TechFest Spokane
Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable event where learning, networking, and enjoyment collide.
FREE EVENT. Breakfast and lunch provided.
Sessions will be announced next week.
Keynote Speaker
Mark Sparvell
Microsoft
Mark Sparvell is a award winning education leader with over thirty years experience supporting transformation globally. Mark is particularly interested in how we leverage technology to humanize learning and not simply to digitize the curriculum content. Mark is a recognized expert in emotional intelligence, is an advisor to Goldie Hawn's MindUp Foundation, Free the Mind, and ambassador for the Emotional Intelligence Society. He founded and leads the SElinEdu community with over 30K educators. Mark is a Worldwide Director of Education marketing for Microsoft and had led work around Equity and AI. A frequent keynote speaker, influencer, podcaster and blogger, Mark is driven to ensure that ‘good news travels fast in education.
Keynote: "Looking Backwards, Looking Forwards: Ai in Education"
In this entertaining and informative keynote presentation, Mark will ‘hit pause’ and reflect upon this unique moment in time that education globally finds itself and reflect upon what has changed and what hasn’t. Drawing upon latest research , global and US-based examples of emerging practice, Mark will illustrate the opportunities before us. Jammed with ambitious live demo’s of generative AI, free resources for leaders and teachers to take and use immediately and some laughs, this keynote will set the tone for this wonderful exchange of minds.
Featured Speakers
Andy Jones
Technology Services Director
NE WA ESD 101
I have always tried to live a life serving others. Working for NEWESD 101 allows me to do this. I really enjoy working in a field that is continually growing in its role to educate students. While I don't directly teach scholars, I help provide tools and resources to educators to enhance students' educational experiences.
Garren Shannon
Director of IT services
Pullman School District
Experienced Director Of Information Services with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Strong information technology professional skilled in Operating Budgets, Data Center, Management, Network Administration, and Customer Service.
Mark Vetter
Education Ambassador
MicroK12
Innovative leader of technology with a demonstrated history of working in the primary/secondary education and technology industry. A builder of systems and excellence, a lifelong learner with a Master's degree focused in Organizational Leadership from Seattle University and Superintendent's credentials from Western Washington University.
What Attendees Say About TechFest
Tracy Dabbs
Technology and Innovation Coordinator
Burlington-Edison School District, WA
I always look forward to TechFest each year. It is a great place to network with other districts as we always learn from each other. The vendors are amazing and always help us look to the future for our learning spaces. Thank you for this inspiring event!
Dan Fleck
User Experience
Portland Public Schools, OR
TechFest is a conference that should not be missed! Informative sessions, excellent vendor exhibits, and at an amazing location! I look forward to it every year.
Steve Ostrom
Computer Science
Post Falls School District, ID
Techfest was a fantastic conference. The knowledge base of the presenters was extraordinary. I am planning on attending again next year and am inviting my Technology Director and other teachers so that they can also experience this technology opportunity for themselves.
Janice Wintermyer
Technology Coach
Snoqualmie Valley School District, WA
I enjoyed making connections with others in nearby districts, and also seeing the new products available in the EdTech world!
Debra Spencer-Grant
Language Arts & Social Studies
Tacoma Public Schools, WA
It always important to include our student voices in the presentations! Loved talking to the Renton Prep young men that I encountered and had a chance to talk with at every vendor table.
Jonathan Maynard
Director of Information Services