Exclusive Site Visit: The Army Software Factory

Join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes visit to the Army Software Factory, a first-of-its-kind, Soldier-led tech initiative. Designed specifically for school district leaders, this immersive experience explores how the Army is partnering with higher education to redefine workforce readiness and train the tech innovators of tomorrow. 

Location: Army Software Factory, Austin Community College – Rio Grande Campus, 1212 Rio Grande Street, Austin, Texas 78701.

RSVP is required.

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Opening Reception

Relax, meet new friends, and reconnect with colleagues at the opening Summit reception. Located at Electric Shuffle Austin | Downtown Austin - 91 Red River St | Unit 102 | Austin, TX 78701 

Registration and 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:

• Screentime and AI: Calming the Chatter (Presented by Kari Murphy)
• Party of One: Maximize your role to support your whole district - (Presented by Brittanie Payne)  
• Working Across Department Silos to Create Outcome‑Driven District Goals - (Presented by Melissa McCalla)
• Creating Engaging, Ongoing, Scalable PD - (Presented by Raechel Mozer)
• Digital Wellness - (Presented by Traci Powell)

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:

• Effective Cybersecurity Programs  - (Presented by Chaz Quilter and Caroline Lightfoot)
• The Best of Both Worlds: Crafting the Modern Technology & Literacy Specialist - (Presented by Kelly Grigg)
• Scaling & Implementing Digital Literacy - (Presented by Annababette Diemecke and Jessica Bredwell)
• Digital Futures Task Force - (Presented by Jennifer Duffer)
• Critical Thinking in an AI-Driven Information Ecosystem - (Presented by Samantha Reid)

Innovation Playground

Get ready to dive into the Innovation Playground—where the future of education comes to life! During this breakout session, you'll experience live, hands-on demos of a variety of cutting-edge products.

Networking Lunch  & Meet Our Partners

Portrait of a Graduate in the AI Age

What does a "Portrait of a Graduate" look like in the age of AI? As the future workplace grows increasingly unpredictable, district leaders must rethink how they equip students for success. Join our panel of experts as they discuss their evolving workforce readiness strategies and share actionable ways their districts are preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow.

Supercharging STEAM Programs with AI

This session will walk attendees through specific ways AI can meaningfully support the planning phase of a district-wide STEAM program.

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: 

• Creating Global Critical Thinkers: Geospatial Technologies in the Classroom - (Presented by Christine Voigt)
• Do Grades Make Sense In The AI Era? - (Presented by Adrienne Langston)
• Professional Development Through Professional Learning Networks - (Presented by Teeya Davis)
• Supercharging STEAM Programs with AI - (Presented by Jim and Maurie Beasley)
• Needing to Get a Handle on AI in Your Organization? - (Presented by Kari Murphy)

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: 

• Portrait of a Graduate in the AI Age - (Presented by Quinitin Shepherd and Anna Fitzsimmons)
• Launching an Esports Program - (Presented by Andréa Soliz)
• Preventing Burnout: Educator Support and Retention - (Presented by Adina Sullivan-Marlow)
• Student and Staff Programming for Well-Being/Wellness Days - (Presented by Lindsey Brewer-Munoz)
• Launching PLCs and Other PD Support Materials in Your District - (Presented by Leissa Kimball)
• Teams Phone System Migration - (Presented by Gina Covington)

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.