital Divide? - Phil Hintz

Problem-Solving Table Discussions or Partner Meetings
During this breakout, attendees either participate in a problem-solving table discussion or meet with industry partners. Table discussions will include:

• Cultivating Adaptive Mindsets - Michael Lubelfeld
• To Ban or Not to Ban Cell Phones - Carl Hooker
• The Benefits of Game-Based Learning - Megan Roth and John Phillips
• Supporting the Next Generation of Education Leaders - Jim Batson
• Data Privacy and Security: Creating a Culture of Compliance - Brigit Kyle

Leading for Tomorrow's Schools Today

In an era of rapid change, how do school leaders prepare for an unpredictable future while effectively navigating the present? This session explores actionable strategies for fostering innovation, cultivating adaptive mindsets, and building resilient learning communities. Discover how to empower your staff, leverage emerging trends, and create a future-ready educational environment, starting now.

Networking Lunch  & Meet Our Partners

Esports for Student Wellness: Thriving Through Play

Esports is more than just gaming—it’s a pathway to student wellness. When implemented intentionally, esports programs create safe, inclusive spaces where students strengthen social-emotional skills, boost academic engagement, and develop healthy digital habits.

Technology and innovation consultants John Phillips and Megan Roth will share insights on the impact of esports in schools and provide practical strategies to help districts design programs that foster wellness, belonging, and meaningful student growth.

Improving Data Privacy in Illinois

In 2024, Illinois became one of the first states to adopt CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal Program, a framework that helps school districts build and showcase robust student data privacy practices. This work was driven by the Illinois State Board of Education, in partnership with the Learning Technology Center, to strengthen student data protection across the state.  Jim Batson, Technology Leader Mentor at the Learning Technology Center, breaks down the framework elements of this program, and shares the results of this effort to date – and the plans for the program moving forward.

Problem-Solving Table Discussions or Partner Meetings

During this breakout, attendees either participate in a problem-solving table discussion or meet with industry partners. Table discussions will include:

• Leveraging AI to Enhance Student Learning Experiences - Frank Devereaux
• Administration Made Easy with AI - Micah Miner
• Long-Term Visioning and Planning - Maria Stavropoulos
• Computer Science eSports - Rene Anaya
• Upgrading Classroom & Infrastructure - Alex Mayszak

Problem-Solving Table Discussions or Partner Meetings

During this breakout, attendees either participate in a problem-solving table discussion or meet with industry partners. Table discussions will include:

• Long-Term Visioning and Planning - Maria Stavropoulos
• Cybersecurity Challenges in K-12 - Michael Marassa
• Physical Security in Schools - John Connolly
• Using VR Headsets for Immersive Learning Experiences - Felicia Lee
• AI: The Next Digital Divide? - Phil Hintz

Team Activity: Moving to Action

Attendees work in teams to create a short slide presentation that presents a solution to one of the topics covered in the day’s agenda. Attendees vote on the best presentation and the winning team gets prizes.

Awards Ceremony 

The winners of the Tech & Learning Innovative Leader awards will be announced, followed by the Passport to Prizes drawing.