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The 2019 Ed-Fi Summit Was Our Biggest & Best Yet!

In October 2019 at the Ed-Fi Summit, more than 450 members of the education sectors united in Austin, Texas to share their visions for the use of data to improve our education system. This convening included educators, administrators, state and local education technologists, ed-tech leaders and developers.

Event Details

September 29 – October 2, 2019
Hilton Austin
Austin, TX 78701

About the Ed-Fi Summit

The Ed-Fi Summit is an annual conference that connects the sector—state and local education agency leaders, ed-tech providers, educators, and technical experts—to advance data interoperability in education. What started as a convening of 20 CTOs has grown into something big; the 2019 Summit drew more than 470 attendees for an inspiring keynote, daily networking events, ed-tech exhibitors, and 80+ sessions.

471 attendees, 83 sessions, 14 sponsors, 3 networking events, 99% were extremely satisfied or satisfied with their overall experience, and respondents found the event to be a balance of inspirational and tactical

Our growing community gathers at the Summit each year because they know we’ll never have less data to manage than we do today. The question is: How can we best organize, protect, and present that data to better support our students and teachers?

The Ed-Fi Community is energetic and dedicated. They arrive at our Summit from all over the country, with all different levels of technical expertise. They come ready to learn, share, meet as many people as possible, and have a great time. We hope to see you there in 2020. 

 

Our 2019 Keynote: Talithia Williams

We’re still thinking about our last Summit keynote delivered by Dr. Talithia Williams. She’s a big data guru and award-winning math professor, not to mention a host on the PBS series NOVA Wonders. Her fascinating TED Talk on owning your body’s data has received more than 1.5 million views. We love Talithia’s personality just as much as we love her slogan in that popular TED Talk: “Show me the data.” 

Dr. Williams has made it her life’s work to get people of all ages and backgrounds excited about the bold possibilities of a STEM education and to “STEMpower” women and minorities to enter these professions. Her latest book, Power in Numbers: The Rebel Women of Mathematics reflects Williams’ passion to re-brand the field of mathematics as anything but dry, technical or male-dominated.

Talithia is Associate Dean for Research and Experiential Learning and Associate Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College. An exceptional communicator and gifted teacher, she won the Mathematical Association of America’s Henry L. Alder Award for distinguished teaching.

Talithia set the stage for the 2019 Summit, demystifying data in amusing and insightful ways and exploring the potential data can unlock for our education system.

2019 Agenda at a Glance

See full detailed agenda

  • Sunday, September 29
    3 pm — 5 pmPre-Conference Meetings & Work Groups
    3 pm — 5 pmCheck-In & Badge Pick-Up at Registration
    6 pm — 7:30 pmWelcome Reception, sponsored by Microsoft
  • Monday, September 30
    8:45 am — 9:45 amSummit Kickoff Keynote & Breakfast
    10 am — 10:45 amDay 1, Breakout Sessions 1
    11 am — 11:45 amDay 1, Breakout Sessions 2
    12 pm — 1 pmVIP Keynote & Lunch, sponsored by Microsoft
    1:15 pm — 2 pmDay 1, Breakout Session 3
    2:15 pm — 3 pmDay 1, Breakout Session 4
    3 pm — 3:30 pmAfternoon Break
    3:30 pm — 4:15 pmDay 1, Breakout Session 5
    4:30 pm — 5:15 pmDay 1, Breakout Session 6
    6 pm — 8 pmNetworking Reception, sponsored by AWS
  • Tuesday, October 1
    8:45 am — 9:45 amKeynote & Breakfast, Sponsored by AWS
    10 am — 10:45 amDay 2, Breakout Sessions 1
    11 am — 11:45 amDay 2, Breakout Session 2
    12 pm — 1 pmCommunity Awards Presentation and Fireside Chat Over Lunch
    1:15 pm — 2 pmDay 2, Breakout Session 3
    2:15 pm — 3 pmDay 2, Breakout Session 4
    3 pm — 3:30 pmAfternoon Break
    3:30 pm — 4:15 pmDay 2, Breakout Session 5
    4:30 pm — 5:15 pmDay 2, Breakout Session 6
    6 pm — 8 pmCommunity Appreciation Reception
  • Wednesday, October 2
    7:45 am — 8:45 amBreakfast on Your Own
    9 am — 9:45 amDay 3, Breakout Session 1
    10 am — 10:45 amDay 3, Breakout Session 2
    11 am — 11:45 amDay 3, Breakout Session 3
    12 pm — 1 pmClosing Lunch

Location

Hilton Austin
500 E. 4th St
Austin, TX 78701

The 2019 Ed-Fi Summit was held at the Austin Hilton, an upscale downtown hotel one block from 6th street’s lively music and entertainment scene.

The Hilton provided ample space for Ed-Fi Summit attendees to meet and connect with sponsors in the 4th-floor foyer—an area we’re calling Community Hall. On-site dining includes a funky taco eatery with a terrace, a Texas-inspired bar with an open kitchen, and (importantly) a Starbucks.

Stay Tuned for 2020 Summit Info!

Whether you’re just learning about the benefits of data interoperability or you're well on your way with Ed-Fi, this is the must-attend event of the year.