
Featured Events & Keynotes
Learn from our edtech community’s brightest minds and enjoy special opportunities to unwind and connect
A Pair of Unforgettable Keynotes


Carl Hooker
Author, Educator, and Edtech Leader
Carl has been a part of a strong educational shift with thoughtful technology integration ever since he first day stepping into the classroom. From his start as a teacher all the way through becoming a district leader, he’s always held one common belief – the kids need to drive their own learning.
Carl has been an educator for the past 21 years. He has held a variety of positions in both multiple districts, from 1st grade teacher to Virtualization Coordinator. He’s a father of three girls, Sophia, Lauren, and Caroline and a wonderful, understanding wife Renee – all of which play a large role in any presentations he gives or blogs and books he writes.
Keynote: What Does it Mean to Be Innovative?
Thursday, November 2, 8:30 am
Edtech Share
featuring Special Guests Ben Sondgeroth, Eric Santos, Traci Johnson, and Heather Brown
Back by popular demand, this year’s Edtech Share again brings together several of Illinois’ top education luminaries to share how they’re transforming learning experiences using innovative edtech solutions.
More than a simple app showcase, this TED-style keynote offers attendees the chance to discover cutting-edge edtech resources and strategies for engaging today’s learners at every grade and in every subject area.
Friday, November 3, 10:20 am
Keynote: Edtech Share
Breakaway Summit Experiences
Take part in focused conversations and discover resources relevant to your interests and job role during these exclusive breakaway events. Each summit is hosted by experts who are ready to help you elevate your professional practice, starting here.

AI in Education Summit
There is a lot of buzz around AI right now – especially in the K-12 community. Let’s cut through the buzz together and discover how today’s schools can safely and ethically harness artificial intelligence.
Hosted by Illinois Teacher of the Year and AI luminary Joe Fatheree, attendees will learn about the current state of educational AI and walk away with concrete strategies for guiding the AI policy conversations back in their home district.
Perfect for all experience levels, including educators who are new to AI
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 1, 2023 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: B11 A-D
Tech Leader Summit
Join fellow technology directors, coordinators, and technology decision-makers for a breakaway event centered on empowering technology departments in all Illinois school districts.
Bring your questions and success stories for a timely, relevant conversation about how to enhance networking, cybersecurity, device management, and more in academic environments.
Date & Time: Thursday, November 2, 2023 | 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: Main Stage (Keynote Area)

Special Events
IETC is about more than learning from edtech experts and taking part in hands-on workshops. You can also connect with friends, discover new perspectives, and enjoy some complimentary entertainment at these special events:

IETC Social
Start the evening off right by joining us for free drinks, appetizers, and games.
This is the perfect chance to connect with friends new and old as we gather and prepare to learn together.
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 1, 2023 | 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Location: Exhibit Hall

Trivia Night
Better study up! Bring your brains and a group of 6-8 friends to the Main Stage for a head-to-head general knowledge competition. Across five rounds, teams with work together to answer trivia-style questions about film, music, famous women, and more.
Don’t have a team? Simply show up and we’ll assign you to a group of (soon-to-be) best friends.
Date & Time: Thursday, November 2, 2023 | 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Location: Main Stage (Keynote Area)

Women in Technology Breakfast & Panel
Come together with fellow educators and hear from current edtech leaders, including their success, challenges, and strategies for elevating more women in technology fields. Complimentary breakfast will be served.
Date & Time: Friday, November 3, 2023 | 7:30am – 8:20am
Location: B11 D