AGENDA

August 18-20, 2025 | Chateau  Elan Winery & Resort, GA

Our agenda features two dynamic content tracks designed to equip education leaders with both strategic and tactical insights. Every session includes representatives from the industry and school districts to offer a holistic look at each topic.

Mastering the Customer Journey Lifecycle

It doesn't matter if you're a startup or established provider, a homegrown company or international seeking to find a home in the US market, everyone needs to master the full customer journey lifecycle. Sessions in this strand will introduce new ideas, offer insights grounded in experience, and help all companies level up their ability to engage, retain, and grow their education customers.

Strategic Planning for Sustainable Growth

Innovation is not synonymous with growth, and building buzz doesn't equate to long-term growth. This strand will cover the proven practices that education executives have refined to realize the kind of growth that leads to successful businesses that have the capacity to improve educational outcomes. 

Monday, August 18, 2025
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM (EDT)

Registration 

Upon arrival at Chateau Elan, meet the Tech & Learning team, check in, and pick up your event badge. Registration opens at 1:00 pm.

 
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM (EDT)

Welcome and Introductions

Jim McVety Christine Weiser
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM (EDT)

Bringing the Customer Into the Room

An interactive hands-on exchange of ideas about whom we serve, what motivates them, and what they need. 

 
3:30 PM - 4:20 PM (EDT)

Keynote Panel: Building Bridges, Not Walls: A Dialogue on the Soul of the Education Economy
An open dialogue about the state of the education industry, what's required to strengthen the connection between industry providers and the education leaders.

Jim McVety Liz Crawford Kendall Latham Keith Osburn Brandy Washington Jihan Johnston-McGlotten
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM (EDT)

The EdExec Exchange

Rotation of roundtable discussions on key topics impacting education executives, including GTM planning, tactical decision making, and holding fast during stormy economic conditions.  

 
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM (EDT)

Educator Backtalk

A debrief on the day, Q&A format, with educators who were in the room. Find our complete list of attending district administrators on the "Speakers" page.

 
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM (EDT)

Awards Ceremony

 

 
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (EDT)

Reception and Dinner | Meet Our Partners

 
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
8:30 AM - 9:50 AM (EDT)

State of the Market Breakfast Back to School is Here. Back to Normal is...Not So Much. 

Prepare for the new school year with a panel discussion designed for companies and school districts. This session will tackle key topics, including procurement tips, ensuring safe and compliant technology, fostering cultural responsiveness, and creating a culture of inspiration. Of course, AI will be a recurring theme throughout the discussion, but this expert panel will provide broader advice and insights to help you prepare for a successful and productive back-to-school season.

 
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM (EDT)

Mastering the Customer Journey Lifecycle

Brand Awareness & Lead Gen: Top of Funnel Strategies that Work

Experts will review specific tactics that companies are using to help their brands shine, drive inbound interest, and create a lead funnel that converts to real opportunities. District administrators will also share the ways they learn about new education products and services.

Charlotte Andrist Kati Elliott Jacob Hanson Chad Stevens Marla Wilson

Strategic Planning for Sustainable Growth

Policy & Funding: A Real-Time Review of What to Expect

Given the changing nature of this market, can we sell SEL? Do we have to ditch DEI? Are Title moneis going to simply vanish? Leaders will provide up-to-date insights on policy and funding with an eye towards how that will impact the coming school year.

Reg Leichty
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM (EDT)

Mastering the Customer Journey Lifecycle

Upgrading Your Pilot and Free Trial Experience

From Freemium to Free Trials, Pilots to Pay-for-Performance, there's a wealth of ways that companies are trying to convert prospects into paying customers. We'll look at what's working, what programs need to be grounded, and why Free should be anything but. District administrators will also share what incentivizes them to want to test a new education product through pilots and free trials -- and what does NOT inspire them to try new products.

Joyce Whitby

Strategic Planning for Sustainable Growth

Product Market Fit: How Do You Really Know?

Experts will discuss the strategies companies are using - from market research to UX feedback, and more -  to ensure they have the right product, feature set, and value prop for today's market. District administrators will share what kinds of products their school districts are most looking for -- and what products do not fit their current needs.

