Tech & Learning Announces 2026 Dates for Regional Leadership Summit Series

Carl Hooker and attendees
Emcee Carl Hooker combines professional development for school district leaders with fun and opportunities to connect with new colleagues throughout the day. (Image credit: Future)

Apply to attend an upcoming Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summits here.


Tech & Learning’s Leadership Summits offer a unique environment for district leaders. Beyond a standard conference, these summits are designed to build a national network of innovative school district leaders—a community you can turn to throughout the year for advice, strategy, and camaraderie.

The Philosophy: The Smartest Person in the Room Is the Room

We believe that collective intelligence drives innovation. That is why every Tech & Learning’s Leadership Summit agenda is bespoke, created based on information gathered directly from our attendees during registration.

We identify the topics that matter most to you and invite select attendees to facilitate valuable roundtable discussions. This format allows you to share successes, troubleshoot challenges, and develop lasting relationships that extend your professional learning network well beyond the event.

Why Attend? Hear from Your Peers

Here are key reasons to join us, in the words of past attendees:

  • Elite Networking & Strategic Connections
    “As an IT professional in education, I cannot overstate the value of Tech & Learning's Regional Leadership Summit. This event offers an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate with peers and gain insights into the latest trends and best practices in educational technology." — Nicholas Fountas, Chief Technology Officer, Brigantine Public School District
  • Executive-Level Professional Development
    “The Tech & Learning Summit provides the perfect balance of networking, meeting vendors, exploring new products, listening to fellow district ideas, and roundtable discussions. It is interactive, fast-paced, and the speakers never disappoint!” — Kristen Honaker, Technology Coordinator, Houston County Board of Education
  • Actionable Strategies & Peer-Driven Solutions
    “The Tech & Learning Summit creates an experience that was clearly designed with practitioners in mind. Everything about the event supported implementation, not just inspiration.” — Matt Joseph, Assistant Superintendent, New Bedford Schools
  • Personalized Partner Matching for District Needs
    "The Tech & Learning Leadership Summit highlighted some new technology partners and resources that could positively impact our community and students! What more could you ask for?” — Megan Hanna, Senior Director of Curriculum & Technology, Legacy Christian Academy

Carl Hooker presenting at TL Regional Leadership Summit

Tech & Learning Summits provide the perfect balance of networking, meeting vendors, exploring new products, listening to fellow district ideas, and roundtable discussions. (Image credit: Future)

2026 Dates & Locations

Each summit is free to attend and focuses on the unique needs of that region to help you develop concrete action plans. Tech & Learning also covers a two-night hotel stay for qualified attendees.

Join us at one of the following 2026 locations:

  • February 25, 2026 | NORTHWEST (Seattle) - Pre-NCCE: NEW LOCATION! Tech & Learning is proud to partner with NCCE for our first Northwest Leadership Summit pre-con. Speakers include retired superintendent, Marlon Styles, Washington State’s Elementary Principal of the Year Cathi Davis, and more sharing valuable advice for school district leaders. Find more information and the link to apply here.
  • March 13, 2026 | Southeast (Atlanta): Back at the Loudermilk Conference Center, this popular Leadership Summit draws district leaders from GA, AL, FL, and TN. The program will include conversations on topics like AI and emerging tech, data privacy and security, professional development, rethinking learning spaces, and more. Find more information and the link to apply here.
  • May 1, 2026: NEW ENGLAND (Boston): Taking place at the beautiful Connors Center outside Boston, school district leaders from the New England area gather to share and learn about the most important topics for school district leaders impacting the region. Find more information and the link to apply here.
  • June 27, 2026: PRE-ISTE (Orlando): Tech & Learning is taking our annual pre-ISTE Leadership Summit to the ultimate hub of innovation: The Kennedy Space Center. Surrounded by history's greatest engineering feats, we will explore the next frontier of education—diving deep into science, AI, and the future of classroom technology. This exclusive event sells out every year and draws a national audience. Apply to attend soon to secure your spot here!
  • September 18, 2026: TEXAS: They say everything is bigger in Texas, and the Texas Regional Summit is no exception. We are tackling the region’s most significant challenges head-on—from navigating new cell phone bans and AI governance to mastering data privacy and security. Find more information and the link to apply here.
  • November 7, 2026: MIDWEST: Returning to the conveniently located NIU Naperville Conference Center, Tech & Learning’s Midwest Summit brings together district leaders from IL, IN, MI, and WI. Join us to share strategies and solutions through a series of intimate, expert-led group discussions. Find more information and the link to apply here.

Small group discussions provide the perfect opportunity for school district leaders to share best practices

Small group discussions provide the perfect opportunity for school district leaders to share best practices. (Image credit: Future)

“This was one of the most beneficial and interactive events I have attended in my 20-year career in education,” writes attendee Billy Runey, Superintendent of Schools, Dighton-Rehoboth Regional Schools. “I would highly recommend this summit to anyone.”


Qualified school district administrators can apply to attend an upcoming Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summits here.


Sample Agenda: What to Expect

Each Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summit follows an agenda designed to maximize learning and colleague interaction.

DAY ONE:

  • Evening: Welcome Dinner

DAY TWO:

  • 8:30 AM: Registration & Breakfast
  • 9:00 - 10:00 AM: Welcome & Keynote
    • Hosted by Edtech luminary Carl Hooker, bringing enthusiasm and passion to the day.
  • 10:00 - 11:30 AM: Problem-Solving Breakouts
    • Topics include: Generative AI, sustaining tech post-ESSER, rethinking PD, data governance, and managing staffing shortages.
  • 11:30 AM: Beyond the Hype: Building a Sustainable AI Governance & Implementation Strategy
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch & Meet the Partners
  • 1:00-2:00: Navigating the Fiscal Cliff: Strategies for Sustainability Post-ESSER
  • 2:00 PM: Problem-Solving Breakouts
    • Topics include: Student wellness, cybersecurity, rethinking learning spaces, and teacher recruitment/retention.
  • 3:30 PM: Reflections and Actions
    • Closing activity led by Carl Hooker to solidify takeaways and next steps.
  • 4:00 PM: Innovative Leader Awards Ceremony

Tech & Learning Summits partner with leading education solution providers

Tech & Learning Summits partner with leading education solution providers to introduce school district leaders to the companies and products driving innovation in education. (Image credit: Future)

Call for Nominations: Innovative Leader Awards

As part of our Regional Live Summits, Tech & Learning recognizes exceptional district administrators who are reimagining education with our Tech & Learning Innovative Leader Awards. We are seeking nominations for leaders who have launched unique, forward-thinking programs or policies that have a demonstrable positive impact and are replicable in other districts.

Winner Benefits:

  • Invitation to the Regional Summit (including a two-night hotel stay).
  • Profile feature in an issue of Tech & Learning.
  • Official Innovative Leader Award Seal for district websites and communications.

Read more about our recent winners here.


Nominate yourself or a colleague for the Tech & Learning Innovative Leader Awards here.


Christine Weiser is the Content and Brand Director for Tech & Learning, and has been with the company since 2008. She has reported on education for most of her career, working at Scholastic and Gale Publishing before joining Tech & Learning. Christine is also an author and musician, and lives in Philadelphia with her husband and son.