Alvin Crawford Trevor Minton
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EDT)

Networking Lunch & Panel Discussion - Leading with AI: Strategies for Sustianable Success in Education

The AI Revolution is here - are you ready to lead it? Join our visionary experts to learn how education leaders can turn disruption into opportunity.

Dr. Dana Bedden Amanda Bickerstaff
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (EDT)

1:1 Meeting Break * Meetings with District Administrators

Attendees sign up to meet with three district administrators (20 minutes each). A sign up sheet will be shared as we get closer to the event. Find our complete list of attending district administrators on the "Speakers" page

 
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM (EDT)

Mastering the Customer Journey Lifecycle

Sales -> Customer Success: Closing the Chasm

The transition from sales to customer success is, perhaps, the key to success that many companies have yet to unlock. We'll look at what happens in the transition, where things often go wrong, and how companies can get them right. District administrators will also share what they wish companies knew when selling to their school districts.

Paula Reed

Strategic Planning for Sustainable Growth

EdTech Ecosystems + Interoperability: Say What? 

CIOs and Ed Execs come together to talk about the current state of ecosystems, interoperability, and how the requirements for integrating into the daily lives of teachers and students are changing, well, almost daily. 

Amanda Cadran Russell Long Brady Field Brandon Brown
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM (EDT)

Mastering the Customer Journey Lifecycle

Building the Ultimate Playbook

The customer journey lifecycle unfolds over many months and requires customers to engage with your brand, your people, and your products in a wide variety of formats. This session will review the non-negotiables that are required to attract, engage, retain, and grow your customer community. District administrators will also share how they develop their strategic plans for purchasing.

Chuck Amos Kevin Pawsey Kimberly Moore

Strategic Planning for Sustainable Growth

Your Ticket to Global Growth: International Expansion

While the US market is among the largest in the world, the rest of the world has a lot to offer. Experienced leaders who have managed to go beyond our borders will share  real-world insights into how realize global growth. (Here's a hint: Pack a toothbrush)

Andy Shafran Charles Radman
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM (EDT)

1:1 Meeting Break * Meetings with District Administrators

Attendees sign up to meet with three district administrators (20 minutes each). A sign up sheet will be shared as we get closer to the event. Find our complete list of attending district administrators on the "Speakers" page

 
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM (EDT)

Educator Backtalk

A debrief on the day, Q&A format, with educators who were in the room. Find our complete list of attending district administrators on the "Speakers" page.

 
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (EDT)

EdExec Passagietta

An old-school social networking experience as delegates recreate the age-old Italian tradition of strolling, chatting, and enjoying time with one another. We'll traverse the vineyard property, tasting wine selections long the way. 

 
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (EDT)

Dinner

 

 
8:30 PM (EDT)

Socialize On Your Own

Enjoy the Chateau Elan Winery & Resort's restaurants, bars, other activities offered by the venue.
Click HERE to see a list of the fun and adventurous activities offered onsite at Chateau Elan. 
Click HERE to see a list of unique and flavorful restaurants and bars offered on site at Chateau Elan.

 
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (EDT)

Breakfast & Keynote: So What, Now What?

Education leaders share their reflections on what they've taken from the speakers, panels, and discussions so far, including what they'll take back with them. 

Joy Treadwell
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EDT)

Investor Panel: M&A and Fundraising Strategies

Investor Panel: Reviewing the M&A Market and Steps to Ensure a Successful Outcome

A panel of investor experts will share what they look for, with insights on the current market trends, opportunities, and how education companies can best prepare and position their businesses.

Tony Danielak Shawn Domanic Chad Johnson
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EDT)

Final Backtalk: Superintendents Look Forward

District Administrators Address Hot Topics (Funding, Teacher Shortages, Learning Loss, Cybersecurity) -- and Share What They Most Need from Solution Providers.

Alvin Crawford Dr. Dana Bedden Matthew Friedman Deb Kerr Rick Surrency
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EDT)

Networking Lunch on Your Own

 
1:00 PM (EDT)

Airport Transportation Starting